Kalakshetra, the cultural institute for Bharatanatyam, which completes its 75th anniversary, has a treat for classical dance lovers to relive the legacy of Bharatanatyam and other dance forms
Kalakshetra, the cultural institute for Bharatanatyam, which completes its 75th anniversary, has a treat for classical dance lovers to relive the legacy of Bharatanatyam and other dance forms
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Established in 1935 by Rukmini Devi Arundale, Kalakshetra over the years has emerged as one of the most prominent institutes for Bharatanatyam. Such that in the world of classical dance, it is a matter of immense pride if one carries the Kalakshetra alumnus tag. 
Bharatanatyam performance by students of Kalakshetra
In 1994, the Indian Parliament recognised this legendary institute as an institute of national importance.
As part of its 75th year celebrations, Kalakshetra has organised a three-day festival at the NCPA, with the intent to give people a glimpse into the unique legacy that this institution represents. The Guide gives you a sneak peek of what to expect.
Rukmini Devi Arundale:u00a0The legendu00a0lives on Rukmini Devi Arundale (1904-86) was one of the pioneers of Bharatanatyam who played an important role in shaping this dance form to its current standing. From being a temple dance of the Devadasis, Rukmini Devi brought it to the popular stage. She raised its status to that of a pure art form. Devi Arundale, an upper-caste Indian woman, gave her first public performance of Bharatanatyam in 1935 at the Diamond Jubilee Convention of the Theosophical Society, Chennai. In 1936, she established Kalakshetra, an academy of music and dance in Chennai. She is still regarded as one of the foremost proponents of traditional arts and crafts and one of the most important revivalists of classical dance to emerge from India.
August 25
Under the Banyan Tree ufffd 75 years of Kalakshetra
The first day of the festival will take the audience through Kalakshetra's journey till date. Talks, discussions and video clips will help people understand the nuances and aesthetics of compositions that emerged from Kalakshetra. Excerpts from dance dramas and other choreographies will present the audience with the opportunity to understand the nitty-gritty and nuances of the performances as also the beauty and aesthetics behind these choreographies and will also take a look at Kalakshetra's vision ahead.
Time: 7 pm onwards; AT Experimental Theatre, NCPA; TICKETS Rs 300, Rs 200
August 26
Dance Matters ufffd Panel discussion
Dancers and media persons will join Leela Samson, Director-Kalakshetra in a panel discussion, which looks at the current status of Classical dance and the road ahead. Samson will address concerns in the field of dance including government policies and available resources. Joining her in the discussion will be Devina Dutt, a seasoned journalist. The panelists will throw light on the contemporarisation of classical dances, rarely seen these days and bring to fore many of the concerns that need to be addressed.
TIME 3 pm onwards; AT Little Theatre, NCPA.
August 27
Student performances
The last day will witness the grand finale with performances by students of Kalakshetra along with a solo performance by director, 60 year-old Leela Samson. In a performance titled Spanda, Samson seeks to establish a dialogue between dance, music and stage craft. Spanda aims to understand the essence of the dance and its traditional vocabulary, while it rediscovers the basic movements of Bharatanatyam.
TIME 7 pm onwards; AT Jamshed Bhabha Theatre NCPA; TICKETS Rs 500, Rs 400,
Rs 300; CALL 22824567 / 66548135
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