Kalakshetra Foundation was founded and created by Rukmini Devi Arundale. It was  opened in Adyar, Chennai, in 1936. This Foundation was made for only the finest dancers. In January 1994, an Act of the Parliament of India recognised the Kalakshetra Foundation as an "Institute of National Importance. Guru Shanthakumari Selvanayagam is a Diploma holder from the esteemed Temple of fine Arts Kalakshetra.