Ananda Shankar Centre for Performing Arts
The origin story
It was the late Sixties. Composer Ananda Shankar returns to Kolkata (then Calcutta) after [] years in the United States of America, with a dream of continuing his parents’ legacy – of blending contemporary elements with traditional dance forms. And out of this dream, in 1986 was born Payel, a dance school he established with his wife, dancer-choregrapher Tanusree.
Payel aimed to teach the dance technique perfected by his father, Uday Shankar. A year later, in 1987, the school was renamed the Ananda Shankar Centre for Performing Arts and officially registered as a non-profit organisation.
From its beginnings, the Centre was envisioned not just as a typical dance school, but as a modern gurukul—a place where students would receive not only knowledge but also love, care, and affection.
Shankar’s vision for the Centre was deeply rooted in his upbringing. From a family of artistes, and the son of a renowned dancer, Shankar always believed in imbuing dance as a profession with its due dignity. At a time when dance was often regarded as merely a hobby, and considered taboo as a career, Shankar was determined to change this perception. He firmly believed that if one could excel as a dancer and do so with grace and dignity, there was no reason not to embrace it as a legitimate profession.
Forward-thinking visionary that he was, Shankar sought to create a space where dancers could thrive, not just as artistes, but as respected professionals, contributing to the evolution of dance in a way that honoured both tradition and innovation.
Future first
At the Ananda Shankar Centre for Performing Arts, our vision is to create a nurturing and inclusive space where dancers of all backgrounds can develop their craft, gain access to valuable opportunities, and grow and evolve in a positive environment that fosters creativity.
As a non-profit organisation, we are dedicated to uplifting the art of dance and supporting the next generation of artistes through the following initiatives:
- Encouraging exploration and development, providing a platform for creative expression that bridges tradition and modernity
- Commitment to offering scholarships to talented dancers from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their artistic potential
- Presenting new dancers and choreographers, giving them the opportunity to showcase their work and build their careers in the world of dance
- Offering specialised training for teachers, equipping them with the unique Shankar Technique, which blends classical dance traditions with modern influences, ensuring that this legacy is passed on to future generations
- Understanding the importance of holistic well-being, we offer yoga and fitness classes to help dancers strengthen their bodies, improve flexibility, and maintain overall health
- Providing full scholarships for exceptional students to pursue higher dance studies abroad, giving them the chance to experience international exposure and further their artistic development
- Bringing renowned Indian dancers and choreographers to conduct workshops, allowing students to deepen their knowledge of Indian Classical Dance and broaden their artistic horizons
- Inviting respected international dance masters to lead workshops, offering students the opportunity to learn a variety of global dance techniques and perspectives