Odissi
Odissi is a traditional Indian dance . It is one of the seven leading Indian classical dance forms. The images of this dance (sculptures) go back to the 1st century BC. A well-known example of this are the temple sculptures at the Konark Sun Temple .
history
Odissi is originally a temple dance that was danced by the Mahari in the temples of Odisha . Later, this form of dance performance came from the temples to the rulers' courts and then "onto the streets" among the people, where it was performed by men dressed as women. However, the current form of the performance of Odissi is a product of the revival of dance in the 20th century from the study of stone sculptures and writings. The dance is celebrated today by women and men.
description
Odissi is characterized by flowing movements, statue-like poses, aesthetic beauty and grace. The revival as active dance and its spread through newly created dance schools can be traced back in particular to Kelucharan Mohapatra (1926–2004), the master of modern Odissi. Well-known dancers (regardless of their importance) are or were: Sanjukta Panigrahi (1944–1997), Kumkum Mohanty, Sonal Mansingh, Protima Bedi (1949–1998), Nandini Ghosal and Sharmila Biswas.
Web links
- Odissi Videos (Real Player)
- Odissi - An East Indian dance form in the context of the debates about regional traditions and cultural identity , Cornelia Schnepel, Halle (Saale) 2005 (PDF file; 652 kB)
- Website with many examples