Kalakshetra Foundation
Kalakshetra Road, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600041
Founded in 1936, the Kalakshetra Foundation is the leading academy of the arts in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, with a focus on the traditional dances and music styles of the region. Rukmini Devi Arundale, the school’s founder, studied dance under Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. The word “kalakshetra” means “holy place of the arts.”
The Basics
The 99-acre (40-hectare) Kalakshetra Foundation campus is open to visitors who’d like to explore the grounds, observe classes in session, or participate in morning prayer around the campus’s banyan tree. Academy staff offer guided tours, allowing visitors to learn more about the foundation’s history and illustrious alumni. Also of interest is the campus’s Rukmini Devi Museum, which displays the collection of art and artifacts donated to the academy by its benefactress.
Things to Know Before You Go
Kalakshetra is a must-visit for travelers with an interest in the fine arts, particularly dance and music.
Guided tours must be booked in advance.
Taking photos and video is not allowed.
Guests are required to remove footwear before entering classrooms.
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When to Get There
Kalakshetra is open to visitors from 8:30am to 4pm Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to 12pm on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of each month, and during special events. However, the campus is closed to visitors during final examinations and summer vacation, so it’s a good idea to call ahead or check the website for closure details; special events and programs are also listed online.
How to Get There
Kalakshetra is located in the Radhakrishnan Nagar neighborhood, about a 25-minute walk from Elliot's Beach and a 20-minute walk from the Thiruvanmiyur railway station. Some cultural tours from Chennai include visits to Kalakshetra, and joining a tour can remove the hassle of sorting out public transportation yourself.
The Kalakshetra Style
Along with forming Kalakshetra, one of Arundale's biggest contributions to the Indian artistic repertoire was the founding of the Kalakshetra style of Bharatanatyam dance, which in turn repopularized the traditional dance form. The Kalakshetra style differs from traditional Bharatanatyam in that it puts heavy influence on straight postures and angles (perhaps a result of Arundale’s background in ballet), while removing certain elements that could be considered seductive.
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