A new dancer, a new beginning.

I am pleased to say that I am a new student of one of the oldest Indian classical dance traditions.  Orissi, or Odissi Indian classical dance was born in the Eastern state of Orissa in India.  It has a long tradition but was nearly suppressed by the British Raj.

ArtIndia.net defines Odissi as follows:

"The current form of Odissi is the product of a 20th century revival.  Dedicated scholars and dance enthusiasts carefully researched manuscripts and studied the sculpture, painting and poetry of the region.  They also met and observed the performances of the few existing performers, in order to revive and restructure Odissi as a unique classical dance style adapted to the requirements of formal stage presentation.  Over the years Odissi has become one of the most popular classical dance styles.

The technique of Odissi includes repeated use of the tribhangi, or thrice deflected posture, in which the body is bent in three places, approximating the shape of a helix.  This posture and the characteristic shifting of the torso from side to side, make Odissi a difficult style to execute.  When mastered, it is the epitome of fluid grace and has a distinctively lyrical quality that is very appealing."

My first experience with Odissi was at a performance in Norfolk, Virginia when I was in eighth grade.  At the time, I was under the tutelage of guru Malini Srirama in Bharatanatyam Indian classical dance, a dance form from the state of Tamil Nadu in South India.  After seeing the performance, I was so impressed that I expressed my desire to practice Odissi to my mother and father.  Unfortunately, there were no gurus in our area who could train me, so I stuck with Bharatanatyam until I moved away for college after graduating high school. 

After five years without dance in my life, I can't believe it took me two semesters to discover the Center for World Music in San Diego!  The center is a nonprofit organization that strives to spread awareness of the world's performing arts.  Thanks to the Center, I am the newest student of guru Madhusmita Mohanty, an accomplished Odissi dancer who has performed all over the globe who is also a visiting teacher staying at a Dr. Patnaik's house in San Diego. Apparantly, Dr. Patnaik is the treasurer for the Center and hosts visiting teachers from Orissa. Patnaik's daughters are also accomplished Bharatanatyam and Orissi dancers.  If Madhusmita leaves the area, one of Dr. Patnaik's daughters will train me. 

I am so fortunate to have the opportunity of pursuing my childhood dream, having two parents who helped me realize my talent for dance at a young age and to be a part of such a beautiful tradition. It is unusual for a girl from an Islamic background to be practicing Hindu temple dances, but this is all the more proof that art is secular. It is meant for everyone, regardless of caste, color or creed.

Love and Light. 

Siham