Performer, Teacher and Choreographer, Chitra Visweswaran heads
her own institution of dance, Chidambaram Academy of Performing
Arts at Chennai. Her husband, R.Visweswaran, is a vocalist-composer
and a Santoor player. In recognition to her contribution in the
field of Bharatanatyam, the Government of Tamilnadu conferred the
title, Kalaimamani upon her. She is also the recipient of
the Sangeet Natak Academy Award, Nritya Choodamani, Nritya Vilas,
Natanamani and the most presitgious, the Padmashri award.
On the occasion of the 50th year of Independence, she was awarded
the titles of Mahila Shiromani (honouring distinguished women
of Indian origin) and Stree Ratna (Gem amongst women; awarded
to fifty Indian women). Chitra also occupies the Rabindranath
Tagore Chair of Fine Arts at the University of Madras and
is the first dancer to do so. A fine blend of grace and dignity,
Chitra spoke of her pursuit of the art form, her artistic career
and her dance school.
Could you tell us briefly about your childhood?
We
were a close-knit family, consisting of my parents, my brother and
me. My childhood revolved predominantly around dance. When I was
a child in London, (my father was posted there), my mother, who
is a classical dancer in her own right, having learnt from the Uday
Shankar school of dance wanted me to learn dance too. She was
my first Guru. She also put me in a western dance ballet school.
I clearly remember little things like there was this hall and a
line drawn around it. We were asked to walk on that line carrying
little things in our hand with the music being played in the background.
It taught us to walk with confidence, gait and in rhythm. All these
are good disciplines to be learnt as human beings.
When did you come back to India?
I came back in the late fifties. My father was transferred to Calcutta.
There, my mother started me off on Manipuri, Kathak and
the Uday Shankar school of dance. She then later put me under training
with Guru T. A. Rajalaksmi for Bharatanatyam. I had my Arangetram
within ten months of joining. I studied the best of what
is traditional for eight years, and that, I think was the biggest
gift. I finished my Graduation in B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) Literature.
At the University library, I would spend my time reading on various
art forms such as performing arts, traditional arts etc.
Were your parents supportive of your interest
in dance?
Yes, they were very supportive. They encouraged my thirst for knowledge
in dance. If I wanted a saree or a dress, they would not buy it,
but if I wanted a book on dance, they would immediately buy it for
me.
When did you decide to come to Chennai?
At 19, after my graduation, I decided to take up dance seriously.
I came to Chennai to further my training under the Vazhuvoor
style. I was extremely lucky to be taught by Guru Vazhuvoor
Ramaiah Pillai.
Do you think dancers of today are as committed
as they were in the olden days?
There are a few very committed dancers. Unfortunately, there is
a lot of peer pressure these days. They go for so many classes,
do so many things that they are not able to concentrate on one thing.
2:02:50 PM 
We
were a close-knit family, consisting of my parents, my brother and
me. My childhood revolved predominantly around dance. When I was
a child in London, (my father was posted there), my mother, who
is a classical dancer in her own right, having learnt from the Uday
Shankar school of dance wanted me to learn dance too. She was
my first Guru. She also put me in a western dance ballet school.
I clearly remember little things like there was this hall and a
line drawn around it. We were asked to walk on that line carrying
little things in our hand with the music being played in the background.
It taught us to walk with confidence, gait and in rhythm. All these
are good disciplines to be learnt as human beings. 
