The ODC, Odissi Dance Company, one of the first touring Indian Classical Dance companies of North America, led by Dr. Aparupa Chatterjee, is an amalgamation of pure and interdisciplinary dancers across the globe under her tutelage. Under the massive umbrella of the leading school of Odissi, 'Srjan Nrityabasa' founded by Padmavibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra and now directed by his son, her Guru and a leading choreographer in the genre, Guru Ratikant Mohapatra, Dr. Chatterjee explores traditional and modern indo-western literary classics within the context of traditional Odissi dance with the purpose of introducing American and global audiences to ancient Indian traditions of dance, its enrichment, cultural experience and preservation using Sanskrit, meditation and yoga. ODC repertory regularly trains in advanced curriculum with Guru Ratikant and Sujata Mohapatra. |
Photo Credits: Amitava Sarkar, Saurabh Sen Gupta, Nirmalya Roy, Garrett Terry, Debojyoti Dhar |
ODC made its mark through several international festivals, film festivals, online platforms and television broadcastings, creating a niche for the Odissi diaspora in the United States and abroad through disciplined practice and lifelong commitment. Praised by several international and domestic critics and reviewers, ODC's critically acclaimed performances reflect exceptional technique, complementing aesthetic imagery and captivating synchronization. ODC has educated the performing arts community about the art form Odissi, its origin, history, technique, essence and language of expression through several university residencies, departmental lectures, commissioned works, dance and theatrical productions and international tours. ODC has demonstrated equal expertise in executing with grace and tranquility, both Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra's choreographic works and the evolved neoclassical/ neoliberal choreographies of Guru Ratikant Mohapatra. In addition to presenting significant works on Odissi from the past, Dr. Chatterjee commissions new productions, retaining the grammar of traditional Odissi, experimenting with the aesthetic significance of movements and rhythmic transitions with Carnatic, Hindustani and World music, an aim to enrich and not dilute the dance form. ODC has earned a national/ international acclaim through its productions and performances, to foster global and community outreach, aesthetic enrichment and cultural exchange with the performing arts community.
