'Butterfly Lovers': A timeless tale reimagined through generations

Picture a love story where the elegance of Chinese dance intertwines with the vibrant rhythm of Bharatanatyam. With the support of the National Arts Council, Bhaskar’s Arts Academy (BAA) co-presented the classic Chinese legend ‘Butterfly Lovers’ with Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, as part of Cultural Extravaganza in a captivating cross-cultural dance fusion. This stunning performance was a reimagining of a 1958 production by the company’s founder, the late Santha Bhaskar. 

Mrs Bhaskar was a renowned pioneer in Singapore’s dance scene. Conferred the Cultural Medallion in 1990, Singapore’s most prestigious arts accolade, she had shaped the lives of countless dancers and constantly pushed the boundaries of classical Indian dance, especially Bharatanatyam. Her legacy of cross-cultural innovation lived on through this reimagined production, led by her daughter Meenakshy Bhaskar, before Mrs Bhaskar’s passing in 2022.

Established in 1952, Bhaskar’s Arts Academy is one of Singapore’s oldest Indian performing arts groups. Committed to making the arts accessible, BAA offers training and arts education programmes including Bharatanatyam which is a classical Indian dance form with a rich history still widely practised and performed today. It uses a unique vocabulary of hand gestures, expressive facial expressions and rhythmic footwork to bring a story to life.

Dancers in traditional Chinese costumes. Image credit: Bhaskar's Arts Academy

Carrying the torch, from mother to daughter

Despite the popularity of the original production, Santha Bhaskar never re-choreographed or re-staged it. "Many of us have asked my mother if she would re-choreograph Butterfly Lovers. Somehow it never materialised," shared Meenakshy. However, in 2018, Santha Bhaskar encouraged her daughter to undertake the project. 

Initially hesitant, Meenakshy agreed with one condition: her mother’s presence during major choreography reviews. This collaboration resulted in a masterpiece, blending Bharatanatyam and Chinese dance, showcasing cross-cultural artistic expression.

The expressive dancers of Butterfly Lovers take the stage. Image credit: Bhaskar's Arts Academy

Empowering and clevating Creativity 

Funding support from the National Arts Council through the Major Company Scheme and Tote Board Arts Fund was crucial in helping the 2021 ‘Butterfly Lovers’ take flight. It enabled BAA to enhance the artistic depth with original musical scores, new traditional Chinese costumes and professional Chinese dance training for the Bharatanatyam dancers.

“[NAC’s support] has helped us continue creating new works, present them in unique ways and ensure the artists are paid fairly,” company manager Thava Rani explains. The production also featured the sounds of the Ruan, a Chinese string instrument, by local artist Neil Chua. These elements were crucial in achieving a seamless fusion of dance forms and elevating the performance.

Dancers lined up neatly in multicolour robes, finishing their dance sequence. Image credit: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre

A legacy of artistic expression

“Working cross-culturally feeds curiosity, nurtures understanding and helps us find commonality and connection,” Meenaskshy says. “It helps make our world more familiar, smaller and less daunting.” 

Nearly six decades separate the two 'Butterfly Lovers' productions, yet, the spirit of cross-cultural exchange remains central. This continuity underscores the natural connection between the arts and cross-cultural collaboration in Singapore's multi-racial society.

BAA demonstrates that traditional arts are dynamic forces shaping Singapore's cultural present and future. 'Butterfly Lovers' is a living archive of cultural fusion, a testament to art’s ability to evolve, inspire and unite us all across generations. 

The Council’s support for projects like ‘Butterfly Lovers’ ensures that #OurSGArts scene thrives. It empowers artists to push boundaries, explore new forms of expression and connect with diverse audiences. 

As Rani puts it, "Artists are dreamers and with NAC's support many of those dreams have been realised."