A structured academic journey through Indian performance and visual traditions
GITAM’s Performing Arts Minors are offered as formal academic programmes to undergraduate students across disciplines. These minors are designed to allow students to study and train in India’s classical art forms through a balance of practical sessions, theory, and performance. Students earn credits, attend regular classes, and are evaluated through coursework and public performances.
These credit-bearing academic offerings build discipline, cultural understanding, and expression. Each minor runs over three semesters and is led by faculty with national and international credentials. Courses take place in dedicated studios, performance halls, and seminar spaces on GITAM campuses.
Bharatanatyam
This minor involves formal instruction in a classical Indian dance form rooted in Tamil traditions and the Natya Shastra. Students learn posture, rhythm, and expressive movement through structured sequences and performance studies. The course is taught by Ms Urvashi Mohinani in Visakhapatnam and Ms Anjali C in Bengaluru.
Available at GITAM Bengaluru and Visakhapatnam
Carnatic Vocal
The Carnatic Vocal minor introduces students to melody, rhythm, and structured improvisation. Training includes vocal exercises, classical compositions, and critical listening. Ms Nikhita Srivalli leads instruction in Visakhapatnam, Mr Anandhu Murali in Hyderabad, and Mr Sunil Kumar MP and Ms Seetha MI in Bengaluru.
Choreography and Screen Dance
This course explores performance through movement and video. Students learn how to create choreography for screen, record their work, and edit it for presentation. The course also covers contemporary dance and physical theatre.
Available at GITAM Hyderabad
Kuchipudi
Students study this Telugu dance form through practice in rhythmic footwork, storytelling, and character work. They examine the form’s shift from temple ritual to stage performance. Dr K Maalyada teaches the course in Visakhapatnam, and Dr Y Lalitha Sindhuri leads it in Hyderabad.
Available at GITMA Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam
Mohiniyattam
Mohiniyattam focuses on fluid movement and expressive storytelling through gesture and rhythm. Students train in Cholkettu and Padam and study performance theory and literature. Faculty include Dr Mythili Maratt in Hyderabad and Dr Divya Nedungadi and Dr Anitha Moorthy in Bengaluru.
Available at Bengaluru and Hyderabad
Mridangam
This minor teaches percussion fundamentals, including tala, stroke technique, and solo and group performance. Mr Anand Srihari teaches the course in Visakhapatnam and Mr Sreekanth PV in Bengaluru.
Available at Bengaluru and Visakhapatnam
Theatre Arts
Theatre Arts covers acting, movement, voice, and performance studies. Students read texts, rehearse scenes, and perform for audiences. In Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad, the course is led by Dr Naveen Guntheti. In Bengaluru, Dr Charu Agaru teaches the programme.
Available at Bengaluru and Hyderabad
Visual Arts (Painting)
Students train in colour theory, drawing, and composition using various materials. The course also explores Indian and global art traditions. Dr Ravindra Babu teaches in Visakhapatnam and Mr Sade Adiseshaiah in Hyderabad.
Available at Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam
For students, these minors offer a way to balance technical or professional training with structured artistic practice. For parents, these courses support cognitive flexibility, public presentation skills, and long-term cultural grounding, all within the university curriculum.
