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About

The word Lila (Sanskrit: लीला) means divine play - the joyful, spontaneous expression of creativity. At Lila Arts Centre, we embrace this spirit in everything we do.

Founded by Anu Bhaskararaman, we are a vibrant performance space and dance studio nestled in the cultural heart of T. Nagar, Chennai. Our mission is to nurture the classical and contemporary performing arts, creating a welcoming space where dancers, musicians, and artists of all levels can learn, practice, perform, and grow together.

From intimate dance classes to grand performances, Lila Arts Centre is where art comes alive.

Artistic Director

Anu Bhaskararaman

Anu is a Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer and teacher, and the founder and artistic director of Lila Arts Centre. She performs and teaches here and elsewhere — most recently the varnam Shri Krishna Kamalanatho, under the auspices of Natyarangam.

At Lila she is building a space where the next generation of dancers can develop their art with rigour, joy and creative freedom.

Events

Performances, recitals and workshops on our stage in T. Nagar.

Nothing is scheduled just now — new programmes are announced on Instagram first, and appear here as soon as the date is fixed.

Classes

We teach three disciplines, to students of all ages and levels of experience. Beginners are welcome in every one of them.

Bharatanatyam

The classical dance form of Tamil Nadu, taught from foundational adavus through to advanced repertoire. Available both in person and online.

Kalaripayattu

Kerala’s martial art, and one of the oldest in the world — conditioning, sequences and weapons work. In person only.

Carnatic Vocal

Classical vocal music in the Carnatic tradition.

Workshops and intensives run alongside the regular classes through the year; they are announced on Instagram and listed under Events.

Register for Bharatanatyam or Kalaripayattu — for Carnatic vocal, message us on WhatsApp.

The Space

Lila Arts Centre features a thoughtfully designed performance and practice space equipped for dance, music, theatre, and more.

Performance Hall

An intimate venue perfect for dance recitals, musical concerts, theatre productions, and cultural events. Carefully considered acoustics and lighting provide an ideal setting for performances that demand attention to detail.

Dance Studio

A spacious, well-lit studio with sprung wooden flooring designed for safe and comfortable practice. Mirrors, sound system, and climate control ensure an optimal training environment.

Library

A curated collection of books, recordings, and resources on Indian classical arts, dance history, and performance studies.

Book the Space

Book a visit on Google Calendar