Lakshmi Viswanathan

Lakshmi Viswanathan (12 January 1944 – 20 January 2023) was an Indian Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, teacher, and writer, widely regarded as a prominent figure in the field of Indian classical dance. Known for her nuanced performances and deep connection to music, she contributed significantly to the preservation and evolution of Bharatanatyam through her artistry and scholarship. She was a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the Nritya Kalanidhi title from the Madras Music Academy.

Lakshmi Viswanathan
Born	(1944-01-12)12 January 1944 Bangalore, Kingdom of Mysore, British India
Died	20 January 2023(2023-01-20) (aged 79) Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Occupation(s)	Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, teacher, writer
Awards	Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2008) Nritya Kalanidhi (2011)

Early life and training

Lakshmi Viswanathan was born on 12 January 1944 in Bangalore, Kingdom of Mysore, British India, to Alamelu and K. Viswanathan.^[1] Her family was well-known for its association with the classical arts, particularly the Thanjavur tradition.^[1] She began her training in Bharatanatyam under Guru Kausalya of the Vazhuvoor Ramaiya Pillai school and later trained under Guru Kanchipuram Ellappa Pillai.^[1][2] She also received training from Courtalam Ganesa Pillai and Sankari Krishnan of the Thanjavur Kittappa Pillai school.^[1] In addition to dance, Viswanathan trained in music under her mother and later under Tedyiyur Narayanaswami, Thiruvaiyyaru Krishnamurthy, and Sangita Kala Acharya T. Mukta.^[1] Her early exposure to Carnatic music played a significant role in shaping her dance repertoire, which often reflected a seamless integration of rhythm and melody.^[3] Her dance arangetram (debut performance) took place in 1952, presided over by E. Krishna Iyer, the founder-secretary of the Music Academy, Madras.^[1]

Career

Lakshmi Viswanathan emerged as a leading exponent of Bharatanatyam, performing extensively in India and abroad. Her performances were noted for their elegance, expressive abhinaya (gesture-based storytelling), and innovative choreography.^[4] She was a regular performer at major cultural festivals, including the Khajuraho Dance Festival, which she described as a "dream-come-true experience," and the Music Academy’s annual dance festival in Chennai.^[5][6] In addition to her performances, Viswanathan was a respected guru who trained numerous students, emphasizing the importance of individuality and creativity within the traditional framework of Bharatanatyam.^[7] She also authored books and articles on dance, including reflections on its historical and cultural significance.^[8] Her dance was known for its in-depth research, blending tradition with scholarly insight.^[1] Contributions and style Viswanathan’s work was deeply influenced by the feminine aspects of Bharatanatyam, often exploring themes of grace, strength, and emotional depth.^[9] Her choreography was praised for its musicality, drawing inspiration from Carnatic compositions and the works of figures like M.S. Subbulakshmi, to whom she paid tribute through her art.^[10] Her multifaceted approach—combining performance, teaching, and writing—earned her recognition as a cultural ambassador of Indian dance.^[11][12]

Awards and recognition

Lakshmi Viswanathan received numerous accolades during her career. In 2008, she was honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for her contributions to Bharatanatyam.^[2] In 2011, she was conferred the Nritya Kalanidhi title by the Madras Music Academy, a prestigious recognition in the Indian classical dance community.^[1] She expressed surprise and humility at receiving such honors, noting her focus remained on the art itself.^[13]

Personal life and legacy

Viswanathan was known for her deep connection to Chennai, where she lived and worked for most of her life. She died on 20 January 2023, leaving behind a legacy celebrated by the dance community and beyond.^[14][1] Her contributions were lauded for their timeless quality, with tributes highlighting her role as a keeper of Bharatanatyam’s traditions while adapting it to contemporary sensibilities.^[11][15]