Ravi Bellare G.D. Arts(Fine) J.J. School of Art (Bombay) Music Research Collaborator, University of Berlin Dance Choreography - TheaterHoch Schule(Germany)

The artistry of Pandit Ravi Bellare provides a vital link to the ancient traditions in classical music, dance and visual arts of India. From the earliest days of his childhood in Mangalore, South India, Ravi Bellare exhibited a precocious genius for absorbing information. His childhood was singularly graced by prolonged contact with the legendary paramparic ustads and pundits of music of that time, many of whom were still performing as court musicians and dancers.

Ravi Bellare's uncle, Pandit Taranath Rao provided guidance, inspiration and support throughout his life. By the tender age of four years, Ravi had entered into a guru-shishya discipleship. His formative years developed in close connection with this vast system of knowledge, through which he received an invaluable repertoire of compositions from these ustads¹ respective gharanas. Bellare was adept at mastering ancient granthas of sangeet (vocal and instrumental music) and natya (dance and choreography). His accomplishments serve as a living monument to the noble task of reviving and preserving this rich heritage of classical music, dance, painting and sculpture for present and future generations.

Ravi Bellare¹s professional life encompasses a broad spectrum of associations with the great names of Indian art and culture. He worked as the principal of Shri Valabh Sangit Vidyalaya and the Kinnara School of Music with Pandit Ravi Shankar. He toured extensively throughout Europe and Israel as choreographer and served as the Music Director of Hindi Kala Kendra and subsequently with the world-renowned dancer, Ram Gopal.

Practical and theoretical studies currently being offered include:

1. Classical Vocal Styles - Drupad, Khayal, Tappa, Thumri, Devotional Bhajan, Vedic Chant
2. Classical Instrumental Music - Tabla, Pakhawaj, Sitar, Harmonium, Percussion and String Instruments
3. Classical Dance Styles - Kathak (Jaipur and Lucknow Styles) and Bharatnatyam (Pandanallur and Mylapur Styles)