Latest news with #KalakshetraFoundation
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Melattur Bhagavata Mela commences
The five-day annual Melattur Bhagavatha Mela Natya Natak Mahotsavam commenced at Mellatur near here on Sunday. The Bhagavatha Mela festival organised by the Melattur Bhagavatha Mela Natya Vidya Sangam and Natak Trust was inaugurated by the Thanjavur prince Babaji Raja Bhonsle Chattrapati, the hereditary trustee of Thanjavur Palace Devasthanams. Revathi Ramachandran, former Director of Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai, K.V. Satyanarayana, Kuchipudi dancer and N.V. Devi Prasad, former principal of Madras Sanskrit College, were special guests at the event held at Shri Nalli Kuppuswamy Auditorium, Sri Lakshmi Nrusimha Swamy temple, Melattur. To preserve this ancient art form and for the benefit of future generations, Melattur Bhagavatha Mela Guru Kalaimamani R. Mahalingam has published eight out of 10 plays enacted by great Sri Venkatarama Sastri. This year, a book on 'Rukmini Kalyanamu', was released, according to an official release.
Hans India
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Dance as a career: Exploring Opportunities in India
Dance, once regarded primarily as a hobby or a cultural tradition, has today emerged as a dynamic and rewarding career option in India. With the growing significance of the arts across education, media, wellness industries, and global cultural exchange, dance now offers a wide array of opportunities for those who are passionate and committed. India's rich and diverse dance heritage—from classical forms like Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Mohiniyattam to vibrant folk traditions and contemporary styles—provides a strong cultural foundation for aspiring dancers. This cultural diversity has created an ecosystem where dancers can pursue various styles, innovate by blending traditional and modern techniques, and cater to audiences with eclectic tastes. Today's dancers are no longer confined to traditional stage performances. They are carving careers as performers, choreographers, educators, therapists, researchers, and even entrepreneurs. Opportunities exist across different sectors: performing at prestigious cultural festivals, teaching at renowned institutions, choreographing for films, music videos, and weddings, conducting dance therapy sessions, curating workshops, and creating digital dance content for global audiences. Many are also establishing their own dance studios, production houses, and wellness centers, using dance as a medium for physical fitness, mental health, and community engagement. Education and training play a crucial role in shaping a successful dance career. Institutions such as Kalakshetra Foundation, Kerala Kalamandalam, Rabindra Bharati University, and various university-based performing arts programs offer structured learning that blends rigorous practice with theoretical understanding. These institutions equip dancers with technical skills, academic knowledge, and industry exposure, preparing them for multifaceted professional journeys. Certificate and diploma programs, as well as advanced degrees, allow students to specialize in particular styles or explore interdisciplinary approaches. Many contemporary dance programs are evolving to offer more than traditional performance training. In addition to practical skills, curricula often include subjects such as media studies, dance criticism, research methodologies, arts management, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This broader approach helps dancers develop abilities not only in performance but also in analysis, documentation, innovation, and leadership within the field. As a result, graduates are increasingly prepared for diverse careers as performers, scholars, educators, cultural managers, content creators, and cultural ambassadors, reflecting the expanding opportunities within the performing arts. Technology has also opened up new avenues for dancers. Online platforms enable dancers to teach virtual classes, conduct webinars, collaborate internationally, and showcase their work to wider audiences without geographical limitations. Social media has become a powerful tool for building personal brands, attracting sponsorships, and participating in global artistic conversations. Virtual reality, augmented reality, and AI are slowly influencing dance productions and choreography, presenting new creative challenges and opportunities for the next generation of artists. Yet, the path is not without its challenges. Financial uncertainty, inconsistent work opportunities, lack of formal employment structures, and societal expectations around stability can be difficult hurdles to overcome. Moreover, the highly competitive nature of the field demands constant skill development, physical fitness, networking, and adaptability. Nevertheless, the growing appreciation for the arts, the rise of digital platforms, international cultural collaborations, and supportive government initiatives such as scholarships, fellowships, and grants are steadily transforming the landscape. Many states and organizations now recognize the arts as a critical part of cultural diplomacy and national identity, opening doors for dancers to represent India on global platforms. Choosing dance as a profession is a bold and fulfilling decision. It demands dedication, resilience, creativity, and lifelong learning. But for those who follow their passion with discipline and vision, dance offers a life rich in expression, cultural connection, and meaningful impact, both within India and on the global stage. As the boundaries between tradition and innovation continue to blur, the future of dance in India looks not only promising but also profoundly exciting. (The author is Head of the Department and Assistant Professor – School of Performing, Visual and Creative Arts, Alliance University)
