Online Classes : Modules Details

Kids Module

To engage, inspire and stimulate creative young minds we have designed a special Introductory Odissi Module for Kids where they are introduced the basics of Odissi in a fun and interactive manner. 

Along with body conditioning exercises to prepare and train their bodies for Odissi, the kids also learn different yoga exercises. They learn and understand the practical and the theoretical concepts of the basic dance vocabulary of Odissi. 

An introduction to the basic steppings with structured teaching of the various layers and their combination is stressed upon in this module. To spark their imagination we have different activities every class aimed at this. To give them a holistic experience of Indian culture we introduce the students to new stories from the Indian mythology every class with use of multimedia. The kids learn about use of different mudras, bhavas, stances, walks in Odissi while enacting the stories. We also share and teach choreographies on contemporary stories like Harry Potter in Odissi style to keep it more relevant and interesting. Riddles, stories, group activities, choreography and drawing activities are used to engage and make it a fun experience for the child. Along with this the child will learn and perform a traditional Odissi choreography at the end of the module.

Basic Module:

This module is designed to introduce the students to the basics of Odissi in a systematic and structured manner for each of the 12 lessons. In the module you are layered to grow in complexity which provide a seamless learning experience to the students. The students will learn and understand about the basic stances in Odissi and the various settings in each of those dances table learn different Mudras, padabheda, grivabheda, vakshachalan. They will also get an introduction to Odissi music and taal and recitation Bol et cetera. Kate method of instruction or teachers will prepare the students to deliver a performance of a traditional choreography at the end of the module. 

Also get introduced to various body conditioning exercises in order to prepare the body for odissi. To ensure injury free environment the class Even incorporating warm-ups and cooldown exercises students and advance in the lessons they will learn traditional Odissi walks and gain insight into the Abhinaya aspect. In culmination the student will learn and perform a traditional choreography based on all the 12 lessons in order to prepare them for a performance at the academy will also teach them about the costume make up hair et cetera additionally the performance commentary and music will be provided to the students to enhance the learning experience and to give a holistic understanding of this rich tradition we also have lectures by experts and scholars on the historyEvolution of zoom recording and WhatsApp videos will also be available.

After gaining an introduction to the basics of Odissi the students will dive into the nritta or pure dance aspect of odissi in this module. Building on the basics learnt in the beginners module the students will learn more complex footwork and steppings. along with this the intermediate module will introduce the students to traditional movement patterns and different walks. the students will also learn the concepts of tihai, sthai arasa.The focus of this module is to build the traditional Odissi vocabulary of the students as well as challenging and improving the memory stamina and endurance of the students .the students will learn and perform a Pallavi a pure dance piece at the end of the 12 lessons of this module. Notations recitation and music of the piece will also be provided preparation for performance and video recordings.

Angashudhi literally means purification of the body. bringing back the focus to basics this module aims at strengthening and polishing the form of the students with extra focus on chronologically completing the basics in Chauk and tribhang in all 3 layas vilambit Madhya and Dhrut. The aim is to challenge and push the endurance and stamina while maintaining the posture and form of the student. the student will also learn and practice all the padabheda hastamudras grivabhed vakshchalan et cetera in this module with special emphasis on variations or learning the next level of basics this module will help streamline and polish all the fundamental concepts and steppings in odissi . The module will also focus on completion and performance of the Sabha Pranaam again going back to the beginning to strengthen the foundation.

Repetition and practice is an important concept in Indian classical dance to achieve fitness and mastery over the body and mind hence this module aims to go back to the roots to to draw strength and a fresh perspective.

Intermediate Level:

Following the second module that focused on nritta aspect this module will initiate an understanding of the Abhinaya aspect of odissi. the use of different mudras and Bhavas is the base of  abhinaya And in that context students will learn the asamyukta, Samyukta and odissi mudras  as well as the shiro and Drishti bhedas according to the abhinayadarpan. This module will teach character and space establishment to the students as well as focus on expressing different emotions thoughts with varying intensity through the codified language gestures and Anga.

The students will also expand their knowledge of the Odissi taal and music as well as learn new vocabulary of traditional bhangis and movements.

Following the rigourous focus on the basics or fundamentals of Odissi the students will delve into an exploration of the sculpturesque quality of Odissi with the iconic signature piece Sthai. This piece brings to life the sculptures found on the panels of the Konark Temple the participants will learn different iconic poses along with different Arasa they will also learn about the Margam and the temple and dance history. This module gives the participants an introduction to the mahari style of Odissi as this composition is choreographed by Guru Pankaj Charan Das, whose style is influenced by the mahari tradition.

Advanced Level:

The participants will learn this contemporary and popular choreography by Guru Ratikant Mohapatra. Megh Pallavi explores lilting and graceful movements and is a vibrant and energetic Pallavi which captures the attention of the audience. This Pallavi is set in Jhumpa taal, a time cycle of 10 beats. There will be special emphasis on understanding the structure of Jhumpa taal and the notations of the Pallavi. 

In this module the participants will learn a unique piece – Champu. Champu refers to a song where each line of the song begins with a particular alphabet. The participants will learn the “La” Champu, where each line begins with La. Leela Nidhi He is a choreography by Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra where Radha is pleading Krishna to return her saree as she feels embarrassed without it. Radha asks him to do her hair and adorn her forehead. She is overjoyed when Krishna finally returns her saree. This Champu is written by Kavisurya Baladev Rath. 

One of the signature pieces of the Odissi repertoire Dashavtar describes the 10 incarnations. This piece is from the 12th century text, Geeta Govinda written by Kavi Jaidev. It is a dramatic piece with a beautiful blend of rigorous dance and abhinaya. This iconic composition has been choreographed by Guru Kelucharan Mohaptra. This piece helps the participants understand and explore various stories from Indian mythology.