A brief outline of the choreographic processes of contemporary choreographers in Odissi Dance
Since its rejuvenation in the 1970s, the execution of Odissi dance presentations and themes has evolved vastly. Its growth from a solo classical dance form to solo, duet and varied group presentations has further evolved since the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, to its presence as a popular dance form today. Here, I briefly touch upon various choreographic works done by seven Odissi dance choreographers, who have each carved a special niche for themselves in the Art form today. They are gurus Madhavi Mudgal, Ratikant Mohapatra, Daksha Mashruwala, Sharmila Biswas, Aruna Mohanty, Durga Charan Ranbir, and Surupa Sen.
Guru Pankaj Charan Das, Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, and Guru Deba Prasad Das are considered the three pillars of Odissi dance, credited with establishing their own gharanas, and laying down the basic foundation of Odissi. The present day gurus, have, in their role as choreographers, established a unique place for themselves, carrying forward the legacy of their Gurus. In keeping with the present times, they are using new themes, styles and techniques in the presentation and execution of Odissi on stage.
While Smt. Madhavi Mudgal is known for her rhythmic intricacies and well-designed aesthetic movements on stage, Sri Ratikant Mohapatra explores the neoclassical style in depth using attractive musical arrangements, fast-paced rhythm patterns, and adapting Karanas from Natyashastra, and movements atypical to Odissi. Smt. Daksha Mashruwala adapts various tales and mythology from across borders, emphasizing on the aesthetic sensibilities of the Art form, while Smt. Sharmila Biswas presents research-oriented rural themes with striking realism and depth. Smt. Aruna Mohanty delves into abstract themes and philosophies in her presentations, focusing on existence, the self, and realism, while Sri Durga Charan Ranbir focuses on varied Abhinaya on the works of traditional Odia poets. Smt. Surupa Sen, with a firm base in Odissi and Ballet, combines elements to create her own movements and also adapts movements from Yoga and Kalaripayattu in her choreographs.
The change in times and the perception of audiences towards Classical Dance have led to a change in the presentation of Odissi on stage. The use of technology is present in all auxiliary aspects of a dance presentation, and today, dance is about the complete package, with new choreographies, visual effects, lights, music, stage décor and costumes.
While Indian classical dance traditionally covers Indian mythology and folklore, the challenge today is to keep the aesthetics of Odissi and the Odissi ethos intact, while presenting new and contemporary themes through choreographic innovations. A proper study of this subject would shed great light on the areas of choreography that each of these gurus specializes in, with emphasis on their choreographic process, the design and conceptualization, observations from other performing Arts, and how these presentations create a lasting impact in the minds of the audience. Furthermore, it is important to understand how these choreographs influence the current generation of practitioners in carrying forward and further evolving the established culture and vast repertoire of Odissi.
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