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Department of Performing Arts inaugurated at Alliance University, Bengaluru - Madhumathi Neelamaraju January 25, 2014 Alliance University in Bangalore, a reputed private university, achieved another milestone by starting the department of Performing Arts with courses in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. Dr. Madhukar G. Angur, Chancellor, Alliance University, recently inaugurated the Department of Performing Arts in the presence of Bharatanatyam dancer and scholar, Guru Usha Venkateshwaran. In his inspiring inaugural address to students, parents and faculty, Dr. Angur stated that Alliance University is committed to preserving the great cultural heritage of Indian classical dance and other performing arts through establishing this department, which aims at promoting world class learning in classical Indian art forms, among others. As per tradition, Dr. Vasanth Kiran, Head of Department, Alliance University Department of Performing Arts, conducted a Natyarambham ceremony to induct the students, many of who are from countries in Europe and Asia, into the Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dance forms.  The department offers state-of-the-art infrastructure, a studio and extensive audiovisual and learning resources. In his speech, Vasanth Kiran highlighted the need for system and structure in dance education and also the need for students to know the traditional art forms in its original structure. He proposed plans for the department in the next academic year.  Usha Venkateshwaran spoke about the guru-shishya parampara, that to instill it back in our education system is the need of the hour. Sharing her over 7 decades of experience, she urged students to go deep into the subject and develop the thirst of wanting to know more through research in dance. The design of curriculum which supports to pursue the courses without quitting jobs or regular studies is commendable, she said. All the participants recited the Natyarambham shloka, demonstrated the shloka along with the explanation. Students of Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi started their basic adavus under Vasant Kiran’s guidance. The beautifully carved idol of Lord Nataraja on an artistically made pedestal in the dance area added to the ambience.