A few words on Odissi
Odissi dance originated in the 2nd century B.C. in the region of modern Orissa, an eastern state of India. It began as a religious dance which required special education and arduous training. The dance was performed in the temples of Orissa and dedicated to the deity of Lord Jagannath and performed only by female Odissi dancers known as Devdasis. For quite a long time this sacred dance form was confined only to the temples. Sculpture-like poses engraved on the temple walls demonstrated the style of dance. For a long time this dance form was kept away from public viewing due to socioreligious reasons. Young male dancers known as Gotipuas sustained the tradition of Odissi alive and performed in front of common people.
Since the earlier part of the last century, Odissi came back from its seclusion and many dancers began to take interest in this dance form. Odissi is characterised by symmetrical movements and finds its expressions in kaleidoscopic designs. Its rich text has contributions from works of great Indian poets like Jaydev, Banamali Das, Vidyapati, and many others. This dance form has been presented to the world by great maestros like Padmabibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra, Guru Pankajcharan Das, Guru Debaprasad Das, Sanjukta Panigrahi, Sonal Mansingh,and many other stalwarts in this field. Their able disciples are still continuing active research in this field and are presenting us with great choreographic innovations.
Since the earlier part of the last century, Odissi came back from its seclusion and many dancers began to take interest in this dance form. Odissi is characterised by symmetrical movements and finds its expressions in kaleidoscopic designs. Its rich text has contributions from works of great Indian poets like Jaydev, Banamali Das, Vidyapati, and many others. This dance form has been presented to the world by great maestros like Padmabibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra, Guru Pankajcharan Das, Guru Debaprasad Das, Sanjukta Panigrahi, Sonal Mansingh,and many other stalwarts in this field. Their able disciples are still continuing active research in this field and are presenting us with great choreographic innovations.