Odissi

Odissi (Odia: ଓଡ଼ିଶୀ) is one of the classical classical dance forms of India. Originating from the state of Odisha, it is known for its intricate movements, expressive gestures, and elaborate costumes. Odissi is traditionally a dance-drama genre of performance art, practiced predominantly by women, and it expresses religious stories and spiritual ideas, particularly of Vaishnavism.

History

Odissi has a long, unbroken tradition dating back to the 2nd century BCE, as evidenced by the archaeological findings in the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves. The dance form was suppressed during the colonial period but was revived in the 20th century by a group of dedicated dancers and scholars.

Technique

Odissi is characterized by its fluidity and grace, with movements that are soft and lyrical. The dance form is distinguished by its use of the tribhangi (three bends of the body) and the chowka (a square-like stance). The dance includes both pure dance (nritta) and expressive dance (abhinaya), where the dancer uses gestures and facial expressions to convey emotions and tell stories.

Music

The music of Odissi is based on the Odissi music tradition, which is a classical music genre of Odisha. The primary musical instruments used in Odissi are the mardala (a type of drum), the flute, the violin, and the sitar.

Costume and Makeup

The costume of an Odissi dancer is elaborate and colorful, typically consisting of a silk saree with traditional motifs, silver jewelry, and a headpiece called the matha patti. The makeup includes a distinctive pattern on the forehead called the tika, and the eyes are accentuated to highlight expressions.

Repertoire

The repertoire of Odissi includes various dance items such as Mangalacharan, Batu Nrutya, Pallavi, Abhinaya, and Moksha. Each of these items has a specific structure and significance in the performance.

Notable Exponents

Some of the notable exponents of Odissi include Kelucharan Mohapatra, Sanjukta Panigrahi, and Sonal Mansingh. These artists have played a crucial role in popularizing Odissi both in India and internationally.

Institutions

Several institutions are dedicated to the teaching and promotion of Odissi, including the Odissi Research Centre in Bhubaneswar and the Nrityagram dance village near Bangalore.

See Also

• Indian classical dance
• Bharatanatyam
• Kathak
• Kuchipudi
• Manipuri dance
• Mohiniyattam
• Sattriya