News & Events / Grades 7 and 8 an Odyssey through Odissi
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Academics
Ms Madhulita Mahapatra – Odissi Artist – When Art Meets Young Minds
The students of Grades 7 and 8 were privileged to witness an enriching Odissi dance demonstration led by renowned dancer, Ms. Madhulita Mohapatra, along with her disciple, Ms. Sahana Maiya. The session was not merely a performance, but a meaningful artist–student interaction—a vibrant conversation between rhythm, grace, and devotion that offered students a deeper connection to India’s classical heritage.
Ms. Mohapatra introduced students to the essence of Odissi through its grace, rhythm, and storytelling, weaving in references to temples, traditions, and mythology. With patient guidance, she demonstrated characteristic Odissi postures, the expressiveness of mudras, and the subtle power of facial expressions (abhinaya), encouraging students to observe, reflect, and respond.
What made the workshop truly memorable was its highly interactive format. Students actively participated by providing the tālam, volunteering to dance alongside the artist, and experimenting with movements and rhythms themselves. Ms. Mohapatra engaged the entire group with enthusiasm, motivating students to explore emotions through movement while maintaining the discipline integral to the art form. She addressed questions with care and clarity, further deepening students’ interest and understanding.
The session left a lasting impact—not only as a dance workshop but as a celebration of cultural exchange, creativity, and self-expression. It fostered a genuine appreciation for Indian classical arts, reminding students that dance is more than movement; it is a profound language of the soul.
The students of Grades 7 and 8 were privileged to witness an enriching Odissi dance demonstration led by renowned dancer, Ms. Madhulita Mohapatra, along with her disciple, Ms. Sahana Maiya. The session was not merely a performance, but a meaningful artist–student interaction—a vibrant conversation between rhythm, grace, and devotion that offered students a deeper connection to India’s classical heritage.
Ms. Mohapatra introduced students to the essence of Odissi through its grace, rhythm, and storytelling, weaving in references to temples, traditions, and mythology. With patient guidance, she demonstrated characteristic Odissi postures, the expressiveness of mudras, and the subtle power of facial expressions (abhinaya), encouraging students to observe, reflect, and respond.
What made the workshop truly memorable was its highly interactive format. Students actively participated by providing the tālam, volunteering to dance alongside the artist, and experimenting with movements and rhythms themselves. Ms. Mohapatra engaged the entire group with enthusiasm, motivating students to explore emotions through movement while maintaining the discipline integral to the art form. She addressed questions with care and clarity, further deepening students’ interest and understanding.
The session left a lasting impact—not only as a dance workshop but as a celebration of cultural exchange, creativity, and self-expression. It fostered a genuine appreciation for Indian classical arts, reminding students that dance is more than movement; it is a profound language of the soul.