Dance Trance by Sandip Soparrkar

Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya is one of the leading dance institutions in India, and recently it has been given Autonomous Status under Mumbai university. This is indeed a huge achievement, I spoke with Dr. Uma Rele, Principal of Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya, about the same. Excerpts from the interview:

Your institute has been granted autonomous status under Mumbai University! How does it feel to witness this milestone?

It’s an incredibly proud moment for all of us here at Nalanda. This achievement is not just a testament to our hard work but also a tribute to the vision and determination of our late founder, Padma Bhushan Dr. Kanak Rele. Her life’s work in institutionalizing dance education in India has brought us to this stage. She was relentless in her mission to make classical dance an academically recognized discipline, and this milestone is a continuation of that vision. The recognition of Nalanda as an autonomous institution under Mumbai university is a dream come true, and we are excited about the endless possibilities this opens up for our students and faculty.

How has Nalanda’s journey been under Dr. Kanak Rele’s leadership?

Nalanda was founded in 1966 and started awarding degrees from 1973 by Dr. Kanak Rele with the aim of formalizing the study of classical dance in India. At that time, dance was still viewed by many as something that fell outside the traditional academic curriculum. Dr. Rele wanted to change that by blending the rigors of classical dance with the structure of higher education. She introduced pioneering concepts like the ‘Margam System’ in Bharatanatyam, and she was instrumental in codifying Mohiniyattam as a distinct classical form. Under her leadership, Nalanda became a hub for scholars, dancers, and teachers, producing some of the most respected names in the field. Dr. Rele’s philosophy was always to view dance not only as an art form but as a holistic discipline that cultivates both the body and the mind.

What challenges did Nalanda face in becoming a university, and how were they overcome?

One of the biggest obstacles was ensuring that our unique teaching methodologies, rooted in tradition, could meet the academic and regulatory frameworks of higher education. It wasn’t easy to reconcile the needs of classical dance education with the expectations of universities that were largely oriented toward conventional disciplines. But Dr. Kanak Rele was always innovative. We worked closely with academic bodies and higher education authorities to demonstrate that dance can be both an art and a rigorous academic pursuit. One of the key hurdles was the perception that arts education, particularly in classical dance, was less valuable compared to STEM fields. We held seminars, workshops, and performances to showcase the intellectual and interdisciplinary value of studying dance. The support from our alumni and the larger dance community was also critical in overcoming these barriers.

How will this autonomous status as a university impact the future?

We now have the freedom to design our own curriculum, tailor our programs to the needs of the dance community, and introduce new academic initiatives. The autonomy allows us to establish interdisciplinary courses that blend dance with other fields such as music, theatre, technology, and even healthcare. For instance, we are working on programs that merge dance with yoga, anatomy, fitness, and therapy. The autonomy also facilitates international collaborations, which will enable our students and faculty to engage in cross-cultural exchanges, enriching their experience and broadening their horizons. We also plan to expand our research initiatives, as Nalanda has always been a pioneer in dance research. Our future as a university will make Nalanda a global center for Indian classical dance education.

Could you please share some of the upcoming initiatives or programs?

We are extremely excited about several new programs that we are in the process of launching. First and foremost, we are introducing postgraduate and doctoral programs in dance studies, focusing on areas like dance history, choreography, dance therapy, and even dance technology. We are also working on short-term certification courses for those who are not looking for a formal degree but wish to deepen their knowledge or simply explore dance as a hobby.

One of our most ground-breaking initiatives is the ‘Masters in Human Movement’, a multidisciplinary program that integrates dance with yoga, anatomy, fitness, and wellness. It’s designed to cater to the growing demand for professionals who understand the human body holistically and can work in areas like physical therapy, rehabilitation, and wellness.

Under the new education policy of our government we have introduced electives like sound and light, make up, fitness and nutrition, etc. Students have option of majoring in one style and taking a minor degree in any other classical dance or folk dance with intense field projects and on job training options. Our degree and master’s program has become more holistic now. We have MoUs with other colleges and a University to have exchange programs for faculty and students.

What role do you see Nalanda playing in preserving India’s classical dance traditions?

Nalanda has always been at the forefront of preserving and promoting India’s classical dance traditions. We believe that dance is a living, breathing tradition, and it’s crucial that we ensure its relevance in contemporary society. Our role is not just about teaching the steps but about instilling a deeper understanding of the history, philosophy, and cultural context behind the art forms.

Through our rigorous training programs, research initiatives, and collaborations, we aim to keep the ancient traditions of Indian classical dance alive while also adapting to the changing global landscape. By ensuring that our students receive a holistic education—one that combines technical mastery with an understanding of the tradition’s roots—we contribute to the continued vibrancy and relevance of these art forms in the modern world.

Looking ahead, where do you see Nalanda in the next decade?

In the next decade, I envision Nalanda as a global center for excellence in classical dance education. We will have expanded our academic offerings to include postgraduate and doctoral programs, launched innovative research projects, and developed state-of-the-art facilities. Our students will be global ambassadors for Indian classical dance, equipped with a comprehensive understanding of both traditional and contemporary practices. Nalanda will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of arts education, contributing to a broader recognition of the importance of dance and the arts in society.