In Thiruvanmiyur, beyond Elliot's beach, is Kalakshetra or 'Temple of Art'. It was founded in 1936 by danseuse Rukmini Devi Arundale to revive interest in Bharatanatyam which is the classical dance form of the state of Tamil Nadu. Run on the ancient gurukulam system, this institution is devoted to classical dance, music and traditional textile designs and weaving. The Kalakshetra Foundation comprises the Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts, the Besant Arundale Senior Secondary School, the Besant Theosophical High School, the Craft Education and Research Centre, the Bharata Kalakshetra Auditorium and the Dr U. V. Swaminatha Iyer Library. The Craft Education and Research Center of Kalakshetra is famous for reviving traditional South Indian saree patterns and colors in silk and cotton. It has an extraordinary theater, where in the month of December Kalakshetra holds its annual ballet festival. Throughout the year Kalakshetra conducts music recital and dance performances in different parts of Chennai.

Contact : 
The Deputy - Director
Central Office, Kalakshetra Foundation
Tiruvanmiyur, Chennai - 600 041
Telephone : 044 - 24911836,24914359
Tele/Fax : 044 - 24914359
Contact : E-mail