Odissi Workshop details
Odissi dance is one of the eight classical dance forms of India. Its origin is traced to the state of Orissa in eastern India. It is one of the oldest surviving dance form of India on the basis of archaeological evidences. The classic treatise of Indian dance, Natya Shastra, refers to it as Odra-Magadhi. First century BCE bas-reliefs in the hills of Udaygiri (near Bhubaneswar) testify to its antiquity. It was suppressed under the British Raj, but has been revitalised since India gained independence. It is particularly distinguished from other classical Indian dance forms by the importance it places upon the Tribhangi (literally: three parts break), the independent movement of head, chest and pelvis and upon the basic square stance known as Chauka or Chouka that symbolises Lord Jagannath.
An introductory session of odissi dance includes body control exercises, Chouka and Tribhangi steppings. Ganesh Vandana for those who already have an experience of one year in any indian classical dance form.
