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Nilimma Devi
East Indian tales told through a classical Indian dance tradition
A classical dancer and storyteller from India, Nilimma Devi has devoted a lifetime to the elegant art form of Kuchipudi dance, which originated in seventeenth century South India. Since Kuchipudi was caste and gender exclusive until the turn of the nineteenth century, Ms. Devi is one of the first generation of women initiated in this art, which she hopes to establish and revitalize in the United States. Reinterpreting ancient myths that lend themselves to contemporary meaning or universal truth is part of that effort. Storytelling is integral to the artistry of the Indian classical dancer who transfers a poem, myth or story into visual narrative symbols through hand gestures and rhythms in the dance movements. Ms. Devi is a senior fellow of the American Institute of Indian Studies. She has been professionally associated with Arena Stage, Dance Place, the Kennedy Center, the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian Institution and universities across the United States as a performer, curator and consultant.