Odissi Dance Class

Odissi is an ancient and sacred dance, dating back to the 2nd Century BC, originally performed in the temples of India as a devotional offering to the Gods and Goddesses of Hinduism. Odissi is one out of eight styles of Classical Dance from India. Odissi is the dance of the temple sculptures of India. It evokes the water element with fluid and graceful movements.

Indian Classical Dance requires immense discipline and control over one's mind and body. In this Odissi class, students will learn discipline and grace. In this Odissi class Tejas will teach the Odissi steps, intricate footwork, eye and torso movements, and the hand gestures called Mudras that tell a story. Once the students have a basic knowledge of the steps in all of the speeds, they will learn meditative prayer dances of Odissi. This class requires physical discipline and dedication.

AuroTejas Hemsell teaches Odissi in the style of Shri Deba Prasad Das. Her gurus in India are the renowned Shrimati Sangeeta Dash and Shrimati Rekha Tandon. Tejas has studied Indian Classical Dance from the age of five and has devoted her life to studying, teaching and performing Indian Classical Dance. Tejas founded her school, the Shakti Dance School in 2004. Tejas is a full time dance instructor and professional performer and also organizes World Dance Festivals to promote cultural education through presenting traditional styles of cultural dance to her audiences.