Dances from India – A Classic: Odissi

Performed by professional dancer Aniruddha Das, resident artist of ICCR Hungary – Amrita Sher-Gil Cultural Center, and his disciple Zselyke Molnár. 

Classical dance in India evolved as an expression of devotion to the Higher Being. Odissi, one of the seven Indian classical dance forms, was nurtured in the famous shrines of Orissa. A large number of dancing girls known as Maharis were attached to these temples, performing morning and evening rituals for the deities. Although this tradition declined with political upheavals in the region, it was followed by the gotipua dance tradition, which took place in public space and was performed by adolescent boys. Odissi as we know it today reflects a process of reconstruction that began after Independence. It retains elements of both Mahari and gotipua dance and also incorporates the allied art forms of Orissa. Odissi dance strikes a distinctive balance between grace and power. The characteristic features of Odissi are its deflection of the hip, stances like Chauka and Tribhanga, arched and linear hand movements as well rounded body movements. It is full of sculpturesque poses known as Bhangis. 

Shri Aniruddha Das dedicated himself to the promotion of Odisha's rich folk dance forms. Residing in Delhi for the past 25 years, Guru Aniruddha Das has passionately embraced his mission of showcasing the beauty of Odissi, Chhau, and Paika Nrutya to the world through his unique fusion style. His guru was Guru Durga Charan Ranbir. At present he is the teacher of Amrita Sher-Gil Cultural Centre.