Founded in 2002 by Suchitra Sairam, Kala Vandanam shares the beauty of Bharatanatyam (South Indian classical dance), nattuvangam, konnakkol and allied arts through education, outreach, performance and presentation.
Integrating the best of eastern and western sensibilities, Kala Vandanam’s work reflects key qualities of the Kalakshetra style, including:
Kala Vandanam retains the art’s traditional roots while treating it as a “living” performance art, by carrying on classic works by great masters from the Kalakshetra tradition, and creating original work.
Kala Vandanam fosters every artist blossoming in their own time, through
Kala Vandanam’s primary education initiative is long-term training of students. Dancers trained at Kala Vandanam have earned accolades for their solo and group performances, and been recognized through national arts initiatives for youth, such as YoungArts, and international, national and local competitions.
Outreach activities include demonstrations, presentations and performances in varied school and community settings, bringing Indian performance art, culture and language to uninitiated audiences to increase awareness, understanding and enjoyment.
Kala Vandanam’s performance initiatives include self-produced professional productions, festival performances, community -based events, and student recitals. In addition, Kala Vandanam is committed to propagating Indian performing arts through its presenting wing, hosting performances and workshops by internationally acclaimed artists for anyone from arts lovers to the uninitiated.
“Kala Vandanam was founded on the vision of sharing India’s oldest classical dance tradition with modern audiences.”
“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.”
– Pablo Picasso
Longtime Kala Vandanam dancer Apoorva Godavarti leads a Youth Bharatanatyam workshop in 825 Arts' "Speak Out & Lead" festival. Try your hands, eyes and feet at some movements, and your […]