Chidambaram Academy of Performing Arts was started in a small way by Chitra and Visweswaran. It has grown extensively, admission being highly selective and restricted in order to maintain exclusive quality. The main thrust of this institution is to instill an awareness of our rich Indian art and culture in all those who pass through its portals. Bharatanatyam and music form the nucleus of this institution. In addition to the practical aspects of dance and music, Nattuvangam (conducting a recital), theory, stage craft, lighting, teaching methodology, philosophy of movement and music are stressed upon. Deep study of the cognate art forms is also encouraged.

Although Chidambaram Academy has a restricted application and audition policy, the academy encourages sincere students from all walks of life irrespective of class, background or creed and in fact it has a number of non-paying students. Special accelerated courses are also conducted for the many foreign students who come to study with the academy with deep interest specially looking for dance education and associated disciplines of a very high quality. Several students of Chidambaram Academy have received the CCRT and Central Government Senior Scholarships, Junior fellowships and Senior Fellowships for dance. One has even gone on to receive a Full bright Fellowship in Arts Management. Other senior students have set up institutions carrying on the style/ work of Chidambaram Academy both in India and abroad.

Chidambaram Academy is known for its group productions which cover dance - dramas, dance theatre productions and group presentations which have been performed in major festivals viz. Natya kala conference of Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, Chennai, National Centre for performing Arts, Mumbai, Shanmukhananda Sabha, Mumbai and festivals of other sabhas there, Nrityodaya, Delhi, Konarak Festival, Soorya Festival, Thiruvananthapuram, Malabar Mahotsav, Shilparamam and A.P formation day celebrations, Hyderabad, Hampi Festival, Natyanjali Chidambaram Academy and Mahabalipuram Festival amongst numerous other regular performances. "Chidambaram" has toured Malaysia, Singapore, the U.K, Sri Lanka and the U.A.E.