# Classical dances outside Kathak, Bharatanatyam fight for survival 2026-08-09T14:07:10+00:00 | India | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Classical dance forms in India other than Kathak and Bharatanatyam are struggling to attract students and audiences, practitioners tell The New Indian Express. Limited awareness, shortage of trained gurus, regional concentration, reduced media coverage and pressure to pursue secure careers are cited as reasons. At Delhi's Triveni Kala Sangam, free trial Chhau classes are offered but inquiries remain low. Experts note that Bharatanatyam and Kathak had a head start in visibility and institutional support through centres like Kalakshetra and Kathak Kendra. Many students leave after secondary school due to academic pressure, and government support has declined for some forms, says exponent Dr Sapan Kumar Acharya. ## Coverage - newindianexpress.com Tags: classical dance, cultural preservation, regional arts, training shortage Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/classical-dances-outside-kathak-bharatanatyam-fight-for-survival/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/classical-dances-outside-kathak-bharatanatyam-fight-for-survival/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.