Odissi
An Indian dance Form
Odissi, is the traditional dance form of Orissa and ows its origin to the temple dances of the devadasis (temple dancers). Possibly, the oldest classical dance form in the country, Odissi has been mentioned in inscriptions, depicted on scultures, in temples like the Brahmeswara and the dancing hall of the Sun Temple at Konark. In the 1950s, the entire dance form was revitalised thanks to the Abhinaya Chandrika and sculpted dance poses found in temples.
While the form is curvaceous, concentrating on the tribhang or division of the body into three parts, head, bust and torso; the mudras and the expressions are similar to those of Bharatnatyam. Odissi performances are replete with lores of the philosophy of itss most popular diety, Lord Jagannath.
Odissi is based on the popular devotion to Lord Krishna and the verses of the Sanskrit play Geet Govinda are used to depict the love and devotion to God. The Odissi dancers use their head, bust and torso in soft flowing movements to express specific moods and emotions. Labels: Indian Dance form, Odissi
