Kalari Academy Of Performing Arts

Our place is tucked away on Bazaar Street Cross 25, just off Brigade Road. It can be a bit hard to find if you aren’t looking for it, but usually you can hear the rhythmic stepping or the wooden sticks hitting each other from the street. The academy has been here for a bit, and the wooden floors definitely show it. They have those scuffs and marks that come from years of barefoot practice. We don’t have fancy air conditioning, mostly just some big fans that move the air around while everyone is moving. It gets pretty warm in the afternoons, especially when the class is full. People come here from all over the city after they finish their jobs. You see them changing out of their work clothes and getting ready for the session. There is a small area to leave your shoes by the door. It’s not a polished studio with mirrors on every wall; it’s more of a workspace where people sweat and learn the traditional movements. We have some old posters on the walls and a few benches for waiting. The neighborhood is always busy, so there is usually the sound of traffic in the background while we work. It’s a simple setup, really. We focus on the training and don't worry much about the decor or making things look perfect for visitors. The door is usually open a crack to let in some air.