New Delhi is home to several prestigious institutions dedicated to Indian classical dance forms. Here are some of the most notable ones:
Government Institutions
- Sangeet Natak Akademi
- Established in 1952, India’s National Academy for Music, Dance, and Drama.
- Promotes and preserves the performing arts, including classical dance forms.
- Kathak Kendra (National Institute of Kathak Dance)
- Established in 1964 under the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
- Premier institution for training in the classical dance form of Kathak.
- Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)
- Engages in research, documentation, and training in Indian arts, including classical dance.
Renowned Dance Academies & Cultural Institutions
- Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra
- Founded in 1952, offers training in Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Odissi, and Hindustani classical music.
- Known for its grand Ramayana and Krishna ballet productions.
- Triveni Kala Sangam
- Established in 1950, a hub for learning Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Manipuri, and other Indian arts.
- Also has an art gallery and performance space.
- Gandharva Mahavidyalaya
- Established in 1939, one of the oldest institutions for Indian classical dance and music.
- Offers training in Kathak and Bharatanatyam.
Famous Gurus’ Institutions
- Raja Radha Reddy’s Natya Tarangini
- Founded by Padma Bhushan Raja and Radha Reddy, a premier Kuchipudi dance academy.
- Padmashri Dr. Saroja Vaidyanathan’s Ganesa Natyalaya
- Established in 1974, a premier Bharatanatyam institution.
- Guru Debu Prasad Das Odissi Dance Centre
- Founded by Guru Debu Prasad Das, a renowned Odissi dance school.
- Uma Sharma’s Bharatiya Sangeet Sadan
- Focused on the revival and promotion of Kathak.
- Nrityashree (by Sharon Lowen)
- Specializing in Odissi, directed by renowned Odissi exponent Sharon Lowen.
- Diksha Manjari
- Founded by Geeta Chandran, a noted Bharatanatyam dancer.
- Drishtikon Dance Foundation
- A contemporary Kathak institute founded by Aditi Mangaldas.
Each of these institutions plays a significant role in promoting, preserving, and teaching Indian classical dance.