Odissi Dancer Madhulita Mohapatra Reflects on Kerala's Role in Her Artistic Journey
Renowned Odissi dancer Madhulita Mohapatra recently graced the stage at the prestigious Nishagandhi Dance Festival in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, delivering a captivating performance that highlighted the depth and versatility of this classical Indian dance form. Based in Bengaluru, Mohapatra shared heartfelt insights into how Kerala has profoundly shaped her artistic path, describing it as a "very important and special part of my artistic journey."
A Divine Beginning in Kerala
Reflecting on her early experiences, Mohapatra recalled her first performance in Kerala back in 2012 at the sacred Guruvayur Temple. "I presented an expressive piece on the leelas of Lord Krishna, and the entire experience felt deeply divine," she reminisced. Over the years, she has observed a significant growth in awareness and interest in Odissi across the region, noting that it is "heartening to see audiences connect with its essence."
Performance at Nishagandhi Festival
At the Nishagandhi Dance Festival, Madhulita and her ensemble, the Nrityantar Dance Ensemble, presented two distinct Odissi pieces designed to showcase various dimensions of devotion and storytelling. "We began with Shivam Dhimahi, an invocatory offering to Lord Shiva as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer. The piece highlights some of the powerful attributes of Shiva," she explained. This was followed by an abridged excerpt from their larger production, Colours of Krishna, which "journeys through the many shades of Lord Krishna."
Tradition as a Foundation for Innovation
Known for her inventive choreography, Mohapatra elaborated on her creative process. "When I choreograph, I begin with careful listening and learning — immersing myself in the music, the poetry, the mood, and the essence of the idea I wish to communicate," she said. She emphasized that her approach ensures that new works feel natural to Odissi and grow organically from its language. "We attempt to bring freshness through the way a piece is structured, its pace, the storytelling, and the emotional journey — while keeping the classical purity intact."
She further articulated a key philosophy passed down by her gurus: "Tradition is not a cage; it is a foundation. When we are rooted, we can explore freely. And when we explore with respect, the art stays alive — relevant to the present, yet faithful to its timeless beauty." For Mohapatra, being "updated" does not mean altering the soul of Odissi but finding fresh ways to present it so that contemporary audiences can connect without compromising its classical strength.
Dance as a Lifelong Journey
Mohapatra also highlighted a positive shift in how dance is perceived today. "The fact that people are embracing dance at different stages of life shows that art is no longer seen only as a childhood pursuit, but as a lifelong journey," she observed. She has personally witnessed women in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s approaching dance with deep sincerity and emotional maturity. "They may begin later, but they bring lived experience, sensitivity and gratitude to their practice. Dance becomes not just a performance, but a process of personal rediscovery and inner growth. In that sense, age is truly not a limitation—it is often an added strength."
Adaptation Within the Classical Framework
Discussing the evolution of classical dance, Mohapatra stressed that adaptation should emerge from within the classical framework rather than from outside it. "Our classical dances possess an incredibly vast and intricate vocabulary. They have the capacity to communicate both timeless narratives and contemporary concerns without losing their identity," she asserted. She believes that change and classicism need not be opposites, stating, "When we remain grounded in discipline and respect for tradition, there is ample scope for new ideas, fresh storytelling and relevant themes."
Through her performances and reflections, Madhulita Mohapatra continues to champion Odissi as a living, evolving art form that honors its roots while embracing modern relevance, inspiring audiences and practitioners alike across Kerala and beyond.
