Odissi Dance - Magic of Graceful Movements

Oddisi dance is an art full of grace, poise and magic. Every step in Odissi dance is like poetry in motion. Odissi Dance is the traditional dance of Orissa and has its origin in temples. It was seen as a religious rite performed only by devdasis. Many huge and magnificent temples were built in the medieval era in Orissa. And these temples became the center for performing arts. Odissi Dance and its exponents till 17th century were considered a very respected lot. But under the rule of Raj, Odissi Dance along with many other dances of India, were brought to a standstill. The profession of dancing started being considered as a petty affair. This condition continued till Independence. After independence, the revival of the dances was initiated.Odissi dance since then has been taken to great heights by many brilliant performers like Guru Deba Prasad Das and Guru Mayadhar Raut. The dance has also evolved a lot from waht it used to be earlier. Odissi Dance is primarily the encactment of love between Lord Krishna and Radha. The movements of the dance are largely based on the concept of 'Tribhangi' which devides the body in three parts, the head, bust and torso. The magic that is created in the dance owes hugely to 'mudras', that is the movements of hands. Such is the grace and fluency of the moves that one just cannot take his eyes of it for even a moment.