At the institute I met a few students who even learn classical western forms like Ballet and Ballroom. Nalanda has more than justified his prophetic vision with this new addition. Nalanda Dance Research Centre is a non-profit public trust, it is a premier institution that enjoys a unique position in the world of dance and education.Nalanda this year celebrates its 50 glorious years, on this special occasion I met and congratulated my dear friend Bharatnatyaum exponent Uma Rele who is the Principal of this school that provides dance education to over 1000 dance lovers each year through Office organizer their full time and part time courses in Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Mohiniattam, Kathakali and Odissi. They say new generation brings in new light and new power, Vaidehi who is a bundle of energy was super excited to inform me that Nalanda had taken a new step ahead on its golden jubilee year, she said ‘this year we have introduced a new course called Movement Science, it is a degree, a Master of Fine Ats at the University of Mumbai, this course has everything in it from fitness programmes to exercise science to even Yoga, Kalaripayettu and other allied subjects.

It speaks of a dancer who stands on the foundation of Nalanda and is looking upward to the sky to soar on the wings of knowledge and success. Kanak Rele and her entire dance family wonderful years filled with loads of knowledge of dance. Seeing a traditional institute take a modern approach is indeed a refreshing change for the dancers of today, this new addition to Nalanda and its teaching methods truly proves the vision of visionary Dr. Moti Chandra had selected the motto and emblem for Nalanda. Acceptance of formal academics in dancing at the university level and recognition of dance as a full-fledged discipline for scientific research are the two pioneering achievements of Nalanda which have justifiably earned it the premier position. Kanak Rele who always believes in what the emblem of Nalanda showcases., the only dance institution to be so recognised.While I was talking to warm and friendly Uma Rele her dynamic dancer daughter Vaidehi Rele walked into the office.’ When you visit Nalanda the sounds of Ghungaroo along with Tabla, Mridangam and Manjeera catch your attention, but when you walk into a class room it is not just Indian classical dance history one see the students learn but, students are even taught the detailed evolution of western classical dance Ballet, shown videos of various Ballet shows to understand it better.

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