Introduction
Founded in 1975 by the legendary Bharatanatyam dancer Chitra Visweswaran and her husband R. Visweswaran, Chidambaram Academy of Performing Arts (CAPA) is one of India’s most prestigious institutions dedicated to the classical dance form of Bharatanatyam. Located in Chennai, CAPA is committed to nurturing the next generation of artists by providing rigorous, holistic, and innovative training in Bharatanatyam, while staying deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Indian classical dance.
Over the decades, CAPA has trained numerous acclaimed performers, choreographers, and teachers, making significant contributions to the global recognition of Bharatanatyam. The academy is known for its personalized approach to training, maintaining small batch sizes to ensure individual attention and artistic refinement. Through its curriculum, workshops, lecture-demonstrations, and performances, CAPA has set high standards in the world of performing arts.
With its strong foundation in classical traditions and a vision for innovation, CAPA has expanded its influence internationally, with several of its alumni establishing satellite centers across the world. Today, it stands as a beacon of excellence in Bharatanatyam, preserving India’s cultural heritage while fostering artistic evolution.