Ever thought why it was only the elite who had access to classical dance schools? Why was classical dance only the expression of a chosen few? What about the million little kids with abundant talent still untapped in the remote villages of India? Should they be ignored and only those few who do not have to worry about the means to sustain themselves have access to the 2000 year old glorious heritage of dance?

Millions of questions like these shot in the mind of premier Odissi dancer Protima Gauri when she walked out of the bustle of Bombay in her little red Maruti car seven years ago. A woman of great determination, Gauri had made up her mind to do something about this problem. Soon with the support from friends and circle, Gauri managed to convince the Government of Karnataka to donate 10 acres of land for starting a dance school.

Today, the barren patch of land has turned into green pastures of Nrityagram, where sounds of bells and birds, little feet tapping to the rhythmic beat of tabla and drums welcome the visitor. Situated 40 kms away from Bangalore in the rustic village of Hesaragatta, Nrityagram houses the seven different forms of classical Indian dance, reviving a 2000 year old dance tradition. Here all the students receive free lodge, board and training for a period of 6 years, during which the students master the art form and become professional dancers and teachers, thus continuing the glorious dance tradition of India.

More than 200 local village children are provided free dance training and transportation, which has created a sense of cultural awareness in and around the neighbouring villages. The residential students are also sent to local rural schools to conduct free dance training. More than 1000 children are benefiting from this service. The most talented ones get the opportunity to participate in the annual spring festival or Vasanta habba, which has now become a local tradition that attracts thousands of visitors and the best talent in the country and abroad. The highlight of the festival is the open air theatre.

"The first time was a great experience. Amphitheatres were not in vogue then," says Achyutha, a marketing consultant who is a regular visitor of Vasanta habba. So, how has it changed over the years? "Oh, luckily there is more variety in music, dance, and there are even more number of stalls providing food, refreshment and handicrafts. It has become a tradition now," he says thoroughly enjoying the master musician Amjad Ali Khan on sarod accompanied by tabla wizard Zakir Hussain on tabla. Do you think you will be here for the next year's festival", I ask him. "You bet" he says without batting an eyelid.