Odissi

Odissi is one of the five recognized forms of Indian classical dance, closely follows "Natyashastra" written by Bharat Muni. It originates from the eastern state of Orissa in India and dates back to the 2^nd century BC. Odissi is well known for its lyrical nature, grace, fluid movements and asymmetrical body style. Some of the Odissi postures can be seen today in the sculptures of ancient temples and caves in the state of Orissa. There are a number of characteristics of the Odissi dance. The style may be seen as a conglomeration of aesthetic and technical details. One of the most characteristic features of Odissi dance is the Tribhangi. The concept of Tribhangi divides the body into three parts, head, neck, and torso. Any posture which deals with these three elements is called Tribhangi. This concept has created the very characteristic poses which are more contorted than found in other classical Indian dances. Another feature which distinguishes Odissi from the other classical styles is the "Chouka" position. This posture has been derived from Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity in Odissi dance. Over the centuries three schools of Odissi dance developed: Mahari, Nartaki, and Gotipua. The Mahari tradition is the devdasi tradition; this is the use of women who are attached to deities in the temple. The Nartaki tradition is the school of Odissi dance which developed in the royal courts. Gotipua is a style characterized by the use of young boys dressed up in female clothing to perform female roles. Origination from the Gotipuas, Guru Deba Prasad style of Odissi dance is famous for its pristine qualities and immaculate compositions. His exquisite sabdaswarapata, his marvelous improvisation of bols of Gotipua tradition, his restraints and subtle artistry on Abhinaya create an unparalleled beauty of the classical form. With deep understanding of texts like Geeta Govinda and other medieval literature of Orissa, his Odissi was free from any sophistry and filled one with joy of a consummate desire to be born and reborn again. The dance form is a cocktail of diverse creative impulses blended together to yield an organic and earthy flavour. Simple, lyrical, profound the only style of its kind.

Ranjeeta Mallick

Ranjeeta Mallick is a prominent disciple of Guru Durga Charan Ranbir who is the most celebrated protégé of late Guru Debaprasad dance style. He is responsible for popularizing this style across the globe. Ranjeeta, a Sangeet Visharad in Odissi dance was a performing artist in Indian television before moving to Ottawa. She has performed all over India and has won numerous awards and recognition for her excellence in Odissi dance. She was awarded the prestigious title of Sringar Mani and was chosen as the cultural ambassador by Govt. of India to perform in China and North Korea. She has founded Nrutyayana school of Odissi in Ottawa and is dedicated to preserving the Debaprasad style of Odissi dance. She works at Health Canada as a bio-statistician and teaches at Carleton University.