odishi

All About Odissi: An Indian Classical Dance Form

Apr 23, 2010 Chayanika Sen

Odissi Dancer In The Backdrop Of Konarak SunTemple - Amit Biswas

Odissi is one of the eight Indian Classical Dance Forms originated in the state of Orissa and is known for its softness, grace, and charm.

Odissi is one of the eight Indian classical dance forms that originated in the eastern state of Orissa. Known for its softness, grace, and charm, the dance form has evolved as a spiritual expression of devotion to the deity Lord Jagannath, the god of Orissa.

Evolution Of Odissi Dance

Odissi is the oldest Indian dance form in terms of archeological findings. Paintings of Odissi dance have been found in the Manchapuri cave in Udaygiri, Orissa that were carved in the rocks during the reign of the king Kharavela dated back to 2nd Century B.C.

The History Of Odissi Dance

Like the dance form, Odissi has a very fascinating history as well. The dance form was originally performed by Maharis and Gotipuas. The Maharis, also known as Devdasis (devoted temple girls) in the Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri, used to perform this dance to please the God with much devotion. Odissi was also performed by the Gotipuas (young boys dressed in a female costume). The most interesting part of Gotipua dance is the “Bandha Dance” which is acrobatic in style. The modern day dance form of Odissi has been developed by the Gurus based on the forms performed by the Maharis and the Gotipuas.

Read more at Suite101: All About Odissi: An Indian Classical Dance Form http://www.suite101.com/content/all-about-odissi-an-indian-classical-dance-form-a228979#ixzz1HleKl4pN

ABOUT INDIAN DANCE

 
CLASSICAL DANCES OF INDIA 

India can boast of an innumerable number of folk dances, each dance forming a specialty of a particular region or tribe. Each form will have its own specialty & grace, along with a set pattern of costumes & make-up.  The classical dance forms which have developed, have set rules that have been followed traditionally over the years. On the basic model, various gurus incorporate their own imaginative innovations, leading to various schools within a particular dance form. Apart from the gracious hand & leg postures & movements, the dancers have to acquire the skill of portraying various emotions faithfully in each expression on their face & each fluid movement of their hand, legs & in fact their whole body. Every part conveys some meaning in their graceful motion.  The various dance forms have also developed a particular form of make-up for the performance, which is a skill by itself. Several dance schools today, incorporate costume designing & make-up as special section of the curriculum.   The costumes for all forms are elaborate & rich, but each form & style have their own traditional patterns set down. Jewels for the dancers are also specially created to suit their purpose. Flowers adorn their hair & in the case of portrayal of Gods, their necks as garlands. The hall is also richly decorated with flowers. Application of mehendi in various styles is also an essential part of the make-up in most forms.  Various dance forms of India   Lyrics  Compositions of K.N.Dandayudapani Pillai  Compositions of Ghanam Krishna Iyer     Gestures used in Bharatanatyam    Names of Head, Neck, Eyes & Hand Gestures used in Bharatanatyam   Dance in Sculptures   Dance costumes   Jewels & other items for decoration   Dance Institutions    Dance Festivals   "A Dancer on Dance" by V.P.Dhananjayan    About the Dhananjayans    Natya The Essence of Hyndhava - Dharma   Salient Features of Dance   Rasas    Elaboration of the Rasas   The Concept of the Male Dancer   Kathakali - Origin & background   Classical technique in Kathakali    Costume & Make-up in Kathakali     Thitambu Nritham is the ritual art form in North Kerala that is more than 700 years old, mainly performed by Namboodiris of this part of Kerala. - www.narthaki.com/info/articles/art231.html   OCEAN "an excellence group of art" - an organisation involved in promoting Indian culture and arts     Book ‘Shishu Sadhana - a child friendly Bharata Natya repertoire’ with a DVD   by Mamata Niyogi-Nakra, released at Centre St-Pierre, Montreal, on 16th January 2005