Chitti Durga Devi

Artist Name: Late Smt Chitti Durga Devi
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Profile and pictures posted with permission from artist's disciple.

Born in Tadikonda of Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, Smt. Chitti Durga Devi started learning Bharatanatyam from the renowned Sri Pandanallur Chockalingam Pillai at Chennai. Later, she became associated with Mrinalini Sarabhai at DARPANA, Ahmedabad for over two years. While at DARPANA she toured Japan in 1957 giving performances. After a brief break, she resumed training in Bharatanatyam under Sri Dandayudhapani Pillai. In 1968 she came under the influence of the Kuchipudi style of dance through the eminent exponent Padma Bhushan Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam.

For the next twenty three years, she worked in the Kuchipudi Art Academy with Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam. She was a member of Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam’s troup which toured the USA in 1984. Her roles in the famous dance ballets, Chandalika and Srinivasa Kalyanam have left lasting impressions in India and abroad.

In 1993, she started the school of Kuchipudi dance, NARTANA, with encouragement and support from family and friends; especially from the noted poet and critic, Dr. Arudra.

Students of NARTANA participated in several prestigious festivals such as the Siddhendra Yogi Annual Dance Festival (Kuchipudi village) and the 29th National Festival, BHARAT NATYOTSAV, held jointly by the Bharat Cultural Integration Committee and the Madras Telugu Academy.

She had choreographed several new pieces and ballets. Notable among them have been the dance ballets Andal Kalyanam, Ashtalakshmi Stotram, Girija Kalyanam,and Bhrigu valli.

Smt. C.Durgadevi had conducted several workshops in India and in the U.S.A.