Odissi

Origins and History

Odissi is one of the oldest classical dance forms of India, with roots tracing back over 2,000 years. Originating in the temples of Odisha, it was traditionally performed as a form of devotion to Lord Jagannath. The dance flourished under the patronage of the temple culture, where Maharis (female temple dancers) performed intricate movements and expressions as an offering to the divine.

During the medieval period, Odissi faced decline due to socio-political changes, including colonial rule. However, it was revived in the mid-20th century by dedicated scholars, dancers, and gurus such as Kelucharan Mohapatra, Deba Prasad Das, and others, who reconstructed the form using ancient sculptures, texts, and living traditions.

The Essence of Odissi

Odissi is known for its fluid, graceful movements, sculpturesque poses, and intricate footwork, often characterized by the Tribhangi (three-bend posture) and Chowka (a square stance symbolizing Lord Jagannath). The dance seamlessly blends Lasya (soft, lyrical movements) with Tandava (vigorous, energetic expressions), bringing mythological stories to life.

Accompanied by Odissi music, which follows the Odra-Magadhi tradition, the dance is deeply expressive, utilizing Abhinaya (facial expressions) to convey emotions and narratives. Dancers often depict tales from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda, infusing each performance with spirituality and storytelling.

Odissi Today

Odissi has evolved beyond temple rituals into a globally recognized art form. It is performed on prestigious stages worldwide, taught in academies, and embraced by contemporary artists who experiment while preserving its classical essence. Today, it thrives both as a traditional dance and as a medium for artistic innovation, ensuring its legacy continues for generations to come.

My Experience

My guru was Natyakalayuvasree Sreemoyee Gangopadhyay. She herself was a disciple of Late Guru Pravash Kumar Mohanty and Late Guru Sushant Raut. She is a Nritya Prabhakar in Odissi from Patitapawan Kala Niketan, in Guru Deba Prasad Das style. She has over 24 years of experience in Odissi and Sambalpuri Folk.

A 2022-23 Vrindrani Award winner, she is also proficient in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Rabindra natyam, Contemporary and Creative Dance styles. Ms. Sreemoyee holds immense experience in critically acclaimed dance and drama choreographies. She is also known for her appealing abhinaya and thematic Choreographies.

For more details about her academy please do visit: https://shreemahamaya.com/about-us/ 

I, however, was extremely lucky to attain knowledge from her via one-on-one guru-shishya parampara style.

 Some of my postures and performances....