“Dance for yourself. If someone understands, good. If not, no matter.” — Louis Horst
One of the oldest forms of classical dance in India, traces its origins to Natya Shastra- the sacred Sanskrit text on performing arts
Odissi was performed in the temples by the dancers called Maharis, who played out these spiritual poems and underlying religious plays.
Traditional Odissi exists in two major styles, the first perfected by women and focussed on solemn, spiritual temple dance (maharis); the second perfected by boys dressed as girls (gotipuas) which diversified to include athletic and acrobatic moves, and were performed from festive occasions in temples
Guru Pankaj Charan Das
Guru Pankaj Charan Das (1919-2003) was an Indian classical dancer, choreographer and the Ādi Guru of Odissi dance. He is known as the 'Father of Odissi dance'.
The term mahari stands for maha-nari meaning 'great lady'. The Maharis performed exclusively for the deity in the sanctum sanctorum as part of the daily rituals at the temple and occasionally at temple processions.
The traditional Odissi repertoire, like all classical Indian dances, includes Nritta (pure dance, solo), Nritya (dance with emotions, solo) and Natya (dramatic dance, group).