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Photograph: (Image Courtesy: Astro Ulagam)
In the vast world of iconic music videos and pop culture milestones, some moments stand out not just for their star power but for the deeper stories they carry—stories of unlikely collaborations, cultural fusion, and history quietly being made. One such moment came in 1991, when Yamuna Sangarasivam, a Tamil classical dancer with roots in the Odissi tradition, shared the screen with Michael Jackson in the groundbreaking music video for ‘Black or White’.
A Meeting of Worlds: Odissi Meets Pop
This was no accidental cameo or background filler. Yamuna’s inclusion in the video was a conscious decision—part of Jackson’s vision to visually represent cultural harmony and diversity. While ‘Black or White’ was known for its morphing faces and global message, few knew the story behind the elegant dancer who brought the classical precision of Odissi to the pop stage.
At the time, Yamuna was a graduate student in dance anthropology at UCLA when she spotted a casting call for “ethnic and modern dancers” for an upcoming Michael Jackson video. Unsure at first, she was encouraged by her mother to audition—not just for the opportunity, but also for the cultural insight it might offer. Out of over 3,000 dancers who auditioned, she was the one selected to perform a duet with Jackson himself.
Behind the Scenes: A 14-Hour Shoot on a Los Angeles Expressway
Yamuna’s segment was filmed over 14 hours on a temporarily closed-down Los Angeles expressway. Her Odissi choreography was timed alongside speeding stunt drivers—a high-stakes fusion of tradition and adrenaline. The symbolism was clear: diverse worlds converging in motion, rhythm, and spirit.
Her classical movements—graceful, poised, and rooted in centuries of tradition—offered a powerful contrast and complement to Jackson’s kinetic pop energy. Together, they crafted a visual statement that transcended genre, language, and geography.
What the World Missed… and Why It Still Matters
While Michael Jackson’s name dominated headlines, Yamuna’s presence was quietly revolutionary. Her role wasn’t just decorative—it added cultural depth and authenticity, elevating the video’s global message. Yet, despite being broadcast to millions, her name was never widely recognized. Those who saw her remembered the striking performance; few knew the story of the dancer herself.
Today, Yamuna Sangarasivam is a Professor of Sociology and Director of Women & Gender Studies at Nazareth University in New York. She has since spoken at academic forums about her experience, using it as a lens to explore multiculturalism, racial politics, and artistic integrity in mainstream media. She also reflected on the significance of representing a marginalized identity on a global stage, especially at a time when such inclusivity was rare.
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Trivia and Legacy
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People from around the world would stop her, asking, “Are you the one in Black or White?”
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Her performance has been studied in dance and media theory courses for its cultural significance.
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She continues to reflect on that moment as both a dancer and an anthropologist, bridging the gap between art and scholarship.
Why This Moment Deserves to Be Remembered
In an age where cultural collaborations are celebrated and visibility matters more than ever, revisiting this moment reminds us of early efforts at inclusion—and the artists who helped make them possible. Yamuna Sangarasivam’s role in ‘Black or White’ wasn’t just about representation. It was about resonance. It was about reminding the world that even in the glitziest corners of pop culture, there is space for ancient traditions, for lesser-heard voices, and for moments that bridge oceans and generations.
When a Tamil woman from the classical dance world stood alongside the King of Pop, it wasn’t just a cameo. It was a moment of history—one the world almost forgot, but one we should remember, celebrate, and pass on.
