Kalakshetra, art school
Kalakshetra is an art academy in Chennai dedicated to teaching traditional Indian art forms, with residence buildings, teaching studios, and performance spaces spread across the campus. It also includes workshops where crafts like weaving and natural dyeing are practiced alongside the dance and music training.
The institution was founded in 1936 with the goal of reviving and preserving classical Indian arts. It grew into a respected center for teaching Bharatanatyam dance and other traditional art forms that might otherwise have been lost.
The name comes from Sanskrit words meaning 'temple of the arts.' Visitors see traditional Indian art forms being practiced throughout the grounds, from classical dance to crafts and textiles.
The campus is open to visitors during set hours and offers opportunities to watch performances and craft workshops. Visitors should dress appropriately and plan their visit around times when classes are active and performances take place.
The academy has preserved and teaches its own weaving and dyeing techniques based on natural colors passed down through generations of artisans. This makes it one of the few places where these specialized skills continue to be transmitted as part of the training.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
