The graceful and flowing movements of Odissi have been captured in stone in many temple sculptures throughout Orissa. This devotional dance was an intrinsic part of the temple worship. The Devadasis (servants of god/temple dancers), also known as the Mahari in Orissa, dedicated themselves to singing and dancing in the inner sanctum of the temple. Today, though Odissi dance has stepped out of the temple into mainstream society, it continues to inspire and awaken beauty and grace in the hearts of artists and spectators alike.
Odissi music has a rich legacy and is based on north Indian raagas — a pattern of notes having characteristic intervals, rhythms, and embellishments, used as a basis for improvisation. Raagas (from Sanskrit, meaning “color” or “passion”) are usually classified according to such characteristics as mood, emotion, season, and time. A typical Odissi number starts with a short aalaap or introductory section followed by the main song that elaborates the raaga. This particular piece of music is based on Kalyaan Raga that follows a specific tune while using all notes in the scale. An Odissi performance troupe usually comes with musicians and musical instruments. The orchestra consists of various regional musical instruments, such as the pakhawaj (barrel drum), tabla (double drums), swarmandal (zither), harmonium, flute, sitar, violin, and cymbals.
Odissi Vilas cordially invites you to attend its Annual School Dance Recital, Samyukta - An ode to Odissi Sacred Temple Dance. Guru Vishnu Tattva Das and Odissi Vilas dancers are honored to have guest musicians from Odisha, India to accompany this special event.