Dance Style Resource

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Odissi

Although Odissi has its origins in the ancient rituals of northern Indian temples, today’s version is in fact a revival based on dance research, reconstructions and recreations.
The aesthetics of Odissi are lyrical, based on the depiction of mythological love poems about the relationship between deities Radha and Krishna. The drama is articulated through ornamental body movements and stylized mime involving hand gestures and facial expressions. The characteristic heel placement and the tribhangi movement, the body bent in three places, are combined with side shifts of the torso. The music of Odissi reflects its prevailing lyricism, and combines vocals with the accompaniment of melodic and soft sounds of cymbals, flute, violin and a small drum. Graceful and sculptural at the same time, Odissi can be performed by female and male dancers.
Sources: International Encyclopedia of Dance. (1998) Selma
Jeanne Cohen (ed.). Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press
and Anjana Rajan, Odissi on www.artindia.net

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