Lakshmi Vishwanathan

In the words of internationally renowned choreographer Mark Morris, Lakshmi Viswanathan is a consummate artist, an articulate scholar and an honest & creative proponent of Abhinaya, a beautiful, graceful and sublime artist. Lakshmi is one of the foremost exponents of Bharatnatyam. She has been described as a poetic dancer of exceptional talent and extraordinary imagination. Watching her is like watching an artist performing at her pinnacle, unravelling the intricate tapestries of a complex yet beautiful art form. Lakshmi Viswanathan was initiated into the art by Shrimati Kaushalya of the Vazhuvoor school. Subsequently she learnt under Ganeshan Pillai and Sankar and finally came under the tutelage of vidwan Kanchipurm Ellappa Pillai. She also received training in Carnatic music and learnt Padams from T. Mukta. She received training in Kuchipudi dance from Guru Vempati Chinna Satyam. Lakshmi's endeavours have seen her travel the length and breadth of the globe, spanning over 20 countries where she has taken center stage at prestigious events like the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in USA. Lakshmi has been performing in India and abroad since the 1970s and is a notable artist specializing in Abhinaya. She is also a choreographer, teacher and writer on dance. Her productions Vata Vriksha and Chatmanga have received wide appreciation. She has received the state award, Kalaimamani, and the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi award, among numerous others. A recipient of the title Nritya Chudamani, Lakshmi Viswantahan has been convenor of the Natya Kala Conference in Madras for two years. She has also conducted dance workshops in Europe and the United States, published a book on Bharatnatyam, ‘Bharatanatyam: The Tamil Heritage’ and made a film on the subject, ‘The Poetry of Dance.’