MY LIFE AS A CLASSICAL DANCER
I was initiated into the ancient classical dance of India, Odissi by Guru Giridhari Nayak, and perfected this ancient dance-form under the strict supervision and loving care of the eminent Odissi exponent, Aloka Kanungo for last 19 years.
I have performed solo and with Mrs Kanungo at Khajuraho Dance Festival, All India Women's Congress, Jayadeva Jayanti Utsav, Puri Beach Festival; Uday Shankar Dance Festival, Calcutta; National Festival Of New Choreographies, New Delhi; Utkal Divas Utsav, Sambhalpur; Shankar Dev Festival, Guwahati; Surya Festival, Kerala; Thalam; Swaralaya Nrityotsav, Kerala; Kolkata Dooradarshan Utsav to name a few. I have featured a number of times on the National Television Channel (Dooradarshan Kendra Calcutta), E-TV Bangla and Tara.
My solo production Panamami Buddham is a unique attempt in Odissi Dance. Conceived, written and choreographed by me, the project was sponsored by the Mahabodhi Society of India. Buddhism is India's gift to the world. In this recital Odissi moves beyond the traditional use of Oriya and Sanskrit and attempts to imbibe in it, the sheer spirit of Buddhist Philosophy through the extensive use of Pali shlokas.
I have learned the nuances of Odissi Classical Music from the eminent Guru Gopal Chandra Panda and also have a Gradute Diploma in Tagore's music. I assist my Guru in teaching, choreography, direction and project organisation in India and abroad.
