Monday, October 2, 2023
  • Login
The South First
  • Home
  • States
    • Andhra Pradesh
    • Karnataka
    • Kerala
    • Tamil Nadu
    • Telangana
  • Politics
    • Behind the News
    • National
  • Entertainment
    • Kannada
    • Malayalam
    • Tamil
    • Telugu
    • Reviews
  • Health
  • Lifestyle
  • Videos
    • Lifestyle
  • More
    • Opinion
    • In The News
    • Dakshin Dialogues
    • Cartoons
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • States
    • Andhra Pradesh
    • Karnataka
    • Kerala
    • Tamil Nadu
    • Telangana
  • Politics
    • Behind the News
    • National
  • Entertainment
    • Kannada
    • Malayalam
    • Tamil
    • Telugu
    • Reviews
  • Health
  • Lifestyle
  • Videos
    • Lifestyle
  • More
    • Opinion
    • In The News
    • Dakshin Dialogues
    • Cartoons
No Result
View All Result
The South First
No Result
View All Result
Jagananna Arogya Suraksha Jagananna Arogya Suraksha Jagananna Arogya Suraksha

Home » Tamil Nadu » Obituary: Lakshmi Viswanathan, a dancer’s dancer

Obituary: Lakshmi Viswanathan, a dancer’s dancer

Being steeped in Bharatanatyam and a scholar in that art form apart from being one of its foremost practitioners, Lakshmi was a serious student of its Devadasi heritage. This led to a monumental work of hers: 'Women of Pride'.

Sriram VbySriram V
Published:19/01/2023 9:13 pm - Updated on 23/01/2023 9:18 am
A A
Lakshmi Viswanathan receives the Music Academy's Nritya Kalanidhi in 2018 from Mark W Morris, artistic director and dancer, New York. N Murali (left), president of the Music Academy, and Sujatha Vijayaraghavan (second from right) and Kala Ramesh Rao (right), then committee members of Music Academy, can also be seen

Lakshmi Viswanathan receives the Music Academy's Nritya Kalanidhi in 2018 from Mark W Morris, artistic director and dancer, New York. N Murali (left), president of the Music Academy, and Sujatha Vijayaraghavan (second from right) and Kala Ramesh Rao (right), then committee members, can also be seen (Music Academy, Madras)

Born on 12 January 1944 to Alamelu and K Viswanathan in Bangalore, Lakshmi Viswanathan belonged to a family well known for its association with the classical arts, and the Thanjavur tradition in particular.

She began her tutelage in dance under Guru Kausalya of the Vazhuvur Ramaiya Pillai school. Later she trained under Guru Kanchipuram Ellappa. She was also taught by Courtallam Ganesa Pillai and Sankari Krishnan of the Thanjavur Kittappa Pillai school.

Lakshmi Viswanathan trained in music under her mother and later was taught by Tediyur Narayanaswami, Thiruvaiyyaru Krishnamurthy, and Sangita Kala Acharya T Mukta. Her dance arangetram was in 1952 and presided over by E Krishna Iyer, founder secretary of the Music Academy, Madras.

Deep knowledge of music, dance

Lakshmi Viswanathan’s dance, known for its in-depth research and scholarly approach, won her accolades the world over, and she performed in numerous national and international venues.

Beginning with the traditional margam, she moved on to thematic solo performances, group shows, and dance theatre productions.

As she grew older, Lakshmi chose to focus on abhinaya, the mimetic aspect of dance. This made her art most sublime and it was a delight to watch her perform.

Lakshmi was a great presenter of lecture demonstrations, where her deep knowledge of music and dance, combined with her fluency in language and sense of humour made her a huge success.

Also read: A magnificent artist who overcame many setbacks

Lakshmi Viswanathan’s books

A graduate and gold medallist in English Literature from the Queen Mary’s College, Madras, Lakshmi was also a writer, with newspaper columns and books to her credit.

Having spent much of her childhood in Mylapore, the Kapaliswarar Temple there was very important to Lakshmi. She made it a point to attend as many of its festivals as possible.

This led to her writing a comprehensive account of the shrine and its year-long events. Kapaliswara temple, the sacred site of Mylapore was the book and it came out in 2006.

Lakshmi also penned a tribute to MS Subbulakshmi. Lavishly produced with many photographs, this was published by Roli Books and was titled Kunjamma, Ode to a Nightingale.

Being steeped in Bharatanatyam and a scholar in that art form apart from being one of its foremost practitioners, Lakshmi was a serious student of its Devadasi heritage. This led to a monumental work of hers: Women of Pride, published in 2008 by Roli.

Uncompromising ode to subtlety, beauty in classical art

Dancer Kum. Lakshmi Viswanathan received the Music Academy's Nritya Kalanidhi in 2018
(Courtesy: Music Academy, Madras)

Looked upon as a dancer’s dancer, Lakshmi Viswanathan was an iconic personality with the rare intellectual capacity to communicate the whole gamut of Bharatanatyam’s beauty, classicism and intensity to a global audience.

Her commitment to excellence over several decades made her dance an uncompromising ode to subtlety and beauty in classical art.

The Music Academy, Madras conferred on her the Nritya Kalanidhi in 2018. Lakshmi was also a member of the Music Academy, Madras since 1984 and also served as vice president on its executive committee from 1998 to 2011.

Also read: He ensured Gamaka tradition would be immortal

(V Sriram is secretary, Music Academy. He is also a historian and author)

(A shorter version of this article was originally published on the Music Academy website)

Recommended For You

Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian (third left) handing over a cheque to one of the injured passengers at the Coonoor Government Hospital on Sunday. (X)
In The News

As Coonoor bus tragedy toll rises to 9, TN health minister hands over ₹50,000 each to the injured

October 1, 2023
JDS - BJP alliance Lok Sabha elections Kumaraswamy CM Ibrahim
In The News

JD(S) turmoil: Karnataka president CM Ibrahim voices dissent over BJP alliance

October 1, 2023
An aerial view of kanathallur village nestled on top of Western Ghats in Idukki. Photo: Kerala Tourism.
Kerala

Welcome to little-known Kanthalloor in Kerala, which won Union government golden award for best rural tourism project

October 1, 2023
The use of unapproved fairness creams has proved to be dangerous to the human body. (Wikimedia Commons)
Health

Fairness creams and their dark, heavy secrets: Know how they impact your kidney

October 1, 2023
Adaikkalam Old Age Home is located in Thirunagar, Madurai. (Supplied)
Lifestyle

International Day for Older Persons: Residents of Adaikkalam Old Age Home take the virtual world by storm

October 1, 2023
Extreme rainfall in Kerala
Kerala

It is a climax, not curtains as the Southwest Monsoon overstays, allaying fears of a drought

October 1, 2023
apdc advt

Top Stories

Criticizing the ruling BRS, the Prime Minister said that ‘false promises’ regarding loan waivers were made to farmers, which led to suicides. (Supplied)

Telangana government is a car controlled by someone else, says PM Modi in Mahbubnagar

October 1, 2023
Modi

Ahead of his Nizamabad visit, PM Modi announces Turmeric Board to win over Telangana farmers

October 1, 2023
An aerial view of kanathallur village nestled on top of Western Ghats in Idukki. Photo: Kerala Tourism.

Welcome to little-known Kanthalloor in Kerala, which won Union government golden award for best rural tourism project

October 1, 2023

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive daily updates direct to your inbox.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Like and Follow

Follow @TheSouthfirst

Latest

File photo of Trevor Noah.

Days after cancelling Bengaluru show, Trevor Noah jokes about its venue and acoustics in Mumbai

October 2, 2023
Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian (third left) handing over a cheque to one of the injured passengers at the Coonoor Government Hospital on Sunday. (X)

As Coonoor bus tragedy toll rises to 9, TN health minister hands over ₹50,000 each to the injured

October 1, 2023
JDS - BJP alliance Lok Sabha elections Kumaraswamy CM Ibrahim

JD(S) turmoil: Karnataka president CM Ibrahim voices dissent over BJP alliance

October 1, 2023
The South First

CATEGORIES

  • News
  • Opinion & Analysis
  • Entertainment & Culture
  • Featured
  • Health & Wellness
  • Andhra Pradesh
  • Karnataka
  • Kerala
  • Tamil Nadu
  • Telangana

PAGES

  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

© 2023 The South First

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • States
    • Andhra Pradesh
    • Karnataka
    • Kerala
    • Tamil Nadu
    • Telangana
  • Politics
    • Behind the News
    • National
  • Entertainment & Culture
    • Kannada
    • Malayalam
    • Tamil
    • Telugu
    • Reviews
  • Opinion & Analysis
  • Health & Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • In The News
  • Cartoons
  • Dakshin Dialogues
  • Videos
    • Lifestyle

© 2023 The South First

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used.