Characteristics of Odissi

Odissi dance is characterized by its graceful and fluid movements, which are often compared to the flowing waters of the Mahanadi River.

Tribhanga is the primary stance in Odissi dance, which involves a three-fold bend in the body, creating a graceful and elegant posture.

Mudras are hand gestures that are used to convey emotions and ideas in Odissi dance.

Odissi dancers traditionally wear a saree, which is draped in a specific style to enhance the grace and fluidity of their movements.

The pakhawaj is a barrel-shaped drum that is commonly used to accompany Odissi dance performances.

Odissi dance songs are traditionally sung in Odia, the language of Odisha, the state where Odissi originated.

Devotion to Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of Odisha, is a common theme in Odissi dance performances.

Moksha, which means liberation, is the concluding segment of an Odissi dance performance, where the dancer seeks spiritual liberation through dance.

The Konark Dance Festival is an annual dance festival held in Konark, Odisha, which showcases Odissi dance performances by renowned artists.

Kelucharan Mohapatra is widely regarded as one of the greatest exponents of Odissi dance, who played a significant role in reviving and popularizing the dance form.

The Odissi Research Centre was founded by Kelucharan Mohapatra in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to promote and preserve the art of Odissi dance.

The Odissi Dance Academy was founded by Guru Pankaj Charan Das in Cuttack, Odisha, to impart training in Odissi dance and preserve its traditional form.

Nrityagram is a renowned Odissi dance institution founded by Sanjukta Panigrahi in Bangalore, Karnataka, which focuses on preserving and promoting the art form.

Kalakshetra is a famous Odissi dance academy founded by Minati Mishra in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, which is dedicated to preserving and promoting the art form.

Shanti Niketan is a renowned Odissi dance institution founded by Shanti Bardhan in Kolkata, West Bengal, which is dedicated to preserving and promoting the art form.