Odissi

Q: What are the origins of Odissi dance?

Odissi’s origins date back almost 2,000 years, with evidence in the caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri. The Natyashastra (“Treatise on Acting, Representing”) refers to the Odra-Magadhi style, believed to be an early form of Odissi. The Sun Temple at Konark also shows its connection to temple traditions.

Q: What are the key traditions of Odissi dance?

Odissi evolved through mahari , nartaki , and Gotipua traditions. Mahari involved female temple dancers, nartaki flourished in royal courts, and Gotipua featured young boys dressed as girls performing devotional dances.

Q: What are the key elements of a traditional Odissi performance?

A traditional Odissi recital includes mangalacharan , batu , pallavi , abhinaya , and moksha . It features distinct postures, expressions, music, and attire, contributing to its graceful storytelling.

dance

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History

What are the origins of Odissi dance?

What are the key traditions of Odissi dance?

What are the key elements of a traditional Odissi performance?

Odissi, one of the nine recognized classical dance styles of India; the others include bharatanatyam, kuchipudi, kathak, kathakali, Manipuri, mohiniyattam, sattriya, and chhau. It is indigenous to Odisha (formerly Orissa), eastern India, and follows the principles of the Natyashastra (“Treatise on Acting, Representing”). Its close replication of poses found on classical temple sculptures suggests great antiquity. Related to bharatanatyam in its basic pattern, odissi emphasizes sinuous postures and is enlivened by a variety of elevations and jumps. It is predominantly a dance for women.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Anoushka Pant.

Odissi

What are the origins of Odissi dance?

What are the key traditions of Odissi dance?

What are the key elements of a traditional Odissi performance?

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