Odissi, the classical dance form of Odisha, is a mesmerizing blend of grace, storytelling, and spiritual expression. India recognizes Odissi as one of its eight classical dances. This dance form reflects the cultural and devotional heritage of Odisha and captivates audiences with its lyrical movements, intricate footwork, and expressive gestures. The dance of Odisha is one of the oldest classical dance styles in the country, with a rich history that spans over two millennia. This dance style is not only a form of artistic expression but also a spiritual practice that has deep roots in the traditions of Hindu temples. With its distinctive postures, fluid movements, and rich cultural heritage, Odissi has captivated audiences worldwide. Origin and History of Odissi Dance People carved images of Odissi dance in caves near Bhubaneswar over 2,000 years ago. Devadasis performed Odissi in the ancient temples of Odisha as a form of worship. Mahari dancers performed Odissi in the temples of Odisha. They dedicated themselves to the temple deities and danced as part of worship and rituals. The rich cultural heritage of Odisha shapes the Odissi dance form. The Natya Shastra, an ancient Sanskrit text on performing arts, lays the theoretical foundation for Odissi by explaining the principles of dance and drama. Sculptures and canvas from temples, particularly the famous Konark Sun Temple, provide insight into the origins and development of Odissi. Historically, Odissi was a sacred offering to deities, particularly Lord Jagannath, and its movements reflect a deep spiritual connection. Dedicated gurus like Kelucharan Mohapatra, Pankaj Charan Das, and Debaprasad Das revived Odissi in the mid-20th century after it declined during colonial rule.Their efforts brought Odissi to global stages, earning it recognition as a classical dance form by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 1958. Maharis (female temple dancers) traditionally performed Odissi as an offering to Lord Jagannath in the sacred temples of Puri. Later, the dance form evolved with the contribution of Gotipuas—young boys dressed as women who preserved the tradition when temple dancing faced decline during colonial times. Key Feature of Odissi Dance style Tribhangi and Chauka of Odissi Dance: – Tribhangi ·      The hallmark of Odissi is the thrice-bent posture, where the dancer bends the neck, torso, and knees. This iconic posture creates an “S” shape and is a defining aesthetic of Odissi. ·      Tribhangi is prominent in expressive pieces, such as depictions of Radha’s longing in Gita Govinda, and is a hallmark of Odissi’s aesthetic, distinguishing it from other classical dance forms. Chauka ·      A square stance symbolizing Lord Jagannath, emphasizing grounded and symmetrical movements. A square stance symbolizes stability and balance. ·      Dancers use Chauka in pure dance sequences like Battu or Pallavi, where intricate rhythms and robust movements dominate, showcasing the dancer’s control and stamina. Lasya and Tandava of Odissi dance: – Lasya form of Odissi Dance ·      Lasya symbolizes grace, femininity, and softness. It is the gentle, lyrical aspect of dance associated with expressions of love, beauty, and tenderness. ·      In Odissi, Lasya is prominent in pieces like the Abhinaya, where dancers portray romantic or devotional narratives, such as those from Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda.  Tandava form of Odissi Dance ·      Tandava represents vigor, masculinity, and strength. It is the dynamic, powerful aspect of dance associated with energy, rhythm, and intensity. ·      Tandava is evident in pure dance sequences like Battu or Pallavi, where intricate rhythms and robust movements dominate, or in pieces depicting deities like Shiva or Jagannath in their powerful forms. ·      Like other classical Indian dances, Odissi incorporates both feminine (Lasya) and masculine (Tandava) elements. People predominantly know Odissi for its lyrical and graceful Lasya movements. Mudras of Odissi Dance ·      In Odissi dance, Mudra refers to intricate hand gestures used to convey specific meanings, emotions, and narratives. ·      Odissi employs intricate hand gestures (mudras) to convey stories, emotions, and spiritual themes, often derived from the Natya Shastra. ·      In this dance the dancer uses Asamyukta (single hand) and Samyukta (double hand) mudras from the Natya Shastra to express emotions and tell stories. ·      Dancers perform Mudras with precision, holding fingers at specific angles and relaxing palms to maintain grace. In Odissi, Mudras reflect Odisha’s temple traditions, where Devadasis used them to communicate devotion to Lord Jagannath. Facial Expressions (Abhinaya) of Odissi Dance ·      Expressive use of the eyes, eyebrows, and face to convey emotions (bhava) and narratives, especially from mythology. ·      Facial expressions (abhinaya) are central, bringing to life mythological narratives and poetic texts. ·      Rooted in the Natya Shastra, Odissi’s facial expressions bring stories to life, making them an essential complement to mudras, body movements, and music. They embody the dance’s lyrical and devotional essence, connecting performers with audiences on a profound emotional level. ·      Odissi’s facial expressions draw inspiration from Odisha’s temple sculptures, such as those in Konark and Puri, where figures display vivid emotions through carved faces. ·      Historically, Devadasis used abhinaya to communicate devotion in temple rituals, making facial expressions a sacred art form.   Costume and Ornaments Odissi Dance ·      The traditional Odissi costume for women typically includes a silk saree worn in a distinctive style, along with intricate silver jewelry, including a distinctive headpiece (matha patti), ankle bells (ghungroo), and a waistbelt, enhance the aesthetic of Odissi dance style. ·      The makeup is bold, with elongated eye lines and a red bindi, accentuating expressions. ·      Odissi costumes and ornaments draw inspiration from Odisha’s temple traditions, especially the attire worn by Devadasis who performed Odissi as a devotional offering in the Jagannath Temple. ·      The vibrant colors and ornate accessories symbolize festivity, divinity, and the celebration of life, aligning with Odissi’s spiritual themes.   Music and Instruments of Odissi Dance ·    Dancers perform Odissi to classical Odia music, blending Carnatic and Hindustani influences. ·      Instruments like the mardala (a percussion drum), flute, violin, and cymbals accompany the dance. ·      Songs often draw from the works of poets like Jayadeva (Gita Govinda) or Odia devotional poetry. The Repertoire of Odissi Dance Style A traditional Odissi recital follows a specific structure: