ODISSI CLASSICAL DANCE Intensive Training
Annual Intensive Dance Training Programs in Pushkar, Rajasthan
Session #1
February 3 – March 1, 2025
Odissi Beginners & Continuing Choreography
Session #2
March 10 – 29, 2025
Temple Dance Festival
March 30th
Session #3
March 31 – April 5, 2025 Intermediate/Advanced Workshop with Guru Sujata Mohapatra
INQUIRE NOW!
Please fill out this inquiry form to receive all the details on Odissi trainings – including costs, available scholarships for Indian nationals and application links.
About the Odissi program
Shakti School of Dance welcomes you home…
Our Odissi Classical Dance Intensive Training Programs are designed for serious students who want to fully immerse into the rigorous lifestyle of a classical dancer.
This cultural immersion guides students towards technical mastery, and to a well rounded understanding of the cultural context related to Odissi dance. The vocabulary of our dance lineage has its origins in Sanskrit texts dating back millennia. Students study these texts which also cover topics such as music theory, aesthetics and stagecraft.
New students are welcome to join from Session 1 to establish basic techniques and begin their journey into Odissi dance. While a certain degree of fitness is required for the training, it is not required to have previous experience in Odissi. Students who are self-motivated, disciplined, love attention to detail and enjoy intricate arts will enjoy this program.
Returning students come back every year to advance their skills, polish techniques and study further into the theories which make Odissi rich and complex. The sincere community of artists who come together in our school from all across the world have formed a precious bond and a family of support that keeps us motivated on this path of dance.
Odissi Classical Dance Intensive Training Programs include: yoga and meditation, technique classes, choreography, repertoire rehearsal, theory lectures, study groups, structured self practice labs, cultural experiences and seva (spirited service)
TEMPLE DANCE FESTIVAL
March 30th at 7 pm
Old Rangji Temple, Pushkar
Presenting Odissi students of Shakti School of Dance and special guest Smt Sujata Mohapatra
SESSION 1
February 3 – March 1, 2025
Classical Dance Fundamentals & Continuing Choreography
Level 1: Beginners or experienced dancers wanting to improve and study choreography
Become confident in your dance in this thorough exploration of the technique and theory of Odissi classical Indian dance. Students will gain immense inspiration from the holistic vision of Indian classical arts as an expression of Yoga – nurturing the spiritual aspects of the artistic process as well as challenging themselves with the musical intricacies and storytelling/expressive nature of this art form.
Session 1 is an intensive designed for beginners to Odissi dancers with 1-3 years experience in Odissi classical dance and for returning students of any level (curriculum based on proficiency – a special item class will be an addition to your schedule). The technique curriculum will focus on a careful breakdown and practice of fundamental techniques and stances – Chowka/Tribhangi Stepping, and essential movement vocabulary such as bhramari (turns) and chāri (walks).
The class schedule is subject to change each week, accommodating the needs of the group. Each week a class schedule will be posted with a special focus. Content of classes will be determined by the capacity of participants.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE INCLUDES:
Vinyasa Krama Yoga: 3 hours
Odissi Technique: 5 hours
Anga Shuddhi & Natya Shastra Vocabulary: 5 hours
Choreography: 3+ hours
Repertoire Review: 3+ hours
Indian Aesthetics & Theory Class: 3+ hours
Total approximate hours of training: 100+
SESSION 2
March 10 – 29, 2025
Continuing students & Temple Dance Festival
Experienced (beginners may continue from Session #1)
This dance training will develop your technical Odissi skills and theoretical knowledge about form and meaning (overt and covert structures within our dance framework), to open up your expressive range and build confidence in your Odissi performance.
The curriculum will focus on a careful breakdown and practice of repertoire and new choreography with a focus on group performance dynamics. We will also study Nava Rasa (9 emotional states),learning new creative exercisesto draw out meaning and expression that empower us as actors/practitioners of Abhinaya. Students will gain immense inspiration from the holistic vision of Indian classical arts as an expression of Yoga – nurturing the spiritual aspects of the artistic process as well as challenging themselves with the musical intricacies and storytelling/expressive nature of this art form.
*Temple Dance Festival Performance is optional – however if you do not choose to perform, we request your participation in the production of the dance festival. If a student chooses to perform – they will be responsible to provide the needed costuming/make up/jewelry for group pieces. Extra rehearsal hours may be required for performing students
WEEKLY SCHEDULE INCLUDES:
(Sundays holiday)
Vinyasa Krama Yoga: 3 hours
Odissi Technique: 5 hours
Anga Shuddhi & Natya Shastra Vocabulary: 5 hours
Choreography: 3+ hours
Repertoire Review: 3+ hours
Indian Aesthetics & Theory Class: 3+ hours
Total approximate hours of training: 75+
SESSION 3
March 31 – April 5, 2025
Intermediate/Advanced Workshop with
Guru Smt. SUJATA MOHAPATRA
Experienced / Continuing
This one of a kind Odissi training offers students a chance to focus on a careful breakdown and practice of a masterpiece choreography by Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra taught by Guru Sujata Mohapatra.
The class schedule is subject to change accommodating the needs of the group. Please brush up on your technique and repertoire review BEFORE arriving to the training. We will jump right into an advanced choreography. The group will be divided in 2 based on proficiency so teaching is adjusted to the students requirements as
WEEKLY SCHEDULE INCLUDES:
Total approximate hours of training: 25+ set on a unique schedule.
Odissi Intensive Daily Schedule
Weekly class schedule will be announced at the beginning of each training week. Schedule is subject to change and placement in class is determined by teacher. Your general daily schedule will include 4+ hours of instruction, plus the expectation of 1-3 hours of self practice. We have a half day Saturday and no class Sunday. Local holidays are observed.
Application Steps
REQUEST MORE INFO & APPLY – Send us an inquiry mail (form at the top of this page) for more information & the application
Fill out Application – *Send an email to us just to make sure your application came through!*
Receive Notice of ‘Accepted’ or ‘Waitlist’ – You will be informed if you have been accepted into the program, and receive additional information about your chosen Payment Plan and links for your payments.
Make your tuition Payment (full amount or non-refundable first deposit) – this is what secures your spot in the program! You will be added to our SSD Alumni Facebook Group where you may ask questions to our helpful dance community about travel, accommodations, general recommendations, etc. (we do not assist in travel bookings)
Full Payment Completes your Registration – All payment and registration must be completed by dates specified in your payment plan agreement. Otherwise, we will offer your spot to a waitlisted student.
You will receive a WELCOME LETTER in which has suggestions for accommodation and travel, etc. approximately 1 month before the course starts.
Assistance
*Indian Nationals Scholarship rate is available – based on genuine need – for Indian Nationals who are currently residing and working in India with government issued id.
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For further questions please don’t hesitate to inquire by email at: shaktischoolofdance@gmail.com
Important Information
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You MUST arrive in Pushkar at least 2 days before the course begins. You will not be permitted to join the course if you arrive the same day the school starts. Experience leads us to believe that students need sufficient rest after long travel or international flights before they begin intensive training.
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Beginning Odissi dancers are welcome for Session 1 or 2
They may also apply for the full season.
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Returning students are welcome all sessions.
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If you are an Indian citizen (with an Indian passport, ID or Ration Card) and currently live and work in India – we offer a scholarship rate based on financial need. You will still be required to complete the standard application form for consideration. Please email us at: shaktischoolofdance@gmail.com
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Between each session there are holidays scheduled for rest and to recuperate your energy in this physically demanding training program.
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We offer training certificates at the completion of each Odissi intensive session which note the hours you have trained. After completion of each intensive session, practical and written exams are given.
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Shakti School of Dance is a family friendly environment, we love having your family involved in our school. Family members are welcome to observe classes and join ‘Shakti Saturday’ and any performance events. We can help to arrange child care for mothers during your class hours. Please email for more information.
A Loving Note to Students
Please note that we do not guarantee start and end times for classes. Please be prepared to dedicate yourself full time to the study of Odissi dance during the respective sessions. We strive to provide the best possible education experience, therefore encourage students to use any free time to observe advanced students’ classes, or practice with fellow students before and after class. Additionally, the student should be prepared to relax into our very unique village-life inside a bustling marketplace and pilgrimage town of Pushkar. Our schedule may vary from day to day. Each Monday the week’s schedule will be posted.
FAQs
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Yes. Since we are in an active temple, all Odissi Intensive students must dress appropriately to enter our school or they may be asked to leave. For your Odissi classes, traditional dance sari or salwar kameez are required. More details will be sent to you in your welcome packet after registration is complete.
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Shakti School of Dance cannot offer any support in visa matters. For this reason, we suggest you enter on a Tourist Visa, for the purpose of “sightseeing”.
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There are many small guest houses in Pushkar within a 1-15 minute walk. Prices range from $10-$45 US Dollars a night. Guest houses are simple and safe. We suggest you look in a guidebook or travel forum online. It is very easy to find accommodations in Pushkar even without advance reservations. SSD does not offer help with booking accommodation, however please visit our school Facebook group page to communicate with other dancers who have come to SSD before.
We suggest you do not commit to a long term booking online until you arrive and have a look around to make sure you find a comfortable accomodation located close to the school.
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Those interested in training in the Odissi Intensive programs MUST fill out the application. Students interested in attending drop-in classes in any subject are NOT required to submit an application.
Applications must be submitted on time and completed in full to be considered for admission to our training programs. Payment (via Paypal) must be completed upon admission in the given time period to guarantee enrollment in the Odissi intensive sessions. Please review our strict no-refund policy before tuition payment is completed so there is no confusion.
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Item description
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Odissi classical Indian dance training as traditionally taught, music for items completed inside the course of study and some supplementary hand outs. Airfare, travel and hotel are not included in tuition fees.
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New students or returning students who have not attended the Odissi Intensive program since 2013 must apply for Session # 1 or 2. Any student applying for Session 1 may also apply to continue for the other Sessions.
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No. We only offer Intensive training classes as part of a structured session. We do not offer discounts or any prorated rates. If you cannot commit at this time to the intensive, we welcome you to join us as a drop in student. Please note the *Arrival Requirements*
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No. At this time, there are no scholarships or work trades available except to Indian Nationals currently living and working in India. Please write us to inquire more about these rates for Indian Nationals at: shaktischoolofdance@gmail.com
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We highly encouraged students to maintain a daily yoga practice to familiarize themselves with having a daily discipline and to develop strength, flexibility and concentration. We have recently launched SSD Online, and you can start training right now in a variety of classes.
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At the beginning of the season will be cold until mid February. By the end of March it will be hot in Rajasthan!
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OFFICIAL CANCELLATION / REFUND POLICY:
The Shakti School of Dance Odissi Intensive cancellation and refund policy is in place to guarantee the fair allocation of slots in the program to students who have been accepted and are ready to commit.
Your registration payment to SSD is not refundable, returnable or transferable to a future workshop or to another person. No exceptions. Even in the case of medical or family emergencies. Please register with full awareness of the agreement you are entering into.
Payment (via Paypal), as well as the ‘Mandatory Waiver Form’ must be completed upon acceptance in the given time period to guarantee enrollment in the Intensive sessions.
*By completing your payment, you have agreed to our refund terms and conditions already.