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Ramhari Das
Odissi Gurukula Trust

Odissi Dance

Odissi Dance

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Odissi Classical Dance Class

Training Under the Supervision of :

Guru Niranjan Rout :-
    1. Recipient of State and Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
    2. Renowned Guru, Dancer, Choreographer.
    3. “A “Grade Artist Door darshan.

Shri Dusmant Kumar Swain:-

      1. Young Odissi guru, Dancer, Choreographer.
      2. “ B “ Grade Artist Door darshan.

Shri Samir Sahoo :-

      1. Young Odissi guru, Dancer, Choreographer
      2. “B “Grade Artist Door darshan.

Course Content

Introduction to Classical Odissi Dance :-

Here’s a comprehensive Course Content Outline for Classical Odissi Dance, ideal for institutions or individuals offering structured training. The syllabus covers beginner to advanced levels and aligns with the traditional Gurukula system and Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi norms.

Beginner Level (Foundation – 1 to 2 Years) :-

  • Theory: 
  1. Introduction to Indian classical dance forms
  2. History and origin of Odissi
  3. Life and contribution of key Gurus (e.g., Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra)
  4. Meaning of Nritya, Nritta, Natya
  5. Basic understanding of:
    • Tala (rhythm)
    • Raga (melody)
    • Bhava (emotion)
  •  Practical: 
  1. Basic Body Conditioning
    • Chowka (masculine posture)
    • Tribhangi (feminine posture)
    • Hasta Mudras (single & combined hand gestures)
  2. Stepping (Pada Bheda / Bhumika)
    • Basic stepping patterns (1 to 10 or more)
  3. Mangalacharan
    • Invocation dance, offering pranam to Mother Earth and Lord Jagannath
  4. Batu Nritya
    • Pure dance with sculpturesque poses and rhythmic patterns

Intermediate Level (2 to 4 Years) :-

  • Theory: 
  1. Study of Natya Shastra and Abhinaya Darpana (selected shlokas)
  2. Introduction to Odissi music and tala system
  3. Structure of a traditional Odissi repertoire (Mangalacharan to Moksha)
  4. Role of Mardal and Vocal in dance
  •  Practical: 
  1. Palta sequences & complex stepping
  2. Pallavi
    • Pure dance composition based on Raga and Tala (e.g., Raga: Kalyan, Arabhi)
  3. Abhinaya Item (Expressive Dance)
    • Interpretation of songs (e.g., Gitagovinda, Odia Bhajan)
  4. Prayers or Shloka-based choreography
  5. Jatis (complex rhythmic compositions)

Advanced Level (4 to 6+ Years) :-

  • Theory: 
  1. Deep study of Natya Shastra (Angika, Vachika, Satvika, Aharya)
  2. Detailed understanding of rasa theory
  3. Compositional structure and choreography techniques
  4. Contribution of major gurus and evolution of Odissi in modern times
  •  Practical: 
  1. Complex Pallavis (e.g., Charukeshi, Hansadhwani)
  2. Abhinaya from Gitagovinda
    • Sakhi He Keshi Mathana Mudaram
  3. Dance Dramas / Group Compositions
  4. Moksha – Final item, symbolizing liberation
  5. Stage performance training and rehearsal management

Assessment Methods :-

  • Practical demonstrations (stepping, pallavi, abhinaya)
  • Recitation of theoretical definitions and shlokas
  • Group and solo performances
  • Annual examinations (institutional or board-level)
  • Participation in cultural programs and festivals

Reference Materials :-

  • Natya Shastra (Bharatamuni)
  • Abhinaya Darpana (Nandikeshwara)
  • Gitagovinda (Jayadeva)
  • Books by Guru Mayadhar Raut, Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra
  • Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Syllabus

“Odissi Music Gurukul was established on 23rd july 2011 at Badahat adjacent to NH 316 at Biragobindpur under Satyabadi block in Puri District, 14 km away from Lord Jagannath Tample,Puri & 45 Km away from Bhubaneswar the capital city of Odisha.”

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