Biography
The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) is the premiere exile institute entrusted with the responsibility of preserving and promoting Tibet’s unique tradition of performing arts. The Communist Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959 forced His Holiness the Dalai Lama and some 80,000 Tibetans to flee india. After the occupation, the Chinese authorities attacked every aspect of Tibetan culture and civilization.
On His arrival in India, His Holiness the Dalai Lama felt the need to take immediate steps to preserve the traditional performing arts before it was lost forever. Thus, TIPA was established in August 1959, four months after His arrival in India.
TIPA is a vibrant and creative institute, based in Dharamsala, north India. The institute has 112 members, including artistes, instructors, administrative staff and craftsmen, all of whom live on the institute’s premises. The members work with a clear sense of direction towards the preservation of their ancient culture.
How we met:
While the PFC crew was in Dharamsala, India, our friend and guide William Aura introduced us to an amazing Tibetan rock band, The Exile Brothers. We hit it off immediately, and after recording some of their music they wanted to share more of their musical heritage with us, and so they took us to the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA).