Practice Session Led by Guru Jayashree Mohapatra
December 16, 2022
On Sunday, December 4th, we had an inspiring, energizing and humbling Practice Session led by highly experienced Guru Jayashree Mohapatra, with senior Kala Vikas Kendra classmates, Guru Sangeeta Mahapatra Kar and Dr. Rohini Doshi Dandavate in attendance. We had a beautiful practice in which we witnessed the evolution of the dance pieces practiced between the generations of dancers who attended, and we all were inspired and thoroughly enjoyed watching Guru Jayashree Mohapatra herself as she led the session in the exercises and practice of Vasanta Pallavi and Namami Mangalacharan.
It was interesting to note the differences in movement, music, teaching, and execution of these pieces by different generations of Odissi dancers. For example, Guru Poushali Mukherjee’s student, Kaustavi Sarkar’s execution of the movement was different from Guruji’s direct disciple Niharika Mohanty’s version. Both the versions were different from that of Guru Jayashree Mohapatra herself showing the fluidity of choreography and pedagogy within the field of Odissi in general and within Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra style of Odissi in particular.
While every session will have its own special insights, this session was significant on the following grounds as all three revered Gurus contributed during the reflection that ensued afterwards to answer questions by the younger dancers:
- Learning from elders in the community.
- Learning best practices in teaching and performing.
- Opening up the apprentice learning model in such a supportive but culturally situated way.
- Learning about a very significant institution of Odissi dance, Kala Vikas Kendra, through three dancers who were groomed there. Dr. Rohini Doshi Dandavate has written an article which sheds light on the well developed institution with so many outstanding products: https://www.scribd.com/document/123190217/Babulal-Doshi-An-Ambassador-of-Odissi-Dance
The discussion continued for a long time and it was a very enriching environment that left everyone desiring more…
We hope that many more dancers in our community feel inspired to join to make this an even richer sharing experience!
ODISSI WEEKLY OPEN PRACTICE SESSIONS
Sundays from 4-5pm PT/7-8pm ET
Please Join: bit.ly/odissipractice
