What is Odissi?

Learn about the history/origination and the distinction between Odissi and the other Indian Classical Dance Forms:

Quick Tip: Learn in this order before advancing to the Techniques and Theory part of the guidebook.

Debanshi Chowdhury

Project Leader

Debanshi is a senior at Clarksburg High School in Maryland. She is very passionate about dance and promoting Odia culture in her American community through the Odisha Society of America’s Youth Group. She is President of her Bollywood dance team, a member of her school’s theater group – CHStage, a Girl Scout Ambassador, and a member of her Hip Hop dance team. She loves to watch Netflix in her free time.

Manaswee Mishra

Odissi Content Developer

Manaswee Mishra, a senior at Marriotts Ridge High School is captain of the Marriotts Ridge Speech and Debate Team, president of the Bollywood Dance Team, and member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and the National Honors Society Executive Board. Currently, she is the cultural coordinator of the Odisha Society of America’s Youth. Manaswee is an avid dancer, learning Ballet, Modern, and Odissi. In her spare time, she loves to sing, garden, and spend time with her family.

What is Odissi?

Introduction

Indian Classical Dance Forms

History

How is Odissi Different?

Dance Repertoire