A Brief History of Odissi
Odissi dance hails from the state of Odisha in eastern India and is one of the oldest surviving Indian dance forms. It originated as a temple dance, performed in front of Lord Jagannath by Maharis (Maha-Naris). It is known for its graceful style which is expressed through beautiful torso movements, strong footwork, and emotive expressions.
Our Mission
At Mahari, we want to inspire and empower individuals of all ages to discover the joy, beauty, and transformative power of dance. We are dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich traditions of Odissi dance while exploring the boundaries of creativity through semi-classical dance forms. Through our expert instruction and nurturing community, we aim to foster a lifelong love for dance and a deep appreciation for the art of expression.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a global community united by the language of dance and inspire generations to dance with grace, passion and boundless creativity. We envision a world where individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to celebrate the cultural heritage of Odissi dance and experience the sheer delight of semi-classical dance styles.