Odissi Levels & Syllabus
ODISSI TRAINING
Classical Indian dance is a highly codified dance form rich with layers of symbolism, metaphor and poetic suggestion. The architects of modern odissi gave prominence to the devotional and spiritual potential embeded Orissa’s culture which is reflected in both the training process and choreographic themes.
The pedagogy and practice of odissi thrives on ‘mantra like repetition’ to develop a specific kind of fluency within the complex dance techniques. Layer upon layer of detail is added first to the physical form, then to subtler layers of the dancers awareness.
Shakti School of Dance follows a lineage-based syllabus as per Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra’s Srjan school, however Colleena incorporates additional aspects to the training such as: Vinyasa Krama Yoga, theoretical studies (Indian Aesthetics and associated philosophies), approaches to training from allied arts such as Kalaripayattu and body conditioning from contemporary and traditional modalities.
ODISSI SYLLABUS & LEVELS
For Odissi Online Courses and Live Intensive Trainings
The course content listed below is what is covered over several months of study within the prescribed levels. Choreographies
INTRODUCTION
LEVEL 1
Basic postures: Mudra / Pada/ Bhangi
Foundational techniques: Focus on coordination. Bhumi Pranam, Exercises: turn out, leg strength, spine, Steppings sama to chowka, Chowka & Tribhangi 1-3, chari, bramhari, mudra exercises, etc
Choreographed phrases: ‘Angikam bhuvanam’, ‘Gurur Bramha’
Theory: Introduction to history / cultural context: Jagannath Temple and Mahari tradition, Indian classical dance (shastriya nritya), gurus, texts, chants
Body Conditioning: Focus on warm up, strengthening, self care and cool down stretching
Technique training: Traditional Stepping: Chowka 1-8 & Tribhangi 1-5. Focus on dancing at 2 speeds
Choreography: HARI OM
Abhinaya Darpana techniques: Bheda of Mudra, Pada, Greeva, etc.
Theory: Key concepts and mythology of shastriya nritya
LEVEL 2
LEVEL 3
Body Conditioning: focus on strength, speed and flexibility
Technique training: Traditional Stepping: Chowka 9-10, Tribhangi 6-10 and compositions. Focus on dancing in 3 speeds.
Choreography: MANGALACHARAN
Bramhari & Chari of various texts
Theory: Music – Tala & Bol script
Body Conditioning: focus on strength, speed and flexibility
Technique training: All traditional steppings: in 3 speeds, L3 steppings (new), bramhari & chari
Choreography: VASANTA PALLAVI
Theory: Tala & Music theory. Intro to Mukhaja & Abhinaya in sringara rasa
LEVEL 4
LEVEL 5
Body Conditioning: focus on strength, speed, flexibility and deep stretching/cool down practices
Technique training: All traditional steppings: in 3 speeds, new L4 steppings
Choreography: BATU
Theory: Tala theory (chanda, jati) & Bol script. The Body in space: directions, geometry & patterns
Body Conditioning: focus on strength, speed, flexibility and deep stretching/cool down practices
Technique training: All traditional steppings: in 3 speeds, new L5 stepping, new compositions in various tala
Choreography: VAKRATUNDA
Theory: Puranic story & Rasa theory, deva hasta, Natya Shastra, abhinaya
LEVEL 6
LEVEL 7
Body Conditioning: focus on stamina, speed, flexibility and deep stretching/cool down practices
Technique training: All traditional steppings: in 3 speeds, new L6 stepping, new compositions in various tala
Choreography: SAVERI PALLAVI
Theory: Tala theory & Bol script, Natya Shastra
Body Conditioning: focus on strength, speed, flexibility and deep stretching/cool down practices
Technique training: All traditional steppings: in 3 speeds, new L7 stepping, new compositions in various tala
Choreography: MOKSHA
Theory: Upanishad & Natya Shastra theory, Tala theory & Bol script
LEVEL 8
LEVEL 9
Body Conditioning: focus on strength, speed, flexibility and deep stretching/cool down practices
Technique training: All traditional steppings: in 3 speeds, new L8 stepping, new compositions in various tala
Choreography: MOHANA PALLAVI
Theory: Natya Shastra theory, Raga theory, Bol script and Odissi vocal techniques
Body Conditioning: focus on strength, speed, flexibility and deep stretching/cool down practices
Technique training: All traditional steppings: in 3 speeds, new L7 stepping, new compositions in various tala
Choreography: SRITA KAMALA
Theory: Rasa, Mukhaja & Abhinaya exercises
LEVEL 10 +
Body Conditioning: focus on strength, speed, flexibility and deep stretching/cool down practices
Technique training: All traditional steppings: in 3 speeds, new relevant stepping, new compositions in various tala
Choreographies: JATADABI, SHANKARA VARANAM, ARAVI PALLAVI, DASAVATAR, LĪLA NIDHI, HARI IHA, etc.
Theory: Abhinaya Darpana & Natya Shastra angashuddhi, theories/practices, abhinaya development, music theory, Puranas & Natya Shastra theory, Tala theory & Bol script, movement qualities & Tandava/Lasya, etc
Studying ODISSI online
Includes:
- New creative material as well as lineage based ‘traditional’ practices
- Live-real time zoom classes
- Zoom class recordings (for the duration of the course)
- Break downs of all choreographies and steps
- Run through practice videos
- Warm ups / body conditioning specific to each level and course content
- Various drills and compositions to practice dance vocabulary
- New ‘stepping’ series relevant to each level/choreography
- Theory videos
- Hand outs and notes
ODISSI ONLINE STUDY FAQ:
Please have a look at the syllabus (on this page) and if you are proficient in all of the items listed, feel free to register for the next level up. If you have any questions about what level to join, please write us at: shaktischoolofdance@gmail.com. If you have never studied with Colleena before, or it has been more than 2 years, we suggest you send a practice video by email for reference.
Some dancers who have been studying for a long time might be able to move easily between levels because they know several choreographies, or perhaps you have learned a level 5 choreography, but not the one taught in level 3. As per tradition, it is recommended to spend at least 6 months to one year working on and polishing an odissi choreography.
The first class of each course your teacher will assess you ability in the course material and if it is not the right fit, another course may be suggested.
Please do not hesitate to write us and Colleena can clarify which course is best suited for you. (shaktischoolofdance@gmail.com)
With INTRODUCTION
Yes. Please send us an email including your training background in Odissi and a current practice video. (shaktischoolofdance@gmail.com) Please note we follow Srjan syllabus and we ask that while in our classes you adapt the choreography as per our methods as best you can. If you are in the process of changing styles we suggest booking a private session with Colleena to get more specific feedback and corrections.
Until you are proficient in a choreography, please stay within that level before moving to the next choreography. Proficiency in an Odissi choreography means being able to correctly and comfortably perform the dance at full speed with the music
Online Classes and intensives are presented according to the syllabus listed here. Students may take anywhere from 1 – 12 months to complete each level of training based on the hours and effort devoted to integrating the practice.
Proficiency is attained when practitioners are able to perform all the components of the syllabus with ease. If you still struggle with some of the material, don’t worry, dance is a lifelong journey. There is no rush. Take as much time as you need to keep practicing with the material.
Students can anticipate spending several month, to one year on each level of study. Odissi is a classical art form which takes time to progress through the techniques. If you feel you are ready to move to the next level please speak directly with your teacher.
A student may request their teacher to give permission to pass to the next level. A practice video should be submitted and in some cases a written assignment will need to be submitted before moving forward to the next level.
Yes. While it is best to try and attend as many classes as you can live, we understand the time zone in your country might not allow you to join. Recordings of all classes are posted in the course content within 24 hours of the completion of the class. You will have access to those classes for the duration of the course.
We offer a 25% off if you register for 2 or more courses on Shakti School of Dance Online (Please email us for coupon code).
Yes. We offer a 25% off if you register for 2 or more courses on Shakti School of Dance Online (Please email us for coupon code). We also include discount coupon codes in many of our newsletters. If you have not already signed up, please do. You will get first access to registrations and coupons.
Yes. We are excited to welcome our Indian dance community to a reduced rate for online learning. Indian nationals currently living and working in India are welcomed to apply for this scholarship rate. Please write to Colleena at: shaktischoolofdance@gmail.com , include your dance background, odissi experience and recent dance practice video. For nationals of other countries with restrictive financial situations, please email to inquire (include bio data).
