Kalakshetra Academy Chennai / Chidambaram Academy of Performing Arts Chennai / The Music Academy Madras / The Academy of Fine Arts Kolkata / ITC Sangeet Research Academy Kolkata / Darpana academy Ahmedabad / Institutions for Indian Classical Dances New Delhi / Kathak Kendra Lucknow / Saptak School of Music Ahmedabad / Bhathkhande Sangit Vidyapith Mumbai / Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra New Delhi / Annapurna devi Foundation Mumbai / Bengal Parampara Sangeetalay Kolkata / Prayag Sangeet Samiti Prayagraj / Ganesa natyalaya New Delhi / Nalanda Nritya Kala Maha Vidyalaya Mumbai / Nrityagram Bangalore / Kala Mandir Kolkata / The Temple of Fine Arts Chennai / Birju Maharaj Kathak Kendra Lucknow /
Introduction
India’s classical music and dance academies are the custodians of the country’s rich artistic traditions, nurturing generations of performers and preserving centuries-old heritage. These institutions serve as cultural sanctuaries where students immerse themselves in the intricate rhythms of Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, and other classical dance forms, as well as the melodious strains of Hindustani and Carnatic music.
Prestigious academies like Kalakshetra Academy, Chennai, and Kathak Kendra, Lucknow, have played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of Indian classical dance, offering rigorous training in Bharatanatyam and Kathak, respectively. The Music Academy Madras and ITC Sangeet Research Academy, Kolkata, stand as revered centers for the study and promotion of classical music, drawing students and scholars from across the globe.
Other esteemed institutions such as Nrityagram in Bangalore, Darpana Academy in Ahmedabad, and Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya in Mumbai continue to uphold India’s dance traditions with a modern pedagogical approach. Similarly, Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad, and Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, New Delhi, have been instrumental in fostering the growth of classical music and dance, ensuring that these art forms remain relevant in contemporary times.
With a legacy spanning centuries, these academies not only teach technique and theory but also instill a deep spiritual and cultural connection, allowing students to carry forward India’s artistic heritage with authenticity and passion. Their contributions to classical arts reaffirm India’s position as a global hub for music and dance excellence.