The Department of Natya (Performing Arts) was established in the year 2005. The B.A. Performing Arts (Digital Media Integration) Programme was introduced to bridge the gap between traditional performing arts and contemporary digital technologies.
OBJECTIVES
The Department of Performing Arts aims to provide comprehensive training in classical and contemporary performing arts integrated with digital media practices.
The Department strives to nurture creativity, artistic excellence and critical thinking among students through a balanced curriculum of theory and practice.
The Department focuses on preserving and promoting traditional art forms while adapting them to modern technological platforms.
The Department aims to equip students with technical skills in digital media, including video production, editing and online content creation.
The Department encourages interdisciplinary learning by blending performance, media and communication studies.
The Department is committed to developing professional competence and preparing students for careers in performing arts, media industries and academia.
Curriculum
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES (PO)
Graduates will be able to:
Gain comprehensive education in Performing Arts encompassing dance, music and theatre
Build strong foundations in Bharatanatyam technique, theory and practice
Integrate classical texts, history and philosophy with practical training
Develop performance, teaching and presentation competencies
Encourage research aptitude and scholarly engagement
CREDIT DISTRIBUTION
Category
Credits
Discipline Specific Core (DSC)
64
Ability Enhancement Courses (AEC)
9
Generic Electives (GE)
9
Project / Internship
4
Value Added
10
Total
140
SEMESTER-WISE COURSE STRUCTURE
Semester ITotal Credits: 22
Category
Course Title
Credits
DSC
Introduction to Natyasastra
4
DSC
Fundamentals of Natya I (Practical)
4
DSC
Indian Cultural History
4
AEC
Introduction to Karanas
3
GE
Indian Classical Dance Forms
3
VAC
Fundamentals of Music I
2
SEC
Basic Rhythmic Skills
2
Semester IITotal Credits: 22
Category
Course Title
Credits
DSC
Concepts of Natyasangraha
4
DSC
Natya Practical II
4
DSC
Dance History
4
AEC
Art and Architecture of India
3
GE
Epic Character Analysis
3
VAC
Music II
2
SEC
Rhythmic Skills II
2
Semester IIITotal Credits: 26
Category
Course Title
Credits
DSC
Textual Sources of Natya (Tamil)
4
DSC
Natya Practical III
4
DSC
Karanas Basics I
4
DSC
Digital Media - Photography
4
AEC
Cultural Heritage
3
GE
Other Dance Forms
3
VAC
Tala Basics
2
SEC
Folk Dance
2
Semester IVTotal Credits: 26
Category
Course Title
Credits
DSC
Theatrical Expressions
4
DSC
Natya Practical IV
4
DSC
Digital Media Editing
4
DSC
Karanas Basics II
4
AEC
World Dance Overview
3
GE
Natya Therapy
3
VAC
Advanced Tala
2
SEC
Choreography
2
Semester VTotal Credits: 22
Category
Course Title
Credits
DSC
Textual Sources (Sanskrit)
4
DSC
Karanas Practice I
4
DSC
Indian Philosophy
4
AEC
Dance Education
3
VAC
Media Ethics
2
SEC
Internship
2
Semester VITotal Credits: 22
Category
Course Title
Credits
DSC
Art & Aesthetics
4
DSC
Natya Practical VI
4
DSC
Karanas Practice II
4
AEC
Concert Performance
3
GE
Western Dance
3
SEC
Project
2
Project
Viva Voce
2
SKILL DEVELOPMENT
Bharatanatyam (Basic & Advanced)
Karanas (Natyashastra)
Music, Theatre, Visual Arts
Rhythmic & Performance Skills
CAREER PATHWAYS
Professional Dancer / Choreographer
Dance Teacher
Arts Manager
Dance Therapist
Research Scholar
Content Creator
SCOPE FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
Graduates of this Programme can pursue advanced studies in:
M.A. Performing Arts (Dance, Theatre, Music)
M.A. Bharatanatyam
M.P.A. (Master of Performing Arts)
M.A. Theatre
M.A. Music
M.A. Fine Arts
Postgraduate Diplomas in Film Making, Animation, or Media Production
Research Programs (M.Phil./Ph.D.) in Performing Arts, Media Studies, or Interdisciplinary Studies
OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAREER AND PLACEMENT
Students completing this Programme can explore diverse career paths such as:
Performer (Dance, Theatre, Multimedia)
Choreographer and Creative Director
Digital Content Creator / Influencer
Video Editor / Media Specialist
Event Manager and Coordinator
Arts Administrator and Curator
Social Media Manager
Faculty / Performing Arts Instructor
100%Placement
40+Companies
3.8LAvg. Package
PLACEMENT
Students of the department have been successfully placed in various reputed organizations through the Placement Cell of the College, including:
Educational institutions and academies
Cultural organizations and NGOs
Television and online content platforms
Graduates have also established independent careers as freelance performers, choreographers and digital content creators.
Alumni Testimonial
Ms. S. CHANDHINI
2020-2025
DANCE SCHOOL FOUNDER OF UVAGAI ARTS, CHENNAI
"The Department of Natya has given me the confidence and knowledge to pursue my passion as a full time professional. Grateful to our aacharyas who have always given us the best in education."
Ms. SAHANA IYER
2022-2025
M.A. BHARATANATYAM STUDENT, VELS UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI
"My three-year Bachelor's degree in Natya at MGR Janaki, Adyar, was a rewarding and enriching experience. The course combined dance, music, yoga and theatre, offering both practical and theoretical learning. Workshops and guest sessions provided additional exposure beyond the syllabus. Overall, the programme enhanced my skills, confidence and stage presence, making it a valuable choice for those interested in performing arts."
Ms. S. CHANDHINI
2020-2025
DANCE SCHOOL FOUNDER OF UVAGAI ARTS, CHENNAI
"The Department of Natya has given me the confidence and knowledge to pursue my passion as a full time professional. Grateful to our aacharyas who have always given us the best in education."
Ms. SAHANA IYER
2022-2025
M.A. BHARATANATYAM STUDENT, VELS UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI
"My three-year Bachelor's degree in Natya at MGR Janaki, Adyar, was a rewarding and enriching experience. The course combined dance, music, yoga and theatre, offering both practical and theoretical learning. Workshops and guest sessions provided additional exposure beyond the syllabus. Overall, the programme enhanced my skills, confidence and stage presence, making it a valuable choice for those interested in performing arts."
Ms. SAHANA IYER
2022-2025
M.A. BHARATANATYAM STUDENT, VELS UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI
"My three-year Bachelor's degree in Natya at MGR Janaki, Adyar, was a rewarding and enriching experience. The course combined dance, music, yoga and theatre, offering both practical and theoretical learning. Workshops and guest sessions provided additional exposure beyond the syllabus. Overall, the programme enhanced my skills, confidence and stage presence, making it a valuable choice for those interested in performing arts."
Ms. SRAVISHTA
2022-2025
M.A. BHARATANATYAM STUDENT, TAMIL NADU J J UNIVERSITY
"I feel proud to be an alumna of the Natya Department at Dr. MGR Janaki College. The institution provided me with strong knowledge, confidence and valuable opportunities to explore various art and dance forms. The faculty and staff were supportive and approachable, making my learning journey smooth. I remain truly grateful to the college for this enriching experience."
Ms. S. CHANDHINI
2020-2025
DANCE SCHOOL FOUNDER OF UVAGAI ARTS, CHENNAI
"The Department of Natya has given me the confidence and knowledge to pursue my passion as a full time professional. Grateful to our aacharyas who have always given us the best in education."
Ms. SAHANA IYER
2022-2025
M.A. BHARATANATYAM STUDENT, VELS UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI
"My three-year Bachelor's degree in Natya at MGR Janaki, Adyar, was a rewarding and enriching experience. The course combined dance, music, yoga and theatre, offering both practical and theoretical learning. Workshops and guest sessions provided additional exposure beyond the syllabus. Overall, the programme enhanced my skills, confidence and stage presence, making it a valuable choice for those interested in performing arts."
Ms. SRAVISHTA
2022-2025
M.A. BHARATANATYAM STUDENT, TAMIL NADU J J UNIVERSITY
"I feel proud to be an alumna of the Natya Department at Dr. MGR Janaki College. The institution provided me with strong knowledge, confidence and valuable opportunities to explore various art and dance forms. The faculty and staff were supportive and approachable, making my learning journey smooth. I remain truly grateful to the college for this enriching experience."
Ms. NISHITHA S
2020-2025
FREELANCE DANCER & CHOREOGRAPHER
"My college years have been the most productive and transformative phase of my life. It was during this time that I truly discovered the essence of dance—not merely as an art form, but as a way of life that fosters discipline, expression and identity. Beyond academics and performance, this journey taught me the true value of people—how relationships, guidance and shared experiences shape who we become. Every moment spent here has contributed to my growth, both as a dancer and as an individual. The memories, lessons and bonds I have built will always hold a special place in my heart. They are not just reflections of the past, but cherished treasures I will carry with me forever. I am deeply grateful for the love, guidance and opportunities this institution has given me."
Ms. LOGESWARI G
2019-2024
DANCE TEACHER, VANI VIDYALAYA CBSE, CHENNAI
"The Natya department of MJC is a great place for learning all performing arts for those who want to make it a profession, particularly the syllabus is highly effective, offering a unique learning experience. The College management prepares individuals for leadership roles and provides a supportive environment."
Ms. DEVIKA K.R
2020-2025
SCHOOL TEACHER AT VELAMMAL, CHENNAI
"The Natya Department provided me with a space to grow as a dedicated and expressive artist. As an alumnus, I cherish the Natya Department for nurturing my artistic identity and discipline."
Ms. AISWARYA.B
2020–2025
SCHOOL TEACHER, VISHWAVIDYAPEETH GROUP OF SCHOOLS, BANGALORE
"Namaste, I am Aiswarya B and I would like to share a few words about my journey at Dr. MGR Janaki College. I had the privilege of studying here for five years, from 2020 to 2025, where I pursued the five-year integrated M.A. Natya program. My time at the institution has been truly transformative. The college not only enriched me academically but also played a vital role in shaping me as an individual. Over the years, I have grown into a stronger and more confident person, learning to face life's challenges with independence and resilience. The faculty members have been exceptionally supportive, guiding us at every step and helping us develop both intellectually and mentally. I sincerely express my gratitude to the college, its esteemed authorities, faculty and my department for providing such a valuable and holistic education and for being like a family throughout my journey. The lessons I have learned here will continue to guide me in all aspects of my life."