what is ODISSI ?

ODISSI. also spelt Orissi , one of the principal classical dance styles of India; others include Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Kathakali, and Manipuri. It is indigenous to Orissa and follows the principles of the Natya-Shastra. Originated and developed in the temples initially, this exquisite dance form - which essentially deals with the love theme of Radha and Krishna - later flourished in the courts as well. Many of the 108 basic dance units (karanas) mentioned in the Natya-Shastra are found only in Odissi, and several of its beautiful dance poses are sculpted on the exterior of the temples of Bhubaneswar, Konarak, and Puri.

Odissi - related to Bharatanatyam in its basic pattern - emphasizes sinuous postures and is enlivened by a variety of elevations and jumps. It is predominantly a dance for women.

Kelucharan Mohapatra, Indrani Rehman, and Sonal Mansingh are some of the principal exponents of Odissi.