East India (Odisha), millennia-old tradition
ODISSI
The temple dance of Odisha
Odissi is one of the eight classical Indian dances, originating in the state of Odisha (formerly Orissa) on India's east coast. Its roots trace back to ritual dances performed in temples, notably the Jagannath Temple in Puri, and are visible in the sculptures of the temples of Konark and Bhubaneswar. For centuries, the devadasis (maharis) of the Jagannath Temple preserved this sacred tradition.
After a period of decline, Odissi was reconstructed and codified in the mid-20th century by gurus such as Kelucharan Mohapatra, Pankaj Charan Das, and Deba Prasad Das, who founded the three main styles (gharanas). Odissi is distinguished by its graceful curves, its tribhangi (triple bend of the body), its fluidity, and its combination of sculptural and devotional character.
On stage, Odissi alternates between flowing, undulating movements, fixed sculptural positions (bhangis), rhythmic footwork, and narrative facial expressions. The dance often tells stories of Krishna, Radha, and the deities of Odisha. It is now recognized worldwide for its visual beauty and spiritual depth.
How it's danced
Technique & figures
Odissi is danced to traditional rhythmic cycles (tala), most often in 8 beats (adi tala) or 6 beats (rupa tala). The dancer wears ghungroo (bells) on their ankles and alternates between liquid movements (lasya) and firmer, more sculptural positions (tandava). Emphasis is placed on the body's curves and the fluidity of transitions.
Styles and fundamentals
The fundamental posture is the chouka: the feet turned outward, the legs bent, the hips in neutral position, and the arms forming a horizontal line. The tribhangi is Odissi's signature: the body divides into three parts (head, torso, hips) that move in independent curves. Mudras (hasta) and abhinaya (facial expression) are essential to the narrative.
Main figures
- 01
Tribhangi
A triple bend of the body creating S-shaped curves. Odissi's emblematic posture, inspired by the sculptures of Odisha's temples.
- 02
Chouka
The basic sculptural posture with feet turned outward, legs bent, and arms held in a line. Represents stability and devotion.
- 03
Abhinaya
Narrative expression of the face and gestures telling stories of Krishna, Radha, and the deities. The emotional heart of Odissi.
- 04
Mudras
The codified language of the hands, used to express concepts, actions, and emotions in narrative dance.
- 05
Bhramari (turns)
Graceful spins on the spot, performed with great fluidity and arms held in line. Odissi uses slow, meditative turns.
- 06
Pada bhedas
Basic foot positions and movements structuring the technical vocabulary. Each position carries a precise name and meaning.
Reading the music
Odissi music is provided by a classical Odisha ensemble: voice, mardala (traditional drum), bansuri (flute), violin, sitar, and manjira (small cymbals). The mardala holds the tala and converses with the dancer's ghungroo. The songs are often devotional compositions in Sanskrit or Oriya.
Did you know?
Explore the rhythms
Same family
Traditions Asiatiques & Orientales
Cross connections
Styles from other families that share a common language with Odissi.