Kalabhavan is a unique institution on the cultural map of Kerala. Kalabhavan has come with a profound curriculum of cultural activities for the interested children. Its service in endorsing cultural facets as well as in discovering new talents and training existing ones is indeed rarely seen. Carnatic Music, Bongos, Mridangam, Violin, Flute, Bharatnatyam, Mohiniyattam, Folk dance, Kuchuppudi, Guitar, Cinematic dance, Veena, Mimicry, Oil Painting, Tabala and Drums are taught in Kalabhavan.
Kalabhavan is believed to be a landmark and symbol of hope in the cultural history of Kerala. On September 3rd 1969, Dr. Abel C.M.I founded this institution. But now more than 4000 students are learning various disciplines of fine arts in Kalabhavan. Children of age above 4 years, who are interested in fine arts, are admitted here for training. All kinds of musical instruments are provided at Kalabhavan. With time Kalabhavan has earned the remarkable distinction of imparting training to almost 60000 students in the various branches of music and related arts. Several dancers who received training from Kalabhavan are presently employed in music troupes of repute, broadcasting, stage performances and telecasting networks. Some of them have also left their indelible mark of excellence on the silver screen and the small screen.
Kalabhavan is managed by an elected committee and their decisions are executed through the team of office staff. Kalabhavan promotes cultural talents, on a scale that was never before attempted by any other organisation, government or public. Nearly 60,000 students have completed their studies at Kalabhavan till date. All facilities for them are arranged under one roof so that they can receive training in every possible facility. In fact it was Kalabhavan that made the sphere of art and culture reachable to the common man at an affordable charge than the other dance academies. At present, too, Kalabhavan provides opportunities for students of all economic background.
The students are generally admitted in Kalabhavan at the beginning of every month. Discipline and respect to the entire curriculum is strictly maintained at this Indian dance academy. Students are advised to handle musical instruments with proper care. Instruments are not allowed to move out of the premises. Smoking, playing cards, wandering about are strictly prohibited within the premises of Kalabhavan. Normally a student is given eight lessons in a month. The time of classes can be adjusted according to ease of each student. Students are encouraged to give their ultimate attention to their sphere of study and master the subject they learn within the shortest span of time.
Regular classes of Kalabhavan are held on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 5 pm. Intensive courses are also offered to full time students. School and college going students may attend classes on weekdays, before and after class hours. The duration of the course varies according to the chosen subjects. Programmes and arangetrams are organised at Kalabhavan auditorium for the trainees. The students attending different courses in Kalabhavan take active part in such programmes. Every year the students of Kalabhavan complete their courses successfully and have established a recognised place in the realm of performing arts in India.
