In Thiruvanmiyur, beyond Elliot's beach,
is Kalakshetra or 'Temple of Art'. It was founded in 1936 by danseuse
Rukmini Devi Arundale to revive interest in Bharatanatyam which is the
classical dance form of the state of Tamil Nadu. Run on the ancient gurukulam
system, this institution is devoted to classical dance, music and traditional
textile designs and weaving. The Kalakshetra Foundation comprises the
Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts, the Besant Arundale Senior Secondary
School, the Besant Theosophical High School, the Craft Education and Research
Centre, the Bharata Kalakshetra Auditorium and the Dr U. V. Swaminatha
Iyer Library. The Craft Education and Research Center of Kalakshetra is
famous for reviving traditional South Indian saree patterns and colors
in silk and cotton. It has an extraordinary theater, where in the month
of December Kalakshetra holds its annual ballet festival. Throughout the
year Kalakshetra conducts music recital and dance performances in different
parts of Chennai.
Contact : The Deputy - Director
Central Office, Kalakshetra Foundation Tiruvanmiyur, Chennai - 600 041
Telephone : 044 - 24911836,24914359
Tele/Fax : 044 - 24914359 Contact :E-mail
