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Manipuri Classical Dance
Frontal View The Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, earlier called the “Manipur Dance College”, was established on the first of April, 1954 at Babupara Theatre Hall with a donation of Rs. 12,000/- only from the Prime Minister’s fund. On his first visit to Manipur in 1952, the late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru witnessed Ras in the Royal palace of His Late Highness Maharaj Bodhachandra Singh. The Academy was born at the initiative of Shri Jawaharlal Nehru who was deeply moved by the spectacle of the Ras. The Late Guru Amubi Singh and Guru Haobam Atomba Singh, assisted by many other outstanding Gurus of Manipur, dedicated themselves to this institution so that it may flourish and keep alive a rich and creative dance tradition.
From the year 1957, the Sangeet Natak Akademi of New Delhi bore the responsibility of running the Manipur Dance College. After the demise of Shri Jawaharlal Nehru, at a solemn function held on June 8,1964 the Manipur Dance College was renamed “The Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy” to perpetuate the memory of its founder. The Academy is now making steady progress under the patronage and guidance of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, and Theatre Manipur Government. The latter has donated a spacious plot on which an attractive building has been constructed to house the Academy off the main avenue of Imphal City. Open Air Theatre
Class Rooms

Manipur has a long and rich tradition of dance and music. Indeed the finest express of the culture and way of life of the people of Manipur is mirrored in these art forms. From ancient times pupils visited the residence of gurus to study and learn classical dancing and music and thus an ancient heritage of the “Guru-Shisya” relationship was established. The Royal circle of Manipur was the Chief patrons and source of inspiration for all lovers of these arts, and the palace was the focal point for music and dance performance.

With rapid change in the Social Culture and Political life of the Manipuris, the people felt the need for a composite institution for the study of its rich variety of dance and music in a more scientific manner while still preserving the age-old “Guru-Shisya” tradition.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy is progressing along this path, and it has achieved considerable success in revitalizing and blending together under one roof, a magnificent variety of dances. The institution has also been encouraging the production of composition-dances, dance-dramas and ballets, thus providing opportunity for creative ventures by the Gurus, as well as a platform to the talented young students for expressing themselves. With a view to adding to the knowledge of the students and broadening their vision, the Academy also invites eminent scholars and artistes from within and outside Manipur to deliver lectures on different subjects relating to art and culture illustrated wherever possible by live performances. In this way, a cross-fertilization of the rich culture of the other parts of the country is ensured. Rehearsal Hall of Production Unit