THE KALAKSHETRA FOUNDATION, CHENNAI

Kalakshetra Foundation, formerly known simply as Kalakshetra, is an arts and cultural academy in Chennai, India, dedicated to preserving traditional values in Indian art and crafts, especially Bharatanatyam dance and Gandharvaveda music. It was founded in January 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale and her husband George Arundale in Adyar, Chennai. In 1944, the University of Madras granted affiliation for diploma courses in Music, Dance, and Painting & Crafts. In 1962, the academy moved to a new 40-hectare campus in Besant Nagar, Chennai. In January 1994, an Act of the Parliament of India recognized Kalakshetra Foundation as an 'Institute of National Importance.' The current Chairman is S. Ramadorai and the current director is Revathi Ramachandran. Rukmini Devi Arundale developed the distinctive Kalakshetra style of Bharatanatyam, noted for its angular, ballet-like movements and avoidance of certain traditional elements. The institution includes the Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts, Rukmini Devi Museum, Koothambalam theatre, and a Craft Education and Research Centre. In recent years, the foundation has faced controversy over allegations of sexual harassment by a senior faculty member, leading to protests, police investigation, and governmental scrutiny.