A video of Michael Jackson dancing with an Odissi dancer is gaining attention on social media, sparking curiosity about the dancer who performed alongside the King of Pop. This dancer is Yamuna Sangarasivam, a Sri Lankan-American artist who, out of 3,000 dancers, was handpicked by Jackson himself. Here’s a closer look at her journey, how she became part of this iconic performance, and what she is up to now, 33 years after that memorable moment.
Yamuna Sangarasivam’s Journey to Dance
Yamuna Sangarasivam was born in Sri Lanka, where she first developed her love for dance. Her father’s roots were in Singapore and Ceylon, and her mother was from Malaysia, making her upbringing culturally diverse. At the age of 6, Yamuna began her classical dance training in Bharatanatyam, and she later pursued Odissi, a traditional Indian dance form. Her passion led her to Odisha, where she studied Odissi deeply.
In addition to her dance training, Yamuna also studied classical piano and Tamil Carnatic music, further expanding her artistic foundation. Her family eventually relocated to the United States when she was 9 years old, and she continued her artistic education there, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Musicology and Piano from the University of Minnesota in 1990. Later, she obtained a Master’s in Anthropology from UCLA in 1992, followed by an MPhil in 2000.
The Big Break with Michael Jackson
Yamuna’s fame skyrocketed when she was chosen by Michael Jackson to perform with him in his 1991 hit song Black or White, a song that promoted racial harmony. This music video was a significant project, shot over 14 hours and premiered in more than 27 countries worldwide. The casting process was rigorous, with over 3,000 dancers auditioning, but Michael Jackson was personally involved and ultimately selected Yamuna to perform the Odissi dance, adding a unique cultural element to the video.
Her appearance with Jackson became an iconic moment, blending traditional Indian dance with Jackson’s revolutionary style and message, creating a memorable fusion that resonated globally.
Yamuna’s Current Work and Contributions
Today, Yamuna Sangarasivam has taken her talents beyond dance. She is a teacher and researcher, focusing on various social and cultural topics, including nationalism and terrorism. In 2021, she published her bibliography, adding to her contributions in academia and research. Yamuna’s work bridges her artistic roots with critical social topics, making her a unique voice in the fields she explores.
Through her journey from classical dance to performing with Michael Jackson and now academic research, Yamuna Sangarasivam remains a symbol of versatility and dedication.
