Odissi for Beginners in Tiffany Tower - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Odissi for Beginners

6+ years

Odissi is one of the oldest classical dance forms of India. Odissi traces its origin in the feminine temple dance tradition of Orissa in eastern part of India.

Odissi is particularly known for its lyrical grace, elaborate rhythmic variations and dramatic expression. Steeped in spirituality, Odissi abounds in sculpturesque postures and graceful body movements.

Highly stylised in nature the dance has its own vocabulary of hand gestures, foot movements, eye, head, neck, torso movements, tur ... Odissi is one of the oldest classical dance forms of India. Odissi traces its origin in the feminine temple dance tradition of Orissa in eastern part of India.

Odissi is particularly known for its lyrical grace, elaborate rhythmic variations and dramatic expression. Steeped in spirituality, Odissi abounds in sculpturesque postures and graceful body movements.

Highly stylised in nature the dance has its own vocabulary of hand gestures, foot movements, eye, head, neck, torso movements, turns and spins. Odissi repertoire maintains a balance between the pure dance (Nritta) and the expressional dance (Abhinaya).

The most promonent themes revolve around the stories of Radha and Krishna. Poetry from Jayadeva’s Geeta Govinda and devotional poetry of Oriya poets form a favourite theme for presentation in Odissi.

The dance choreographies extend from Indian Epics to contemporary themes, making Odissi more popular amongst the audience across the globe.

Partner Details

Malhaar

Malhaar Centre For Performing Arts’ aim is not only to provide training but also groom students to become complete performing artistes. “The idea is to learn from mentors, observe the Maestros and perform with peers,” says Jogiraj Sikidar, the founder-director of Malhaar Centre for Performing Arts.

Malhaar is the first and largest non-profit, performing ensemble of expat artists in the UAE; sharing India’s rich and diverse artistic heritage with global music connoisseurs. .. Established in 2008, Malhaar has today over 100 musicians, dancers, theatre persons and other performing artists from across the sub-continent, numerous artistic collaborations and many successful shows to its credit.

Our purpose and passion is to provide a unique and credible platform to UAE-based expat South Asian musicians and performing artists with exceptional talents to collaborate and create original, inspiring musical experiences for global audiences.