Odissi Dance of Orissa

The sculptures in Brahmeswara temples and in Konark Sun temple dancing hall depicts the art of traditional dances of Orissa. Odissi dance - the traditional dance form of Orissa owes its birth to the temple dance performed by the devadasis. In mid of 20th century the entire Odissi dance form was revived with the support of the Abhinaya Chandrika and was given a new look. Orissa also enjoys a rich tradition of tribal and folk dances as well. Chhau is a martial dance form derived from of Orissa's age-old tradition. Danda Nata dance performed for a longer duration has acrobatic sequences, which are quite thrilling. Ranapa -- dances includes balancing of talented dancers on bamboo stilts, which is a great source of attractions among the natives.


¤ Charming Odissi Dance

Odissi dance, the soul of Orissa State is the highly galvanized, rapturous form of dance. Possibly the oldest classical dance form, one must sit through a performance to experience its sheer lyrical grace.

Orissa treasures some of the most world-renowned temples, each carved out of stones and rocks, displaying the people's religious faith. These temples are the 'magnum opus' showcasing the skills of master craftsmen, sculptures and architects which, later on became the center of art and culture. It was here that Odissi Dance -- one of India's enchanting dance-forms took birth. In ancient times the Odissi dance was performed by the Devadasis (the temple dancers) in the temples of Orissa on the occasions of holy ceremony and rituals.

It is a well entrenched and systematized classical dance form of India, where the methodology, the characteristics, its style and stages, are almost indescribable. Today Odissi dance is considered as a dance of love, ecstasy and deep passion, divine all combined together.


¤ Folk Dances of Orissa

Ghumra Dance
The special feature of 'Ghumra' Dance is musical instrument -- a kind of drum that produces a deep musical sound. The dancer ties ghumra - the drum round his neck and plays it all the while dancing. The player sings and dances to its tune at social functions like marriages or any religious festival.
There are also competitions that are held among the groups. Each group consists of about twenty people and the dance goes on the whole night. It is the most lively form of dance that attractions attention of tourist.

Chhau Dance
Chhau Dance is one of the most important tribal dances of Orissa. The basic postures and styles of this dance favor the postures of a fighter in a traditional fight. It is also known as Phari Khanda Khela -- the game of sword and shield or Rookmar Nacha - the dance of offence and defense.
Chhau dance is mainly drawn from the episodes of Ramayana , Mahabharata and Krishna - the great legends of India. Most of the dance sequence represents the fight of 'Abhimanyu' with the 'Sapta Rathis', the killing of 'Mahishasura', 'Shiva Tandav', 'Kirat Arjuna', etc. There are also significant tribal themes like 'Sabara Toka', 'Kala Chakra', 'Sabara Sabaruni'. The themes of Chhau are thus legendary, mellowed with grace displaying the story of opera which is at times co-related to visual poetry.

Naga Folk Dance
In this dance the dancer dresses like a worrier and wears a special dress. He carries a shield of the hide of the rhinoceros, a sword, a gun, a horn used as a whistle, an iron shield, bow and arrows, tiger skin, and a bell. The bows have the face of a tiger that looks magnificent. His crown is embellished with splendid peacock feathers, ware a bead string around his neck, a mirror and a string of beads on his wrist, small bell attached to the thigh. He applied a yellow powder to his entire body and marks his forehead with vermilion. He wears an artificial beard and moustache. A complete appearance of a dancer gives a brutish look. The most interesting part of the dance is that it doesn't have any song, it is just a gesture, face expressions and the music that rules the entire show.

The other forms of folk dance like 'Humo', 'Bauli', 'Jhulki', 'Jamudali', 'Mayalajar', 'Gunjikata', 'Rasarkeli' and 'Puchi' are prevalent among the Oriyas and natives of Orissa.