ODISSI

odissi derives its name from 'odra nritya or audramagadhi' mentioned in natya shastra. The long-established dance form in the serene surroundings of shri jagannath temple in odisha is famouse as 'odissi'.

It was supported by the jain kings Kharavela and largely performed by maharis.

Udayagiri- khandagiri caves offer some of the early examples of odissi dance.

In ancient dayes this dance form filled with bhakti rass was a part of warship to god at jagannath temples. Thus we find many sculpture inside the temple.

SPECIALITIES- It has a combination of lasya and tandav. Graceful and mesmerizing, It appears like waves of the ocean. Odissi is famous for itspresentations on poet jayadev's fabulous work.

Odissi dance performs natya combined with an element of acting and dancing. It is a unique demonstration of gracefulness, sensuality and beauty.

MUDRAS- Mudras and postures for expressing emotions are identical to that of bharatnatyam.

TRIBHANGA POSTURE- the three-bent form of dance is a significant feature of odissi.

Geometrical shapes and patterns are created with the dancer's body. Therefore, it is called 'mobile sculpture', and 'chauka' posture imitating a squre.

ELEMENTS OF ODISSI -

Mangalacharan- It is the opening of the dance. (worshipping lord jagannatha or other God, Godesses).

This will be followed by pushpanjali (offering of flowers) and salutation to mother earth. This also includes trikhandi pranam- devas, gurus, and rasikas.

Batunirtya - It encompasses dancing. Fast dance pure dance which we call it as Nritta which is then followed by Nritya which include, abhinay- expressions on some devotional poem or songs.

The verses may be in sanskrit or odia language. Ashtapadis- dhashavatar, Ardhanari etc. are quite famous.

Pallavi- It comprises the facial expression and representation of the song.

Tarijham- Pure dance before the conclusion.

Water is denoted in the odissi dance form.

Odissi dance based on purana stories.

COSTUME AND MAKE-UP - It is made up of traditional material (dhoti for men- sari for women) from odisha.

A crown is worn by female dancers which are prepared in jagannathapuri.

White colored flowers are adorned on the bun.

Like every other dance form, jewelry remains the same but is of silver colord. Ghungroo too form part of this dance.

Make-up is sharp eyes as other classical dance, but its quite simple.

MUSIC AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS- The south indian, as well as north indian music, is employed for dance.

Instruments are- Pakhavaj, tabla, swarmandal, harmonium, sitar, flute, violin, and cymbals.

THE REVIVAL OF ODISSI DANCE- Kelucharan mahapatra, Gangadhar pradhan, Pankaj charan das etc. Revived this dance form in the late forties and early fifties.

Sanjukta panigrahi, sonal mansingh, kumkum mahanty, anita babu, sujata mohapatra etc. contributed to the upliftment and popularization of odissi.

FAMOUS DANCERS- Protima bedi, Nandita behera, Sanchita bhattacharya, Sharmila biswas.

pratima bedi