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Lisa is very thankful to the teachers and Gurus that continue to help in her growth. Her learning is championed by Guru’s Ratikant and Sujata MOhapatra.
Sri Ratikant Mohapatra, the son of the Late Guru, Kelucharana Mohapatra, is a leading choreographer and preserver of Odissi dance. He is the Director of the world class dance institute Srjan (www.srjan.com). He has been awarded numerous accolades for his contribution to dance. Shibu bhai is an integral part of Lisa’s dance journey. He has always been there providing support and guidance as she grows and teaches future generations.
Smt. Sujata Mohapatra is the disciple and daughter in law of the Late Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. She has been awarded numerous awards and is actively involved in teaching Odissi worldwide. In 2007, Lisa started attending Srjan learning and refining Odissi under the guidance of Smt. Sujata Mohapatra. She continues to guide Lisa in the journey of life and dance.
Learn more at www.srjan.com.
Odissi technique is comprised of two main postures, Chowka and Tribhangi. The chowka is a masculine position resembling a square stance very similar to the Hindu God Lord Jaganath. The tribhangi is a feminine position. Tribhanghi means three (tri) folds of the body (bhangi). A dancer performs with three distinct curve/folds on their body at neck, chest, and pelvis. Both postures utilize the torso movement, which is a controlled side to side fluid movement, like the waves washing along the beaches of Puri.
The study of Odissi dance is based on the Guru Shishya Parampara and is deeply rooted in Hinduism. The Guru not only spends time teaching dance, music, abhinaya but becomes a mentor and guide as you grow in dance and age. Learning requires a continued connection with dance Guru’s, mentors, scholars, and musicians. Odissi requires dedication, devotion and determination. It is simply not a mere form of entertainment but an art where literature, spirituality, culture, and tradition are woven into intricate dance steps and acting.
Odissi dance preserves and promotes the culture and stories of Orissa and India. It encompasses several attributes such as grace, poise, body movement, nimbleness in footwork, and the art of acting. And above all, it teaches the art of storytelling.