Odissi, one of the seven classical dance forms of India, has captivated audiences around the world. The number of students learning Odissi has multiplied alongside the increase in number of Odissi dance schools all over the world. Originated as a ritual in the temple in the eastern state of Odisha in India, this unique dance form brings together graceful rhythmic body movements, sculpturesque postures, and reflective expressions based on lilting music.
In recognition of the increasing popularity of this dance form, IPAP organized the first International Odissi Festival in Washington DC in 2000. The second International Odissi Festival was also held in Washington D.C. in 2003. Both the festivals were successful in bringing together scholars, dance critics, and Odissi dancers.
Overall for the Odissi connoisseurs, the festivals have helped build long-term connections between second generation dancers in the United States and dance institutions and scholars from India. It also initiated a cultural exchange s between the West and the East.
The Third International Odissi Festival at Bhubaneswar on December 26-30, 2006 became a grand success being called as “Kumbha Mela” of Odissi dance. It broke all the records of any Odissi dance festival in the world. Government of Orissa extended its generous facilities by building Kalinga Mandap to accommodate 6000 at the amphitheater, both Sangeet Natak Academy and Rabindra Mandap went through massive renovation to accommodate thousands of dancers, musicians, scholars etc.The festival was dedicated to the memory of Padmabibhusan Kelucharan Mohapatra.
The five day festival offered the international dancers from 20 countries along with the pathfinders, established, promising, physically challenged from both male and female dancers in solo, duet and group format. Festival also included Gotipuas and Maharis in separate categories. Festival offered the scope of choreography both in traditional and contemporary styles. There was an exclusive field trip to Konark Sun Temple by the foreign dancers and to the Mahari School and Gotipua Village at Puri. Festival also emphasized on Odissi vocal, seminars, lecture demonstrations, exhibits, shops etc.
The 3rd International Festival was cosponsored by Department of Culture, Government of India, Sangeet Natak Academy, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Department of Culture & Tourism, Government of Odisha. Hundreds of dancers from approximately 20 countries participated in various activities. The festival offered hundreds of dancers to perform on a platform and gain the confidence to venture the future. That is the goal of IPAP to bring the confidence in the artists to explore the possibilities and opportunities.
Now… the 4th International Odissi Dance Festival
IPAP had planned the festival in the December of 2009 at Kolkata, India and visited Kolkata to explore the possibilities. With the sudden demise of Arun Das, one of the founding member of IPAP, it was a colossal loss. It was decided to postpone for a while to recuperate and reorganize IPAP to meet the challenge.
Theme: The festival has a simple theme as “ Odissi Moves On”. The festival will visit all aspects of Odissi in its present form and towards a trend towards the 21st century . A special looks at the refining Odissi into a more presentable and attractive format. Exploring the possibilities of changes in music of Odissi and shorter or crispier performances by keeping the quality and traditional values intact. Festival encourages contemporary choreography with some taste or experiments but would not promote any tampering or damaging to the core values of the Odissi dance.