ODISSI DANCE

ODISSI DANCE
The Odissi dance of Odisha (Orissa) is
one of the six acknowledged classical
dance forms of India. Like all other
Indian classical dances, it also has its
initiation in religion and philosophy
with an origin in the temples of Odisha
(Orissa). The rhythm, Bhangis and
Mudras used in Odissi dance have a
distinct style of its own.
The allied art of this dance and music is more popularly known as the
Panchama Veda that was cultivated with success from a very ancient
period in Odisha (Orissa). It was King Mahameghavahan Kharvela, a
proficient master in the art of dance and music himself, who provided
a strong footing for further development of this art through his royal
patronage.
However, the community which played the greatest role in popularizing
this art--by giving it a new sprit, a new hope and horizon--was the
community of the temple maidens or Devadasis. Devadasis or Maharis
used to practice this dance form and used to perform it before the
lord as a form of prayer or ritual. At first, only some Mantras
accompanied their Nrutya.
Odissi includes both Tandava and Lasya But after Jayadev composed
elements. It has Navatala system. But the Geeta Govindam, thus
the element that distinguishes Odissi incorporating abhinaya in
form other dance forms is the grace. In dance form, the grace of this
Odissi, the torso movement is dance form got revived.
considered very important which is soft,
lyrical and graceful. The basic body
position is chowka that is supposed to
be a replica of Lord Jagnnath's body
position.
The dance has a mention in Bharat Natya Shastra as 'Odramagadhi'-one
of the ancient names of Odisha (Orissa) other than Kalinga and

Utkal. The five departments of Odissi are Mangalacharan, Sthai or
Batu, Pallavi, Abhinaya and Moksha. Odissi has its own style and
music.
Famous Odissi Dancers - Some of the renowned Odissi dancers are
Guru Pankajcharan, Guru Kelucharna, Late Debprasad, late Sanjukta
Panigrahi, Kumkum Mohanty, Indrani Rehema, Guru Nabakishore,
Guru Gangadhar, Guru Ranbir, Guru Subrat Pattaniak and Illena.