Smt. Lakshmi Viswanath

🪔 About

Smt. Lakshmi Viswanath (January 12, 1944 – January 20, 2023) was a highly esteemed Indian Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, teacher, and writer, recognized for her significant contributions to Indian classical dance. Born in Bangalore, Kingdom of Mysore, British India, she hailed from a family deeply rooted in the classical arts, particularly the Thanjavur tradition. Lakshmi Viswanath received her initial Bharatanatyam training under Guru Kausalya of the Vazhuvoor Ramaiya Pillai school, and further honed her skills under the tutelage of Guru Kanchipuram Ellappa Pillai, Courtalam Ganesa Pillai, and Sankari Krishnan of the Thanjavur Kittappa Pillai school. Her artistic foundation was also enriched by Carnatic music training from her mother, Tedyiyur Narayanaswami, Thiruvaiyyaru Krishnamurthy, and Sangita Kala Acharya T. Mukta. Additionally, she received training in Kuchipudi dance from Guru Vempati Chinna Satyam. Lakshmi Viswanath emerged as a leading exponent of Bharatanatyam, performing extensively across India and in over 20 countries, including prestigious venues like the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival in the USA. Her performances were celebrated for their elegance, profound expressive abhinaya, and innovative choreography. She was a regular fixture at major cultural events such as the Khajuraho Dance Festival and the Music Academy's annual dance festival in Chennai. Beyond her performing career, Lakshmi Viswanath was a respected guru, mentoring numerous students and emphasizing individuality within traditional Bharatanatyam. She was also a prolific writer, authoring several acclaimed books on dance, including "Bharatanatyam: The Tamil Heritage," "Women of Pride: The Devadasi Heritage," and "Kapaliswara Temple." Her scholarly approach extended to directing the documentary film "The Poetry of Dance." Her choreographic works, such as "Vata Vriksha" (also known as "Banyan Tree") and "Chatmanga," received wide appreciation. She also premiered the dance-theatre production "MY TYAGARAJA – the life of Bangalore Nagratanammal." Lakshmi Viswanath held significant administrative roles, serving as the editor of the Kalakshetra Journal and as Vice President of the Music Academy in Chennai. She passed away in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, leaving behind a profound legacy in the world of Indian classical dance. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2008), Nritya Kalanidhi (2017), Kalaimamani, Nritya Chudamani, Kalidas Samman (2018).