Odissi is arguably the oldest and the most lyrical of all Indian classical dance forms that originated in the eastern coastal state of Odisha. It traces its roots to Natya Shastra, the ancient Sanskrit text on performing arts, and to sculptures found in the prehistoric caves near the state capital dating back to the 2nd century BCE. Traditionally, Odissi was performed only by Mahari’s, dedicated female dancers in the temples and the courts. It was followed by the Gotipua dance performed by adolescent boys, which started taking place in public spaces. By incorporating elements of both the Mahari and Gotipua traditions, Odissi remained vitally connected to various art forms native to Odisha—its music, poetry, sculpture, mural painting, mythology, and costume.
The dance form depicts mythical and religious stories, devotional poems, and spiritual ideas by dancers with perfect body movements and expressions. In spite of its antiquity and classical background, this dance form remains very accessible—especially through its sculpturesque poses and graceful tempo known as Bhangis. These include stances like Chauka and Tribhanga, which are unique to Odissi in the way deflections are used to divide the body into three parts: head, bust, and torso. It produces stunningly beautiful poses and movement that is at once sensuous and divine. A typical Odissi repertoire includes Mangalacharan (invocation), Pallavi (nritya, or pure dance), Abhanaya (natya, or expression), and Moksha (liberation).
Rudrakshya Foundation, established in 2001 by Guru Bichitrananda Swain, has emerged as one of the finest conservatories of Odissi dance in India. It is an institution where the dance, music, poetry, art, and culture of Odisha are uniquely blended to create pure performing art.
Guru Bichitrananda Swain is widely acclaimed as one of the prominent choreographers of Odissi dance. He is known for his distinctive body of work that echoes his knowledge and understanding of dance as a medium of expression. His compositions are energetic, thought-provoking, and inspiring. While the Odissi dance style is considered to be predominantly feminine, Guru Bichitrananda’s compositions have explored the unique vocabulary of Odissi within its aesthetic bounds through the natural physique, strength, and movement of the male body. Some of the best male dancers of Odisha have been groomed by Guru Bichitrananda and can now be found with Rudrakshya Foundation. He is acknowledged by critics, connoisseurs, senior and contemporary gurus, and dancers of all classical forms for having unleashed a wave of renewed dynamism in the presentation of Odissi.
The eight-member all-male Odissi dance troupe from Bhubaneswar, Odisha, accompanied by guru Bichitrananda Swain, will enthrall audiences with their energy and brilliance in compositions of dance, music, and rhythm.
Presented in partnership with SOHARA and supported by Mayura and the DFW Odisha Society