Dance Schools / Institutes in India

Dance in India

(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Dance in India has its origins in antiquity and continues in both classical and modern styles into the present. The presentation of Indian dance styles in film, Bollywood has exposed the range of dance in India to a global audience.
 

Classical Indian dance

India offers a number of classical Indian dance forms, each of which can be traced to different parts of the country. Each form represents the culture and ethos of a particular region or a group of people. The seven main styles are Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam, Manipuri and Kathakali. Besides, there are several forms of Indian folk dances such as Bhangra, and special dances observed in regional festivals.

Most Indian dance is based on the treatise Natyashastra by the sage Bharata Muni, which explains the Indian art of acting. Acting or natya is a broad concept which encompasses both drama and dance.


Indian classical dance is a misnomer, and actually refers to Natya, the sacred Hindu musical theatre styles. Its theory can be traced back to the Natya Shastra of Bharata Muni (400 BC). The Sangeet Natak Akademi currently confers classical status on eight "dance" forms:


Bharatanatyam
Kathak
Kathakali
Kuchipudi
Manipuri
Mohiniaattam
Odissi
Sattriya


Indian folk dances

Indian folk and tribal dances are simple dances, and are performed to express joy.

Folk dances are performed for every possible occasion, to celebrate the arrival of seasons, birth of a child, a wedding and festivals. The dances are extremely simple with minimum of steps or movement. The dances burst with verve and vitality. Men and women perform some dances exclusively, while in some performances men and women dance together. On most occasions, the dancers sing themselves, while being accompanied by artists on the instruments. Each form of dance has a specific costume. Most costumes are flamboyant with extensive jewels.

While there are numerous folk and tribal dances, they are constantly improved. The skill and the imagination of the dances influence the performance.

Indian classical dance is a misnomer, and actually refers to Natya, the sacred Hindu musical theatre styles. Its theory can be traced back to the Natya Shastra of Bharata Muni (400 BC).

Dances performed inside the sanctum of the temple according to the rituals were called Agama Nartanam. This was a spiritual dance form.
Dances performed in royal courts to the accompaniment of classical music were called Carnatakam. This was an intellectual art form.
Darbari Aatam form of dance appealed more to the commoners and it educated them about their religion, culture and social life. These dances were performed outside the temple precincts in the courtyards.

The Sangeet Natak Akademi currently confers classical status on eight "dance" forms:[citation needed]

Bharatanatyam
Kathak
Kathakali
Kuchipudi
Manipuri
Mohiniaattam
Odissi
Sattriya

• Abhivyakti
  Abhivyakti is a tribute to the aspiring artists of all age groups to achieve excellence in art. It is a center to train, develop and promote all such talents in the field of their respective interests.
• Arpana Dance Company
  Southern California based Arpana Dance Company (ADC) has had the honor of performing in the US, Europe and India under the guidance of Ramya Harishankar. The Company has presented 15 full length productions to its credit.
• Bharata Kalanjali
  Bharata Kalanjali, since its founding in 1968, has trained a number of students who have established themselves in different parts of the world.
• Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, USA, Institute of Indian Culture
  - Institute of Indian Culture USA. Offers training in Bharata Natyam Kathak folk dances as well as vocal music and Indian culture to children
• Chow & Mow Dance Institute
  Chow & Mow Dance Institute was started in the year 1988 with a hope to bring the modern dance techniques in front of the whole world.
• Dance schools in USA
  Classical Indian dance and music of different genera -- South Indian, North Indian, classical, Hindustani, Carnatic-- are taught in schools and academies across the US.
• Dharani Dance School
  Dharani School of Performing Arts was set up by Smt. Shyamala Surendran in 1987 at Cochin, to impart authentic tutelage in Bharatha Natyam, Mohinyattam, Veena recital, Carnatic music etc and inculcate an interest in our rich art traditions.
• Ganesa Natyalaya
  Ms. Saroja Vaidyanathan, a renowned classical Bharata Natyam dancer, established Ganesa Natyalaya in 1974. Beginning with a handful of students, the Natyalaya soon grew rapidly in strength and eminence and is reckoned as a premier institution in India.
• Institution of Indian Classical Dance Bharatanatyam
  Purva School of Bhartanatyam, a leading dance institute in Baroda, Gujarat, was established in 1983 by Sharad Pandya, with the aim of promoting the rich art and cultural heritage of India. Intensive training is imparted in the Bharatanatyam style.
• Kala Academy
  The Kala Academy is a vibrant representation of the culture and art of the people of Goa and this is expressed in the myriad events held in its domain. Audiences in the Kala Academy have three venues to choose from, the indoor auditorium, the open amphitheatre and the exhibition hall.

• Kala Chhaya Homepage
  An institute founded in the year 1965 by Smt. Prabha Marathe - to bring the rich heritage of North Indian Classical Dance form Kathak.
• Kala Sadhanalaya
  A dance institution dedicated to the training and performance of Bharatanatyam in the Melattur style in Chennai India.
• Kala Sadhanalaya
  Kala Sadhanalaya is an institution dedicated to the training and performance of Bharatanatyam in the Melattur style- Founded by Revathi Ramachandran.
• Kala Vandana Dance Center
  Kala Vandana Dance Center, a premier dance institute in California, imparts instruction in the theory and performance of Bharatanatyam in the Kalaksherta style and tradition. Classes are designed for children, teenagers, and adults-- from beginners to post-graduate students.
• Kalaanjali School of Dance & Music
  Kalaanjali, LLC is a School of Dance & Music in Madison, Wisconsin, and is directed by its founder Meenakshi Ganesan.The primary focus of Kalaanjali is the offering of training in Bharatanatyam.
• Kalakshetra Foundation
  Kalakshetra was started in January 1936 by Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale, as a Cultural Academy for preservation of traditional values in Indian art, especially in the field of dance and music. It became a centre of excellence due to her dedication and perseverance.
• Kalangan
  Kalangan was formed by Jamuna and Krishnan to strengthen the infrastructure supporting classical Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam in the capital city of New Delhi, India.
• Kalasri
  Vidwan D. Keshava is the founder and leader of the school and stage
• Kathakali Sadanam
  Gandhi Seva Sadan- Kathakali and Classic Arts Academy’ popularly known as “Kathakali Sadanam’, started as a cultural wing of ‘Gandhi Seva Sadab’, is the third Kathakali training Center of Kerala after Kerala Kalamandalam and P.S.V. Natyasangham.
• Kathakali School
  The Kathakali School for Performing Arts and Culture (Kerala, INDIA) is a unified effort by a group of devoted enthusiasts lead by Kalamandalam Gopalakrishnan. The Kathakali School members are highly qualified and famous artist.
• Lalit Kala Kendra (Gurukul).
  Lalit Kala Kendra (Gurukul)is the ectre for Performing Arts at University of Pune.
• Mamata Shankar Ballet Troupe
  Mamata Shankar Ballet Troupe is a Calcutta based dance institute engaged in teaching and performing choreographic presentations on various contemporary themes and folk forms.
• Natya Dance Theatre (NDT)
  The purpose of the Natya Dance Theatre (NDT) is to serve as an agent of cultural preservation, presentation and exchange. NDT seeks to sustain and develop the traditional art forms of India through the teaching and performance of Bharata Natyam for audiences of all backgrounds.
• Noopur Dance Academy
  Noopur Dance Academy - School of Bharatanatyam and Folk Dance was founded in 1992 by Swati Shah,a talented Bharatanatyam dancer from India , dedicated to promote traditional dances in USA.
• Noopura Institute of Indian Classical Dance and Music
  It was established under the leadership of Dr. K R Kurup. Noopura periodically modified the Traditional art form of Kerala Mohiniyattam, under the patronage of Sri Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair and Smt. Kalamandalam Kallyani Kutty Amma.
• Nritya Prerana School of Dance
  Nritya Prerana School of Dance has been established by 'Suchitra Date'. Her Guru Shri Krishnamani was a disciple of Late Guru Laxmikantan of Tanjore and Guru Ponappa Pillai of Madras.
• Nrityanjali
  Nrityanjali is an institute of music, dance, dramatics, personality development & management services. It is a centre of learning. It is also a centre of understanding , thought and action. Nrityanjali's approach is simple and its medium is music, dance and dramatics.
• Practitioners and Gurus of Bharata Natyam
  A site which information on Gurus Institutions and Practitioners of Bharata Natyam worldwide.
• Purvi Sheth
  She is a Leading Bharatnatyam (dance) artist, Director of Srujan (School of Dances), and T.V. artist. Purvi Sheth has performed in, Leicester, Londan and in some other cities of India.
• Ragamala Music and Dance Theater
  Ragamala Music and Dance Theater's work provides a bridge between cultures both ancient and modern, exploring a unique style of living poetry for the stage. Rooted in Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form from southern India, Ragamala blends dance, music, and poetry. Old forms are used in new ways to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future.

• RajaRani Dance Academy
  It has been promoting the South Asian culture and dance in the North American Indian diaspora teaching filmi and folk dance, we also incorporate the basics of classical dances such as BharataNatyam and Kathak, as well as basics of Jazz, Ballet, and Modern Dance.
• Rangoli Foundation for Art and Culture
  Rangoli Foundation for Art & Culture, a non profit organization was established by artistic director Malathi Iyengar to realize a creative vision of presenting visual and performing arts of India.
• Samskriti Foundation
  Samskriti Foundation is a non profit organization committed to making the traditional performing arts of India, primarily classical music and dance, more accessible to the community, presenting them in superior quality performances and imparting the education required to practice, appreciate and experience them.
• Saundaryalahari
  -- exponent dancer in Kuchipudi.
• Saundaryalahari School of Dance
  Saundaryalahari School of dance is a Kuchipudi dance school in Chennai.
• Savithri Arts Academy
  Internationally acclaimed classical dancer Dr. Sinduri Jayasinghe is the Founder, Director and Guru of Savithri Arts Academy which was established in 1997. Specializing in Bharatha Natyam, Kuchipudi, folk dances of India and Sri Lanka, they offer Karnatic and Hindustani musical courses as well.
• Shambhavi School of Dance
  Shambhavi School of Dance was established in 1993 by Founder Director Vyjayanthi to promote and encourage the exchange of dances and dance related activities in India and abroad, and to effectively network those who support these objectives. Shambhavi's Dance Village situated 11kms from Bangalore City is the one and only Health Spa which uses Dance Therapy for the emotionally disturbed, depressed, physically handicapped and mentally retarded. This also includes massage therapy, acupuncture, yoga, music and is helpful for any seeker of peace.
• Shree Bharatalaya
  Shree Bharatalaya came into being in 1970 following an initiative jointly taken by K.Soundararaja Iyengar, Sudharani Raghupathy & Madurai N. Krishnan.
• Shree Bharatalaya
  Shree Bharatalaya came into being in 1970 following an initiative jointly taken by K.Soundararaja Iyengar, Sudharani Raghupathy & Madurai N. Krishnan. This is a unique institution of learning for classical Bharatanatyam dance and classical music.
• Shri Krupa Dance Foundation
  Shri Krupa Dance Foundation is a San Jose based non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of India. They teach, perform and present, the Indian classical dance form of Bharatanatyam, in and around the Bay Area.

• Silambam
  Silambam is a unique dance school that was started as an alliance of Shree Bharatalaya, a leading institution of fine arts in Chennai, India. This close tie not only helps to maintain the rigor and discipline present at Shree Bharatalaya, but also gives students at Silambam the spiritual background and high standards needed in this dance field.
• Skanda School of Performing Arts
  Skanda School of Performing Arts provides quality teaching and specialized courses in Carnatic music & Bharatanatyam.
• SuviBadra Institute of Indian Art and Culture
  SuviBadra Institute of Indian Art & Culture is dedicated to enhance and improve the awareness of Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam dance.
• The Chitresh Das Dance Company
  The Chitresh Das Dance Company (CDDC) is comprised of dancers whose abilities exemplify Chitresh Das’ emphasis on the technical, graceful and dramatic aspects of Kathak dance
• Venkatesh Natya Mandir
  Bharat Natyam is the most intricate, compact and glorious of all the South Indian Classical dance forms.
• Vijnana Kala Vedi Cultural Centre
  They Preserve the traditional arts and crafts of Kerala in their natural and spiritual context, to foster the artistic education of youngsters in Kerala. Also they Provide foreign artists, researchers and culturally oriented tourists with opportunities to become acquainted with the culture and arts of India.