Where To Catch A Traditional Indian Dance Show In Mumbai

Mumbai has plenty of public and private institutions that regularly showcase the country’s rich performing arts, so you have quite a few options for watching a traditional dance performance. Here’s a roundup of the city’s top spots to catch a show, from a remote folk dance to a classic Bharatanatyam performance.

1. National Center For Performing Arts

Theater

Founded in 1969, the National Centre For Performing Arts (NCPA) is the country’s largest performing arts center, with more than 700 events hosted here each year. Built to preserve and promote India’s cherished artistic heritage in the fields of music, dance, theater, film, literature and photography, the NCPA frequently hosts some of the country’s best and most promising emerging dancers. The Mudra Dance Festival, held every April, consistently presents a rich program with traditional dances from around the country. The NCPA Nakshatra Dance Festival, held every October, features troupe performances led by prominent figures in Indian classical dance.

2. Sri Shanmukhananda Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Auditorium

Established in 1959 with the aim of promoting fine arts in the city, Shanmukhananda is among Mumbai’s premier arts institutions. This legendary auditorium frequently showcases dance performances and festivals and has hosted everyone from Lata Mangeshkar to Ustad Zakir Hussain. The annual dance and music festival features folk and traditional dances from remote corners of the country.
Shanmukhananda, Plot No 292, Comrade Harbanslal Marg, Sion East, Mumbai, India, +91 22 2407 8888
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSaV27ihpEr/

3. Ravindra Natya Mandir

On the ground floor of the P. L. Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy—set up in 2002 to celebrate and promote Marathi theatre, music and arts—is the Ravindra Natya Mandir Auditorium, yet another venue that consistently showcases quality traditional dance performances. Recent shows at this venue have included Kathak, Odissi and Bharatanatyam performances, as well as workshops on relatively more remote folk dance forms.
Ravindra Natya Mandir, PL Deshpande Auditorium, Sayani Rd, Prabhadevi, Mumbai, India, +91 22 2436 5990

5. Sivaswamy Auditorium

Run by the Fine Arts Society, the Sivaswamy Auditorium is a fantastic place to watch performances by young and emerging classic dance artists.
Fine Arts Cultural Centre, RC Marg, Postal Colony, Chembur East, Mumbai, India, +91 22 2522 2988

6. Kala Nrithya Academy

As one of the premier institutions of Bharatanatyam in Mumbai, the Kala Nrithya Academy is one of the finest options for those looking to appreciate this classical dance from the south. Training dancers as young as five years old, the institution frequently puts together performances and festivals.
Kala Nrithya Academy, Ghatkopar Rd, Andheri E, Mumbai, India, +91 98 7006 0522

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.