Jagannatha Puri Odissi Workshop, January 2020

Nayikas is a diverse group of women, from different ages and backgrounds who all share a passion for the art of Odissi Dance.  

Odissi is arguably the oldest of all Indian classical dance forms and originates from the eastern state of Orissa. Dating back to the 2nd century BC, Odissi is well known for its lyrical nature, grace, fluid movements and asymmetrical body postures. 

Over the past 4 years this classical dance has become an integral part of our lives. Through continued dedication, discipline and devotion we have created an environment for women to come together to inspire and empower each other. 

We regularly engage with and share our passion for dance with our communities local and afar, through dance performances and workshops. 

We live in Murwillumbah, a small rural town, the last place you would think to chance upon dedicated teachers/students of this rare practice, but we have just that ; with contribution and love of Mohini Cox locally and the guidance of our odissi guru Monica Singh Sangwan based in Melbourne.

At present we have an incredibly rare opportunity to further our learning through a fully immersive, 3 week, Gurukula style workshop, in Jaganath Puri, India, facilitated by Monica Singh Sangwan. This will be taught by a collective of world renowned teachers in fields of dance music and art.

Brief overview of curriculum:

•Odissi class by Gurus Vishnu Tattva Das and Monica Singh Sangwan

•Music lessons with Sri Achyuta Maharana (Odissi classical vocalist)

•Pakhawaj appreciation sessions with Sri Manas Kumar Sarangi

•Pata chitra painting sessions with Sri Sanjay Patra

•Dance history and art critic class with Sri Ashish Khokar

•Yoga sessions and meditation with Monica Singh Sangwan


We are humbly asking for you to help us get there!

Without your support this dream will be difficult if not impossible to realize.  We are incredibly grateful for whatever contribution you can make. 

The amount we are raising covers our flights and the workshop.

Please follow our story on instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/nayikas_/?hl=en

@vrindas.gleeson
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~ Because ones relationship with any art form evolves over time, practicing Odissi currently feels like an important part of my personal growth. I can see regular practice alone, with students or friends, grounding me within the moods and changes of life ~

@syami.hedemark
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~Delightfully, my two worlds of spiritual practice and physical dance met when I started Odissi. Odissi, paradoxically, gives me a space to land in my body, be disciplined and develop structure and at the same time experience spontaneous, internal contentment and peace~

@mati.hedemark
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~I initially started odissi to push myself out of my comfort zone, and while it has certainly done that, it has also done so much more. Odissi for me is endlessly challenging, fascinating, inspiring and deeply spiritual.
The friendship and support I receive from this group of girls and our teachers, is a constant source of encouragement.
I am so grateful to have found odissi, or for odissi to have found me, and in doing so allowed me to find myself ~

@surabhi.singanamala
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~Between every other creative drive and the work as a student, and in life, the time I’ve spent learning Odissi has brought me more of an understanding of myself in relation to my spiritual, mental, physical and social wellbeing in a way that keeps me coming back for more!
Ever grateful for the didis that guide me to grow, and for when I laugh and make mistakes; encourage and laugh with me ~

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Thank you,
Nayikas

Photography credit to the amazing Devi Kashyap
https://www.devikashyap.com/