TESTIMONIALS

My wife and I did a grand tour of India. It was a fantastic trip, but I must say that the time we spent with Debra guiding us in Chidambaram was the high point. Given her special interest in preserving dance, she is perhaps the most knowledgeable person to talk about the ancient temple carvings. Having the temples explained in this way and even participating in the celebrations was unique. And she took us to really great restaurants that were definitely not on the tourist path!

M. Kendrick New York, New York

I have traveled to many remarkable countries and this was my best tour ever! Debra McCall is a delight; her knowledge is deep and wide. We learned so much specific historic information all the while exulting in the richness of the contemporary culture around us. Debra McCall's tour of the southern temples was pure joy. 

M. Salter New York, New York 

I met Debra at the Thillai Nataraja temple in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu in 2017. Despite my terrible English, we began to communicate, and Debra invited me to join her for a few days while she undertook her Fulbright Fellowship work at the temple. It was an unforgettable time when the priests closed us in an off-limits courtyard of the Parvathi temple to be alone with stone reliefs of the ancient dancers and musicians. I sketched while she photographed the ancient devadasi movements depicted in the reliefs. Debra initiated me into the details of the glory of the temple dancers and their plight and persecution during colonial times. On subsequent visits we attended the annual Natyanjali dance festival and Debra explained the history and meaning of India’s classical dance. Her historical knowledge of this subject and other art forms is quite deep, making my visit unique and unforgettable.

Y. Deryabina Moscow, RUSSIA

Traveling to India for the first time is a monumental experience in cultural and human immersion. With Debra's suggestions, I was able to process its many stimuli. As she guided me through the Nataraja temple that she was documenting, her passion and enthusiasm were contagious. Debra’s knowledge of history combined with her awareness of Hindu mythology, along with introductions to temple priests, Chidambaram residents, and healthy eateries, made for an enlightened, intimate visit. My Indian adventure was enjoyable and soulful thanks to Debra's expertise and careful attention to detail.

B. LaRico Harlem, New York

I am deeply grateful to Debra McCall for introducing me to India, especially Chidambaram. Her sensitive eyes, passionate presence, and direct knowledge permitted not only a cultural encounter, but also a spiritual embodiment of the precious treasure hidden in the pillars, the deities, and architecture of the sites we visited. A lifelong dancer and “dance archaeologist,” she followed her call to the Temple of Siva Nataraja and completed documentary research on its stone reliefs. I am also grateful for the people and community I had the privilege to meet. For westerners, India can represent a borderline experience of “otherness,” but Debra offers and guides us to embrace a mutually respectful attitude so that interactions are fully experienced as rich and pleasurable exchanges.

 A. Monteleone Milan, ITALY

A place can mean different things depending on who guides you. Traveling in India with the wise guidance of Debra McCall offers new eyes with which to look at one of the most complex and fascinating cultures in the world. She shares her profound knowledge of the culture, art, and spirituality of Tamil Nadu. Debra gives those who go with her an experience of precious discovery, not mere tourism. She is not only a scholar, but a woman who loves India, thus is able to indicate a path to approach this kaleidoscopic civilization. 

F. D’Andreamatteo Rome, ITALY

The experience with Debra—her knowledge of myth and history, her respect for temple practice, her first hand stories of documenting ancient sculpture and sacred dancers, witnessing devotees walking, standing, and meditating in prayer, the colorful pujas and festivals—opened my mind, eyes, and heart. Nataraja’s Dance of Bliss invited the crossing of thresholds, leaving me transformed.

L. Parteli Rome, ITALY

I spent a few days in Chidambaram in February 2017. Debra welcomed me, introduced me to the temple and even the Deekshithars, the unique caste of priests found only at the Nataraja temple. I enjoyed her enthusiasm and her precise knowledge of Indian culture, spirituality and history. The trip was fascinating and rich thanks to her.

F. Ferin Sumene, FRANCE

Debra McCall is one of the most wonderful and bright scholars of culture I have had the pleasure to travel with. Her infectious wit combined with deep knowledge and genuine exuberance make her a truly unique guide.

M. Turpan Los Angeles, California

We 3 couples traveled to Pondicherry on a trip where we met Debra who, like us, was visiting Auroville. Since we were planning to visit Chidambaram the next day, she offered to take us around the Nataraja Temple. The following morning as she led us through the temple, we were truly surprised with her knowledge. She explained many finer details which we would have definitely missed. Overall, it was a great experience visiting the temple with Debra. 

Nagesh & Vasavi, Rajesh & Madhuvanthi, Nagesh Hiriyur & Roopa, Bangalore, Karnataka, INDIA