In Chennai, Kalakshetra is the premier institute for dance, music and various art forms. The foundation is located at Thiruvanmiyur, which is a suburban region of Chennai city. Kalakshetra Foundation was established in the year 1936 by the initiative of Rukmini Devi Arundale and her husband George Arundale.
Kalakshetra in Chennai is a pioneering institute of classical dance and fine arts. Kalakshetra was established in the year 1936 by Rukmini Devi. The faculty of Kalakshetra has renowned dancers and musicians. One of the important features of Chennai Kalakshetra is that the students carry out training and performances amidst serene nature. Kalakshetra is situated at Thiruvanmiyur, which is a Chennai suburb and the campus is of 100 acres. The students of Kalakshetra are given training based on the principle of gurukul system.
Major focus of Kalakshetra in Chennai is rendered on visual arts, bharatnatyam, instrumental and carnatic vocal music, textile design and traditional crafts, aesthetics, textual heritage, philosophy and history. The productions of Kalakshetra have global recognition for extensive research, refined esthetics and impeccable technique. The various bodies of Kalakshetra Foundation are The Besant Arundale Senior Secondary School, The Besant Theosophical High School, The Bharat Kalakshetra and A Craft Education and Research Center, which has the following departments:
- Kalamkari Natural-Dye Printing& Painting
- Weaving
- Visual Arts Center
History of Kalakshetra
Rukmini Devi along with her husband George Arundale and other associates of the Theosophical Society in Chennai set up Kalakshetra as their commitment towards Theosophy. Pandit S. Subramania, who was a member of foundation and a scholar in Sanskrit, had suggested the name "Kalakshetra". Initially, Kalakshetra was based in the campus of the Theosophical Society. Kalakshetra was the first dance
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institute, which has established a theory based syllabus for the dancers.
Rukmini Devi used to take dance classes and she also conducted a special dance to teach ballet exercises. In 1951, Rukmini Devi got a land at Thiruvanmiyur, which is the present campus of Kalakshetra. A sapling of Theosophical Society's great banyan tree was planted at the new campus. The foundation was shifted in the new campus during the period of 1960s.
Facilities at Kalakshetra
The accommodations for students at the academy are modern. Well equipped rooms with all amenities are offered and the students of Kalakshetra are encouraged to stay at the campus during the course of study. Guests can also visit Kalakshetra.
Stages at Kalakshetra
Rukmini Devi had the vision that dance should create the temple atmosphere on stage and her vision gets reflected at Bharata Kalakshetra Auditorium, which has been constructed in the conventional style of koothambalam. There is also an open air theater known as Rukmini Arangam at Kalakshetra. In addition to these, performances are also held under the banyan tree. Tagore theater at Kalakshetra is a smaller hall that can accommodate 200 people.
Visiting Kalakshetra
Kalakshetra is located on the southern part of Chennai city. The tourists to Chennai can visit the campus, craft center and the museum. The tourists can avail bus service from Chennai to Thiruvanmiyur to reach Kalakshetra. Thiruvanmiyur is about 12 kilometers from Chennai. Call taxis are also available.
Address of Kalakshetra
Kalakshetra Foundation
Thiruvanmiyur,
Chennai- 600041
India
Phone: +91- 44- 24524057, +91- 44- 24520836
Fax: + 91- 44- 24524359
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