Odissi Dance

Many Odissi Dance pieces retell stories about Krishna and other deities through hand gestures and facial expressions. Distinct in style from other classical Indian dance forms, Odissi is known for its lyrical grace and charm, its rounded, fluid movements, and its sculpturesque poses.

Classes are conducted by Odissi Guru Jyoti Rout and her senior students both in Fremont, CA and Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Following a successful career as a dancer in Odisha, India, Jyoti Rout came to the United States in 1993 and founded Jyoti Kala Mandir. With the desire to give back to her homeland, she established the Odisha branch of JKM in 2011. Today JKM is a thriving community of families, dancers and second generation teachers on both sides of the globe. Many of her students have completed a Ranga Puja, a solo recital after years of preparation, some have established careers as soloists.

Jyoti Rout is a brilliant dancer, teacher and choreographer, whose teaching is based on devotion, service and surrender. She is deeply committed to passing on the torch of Odissi dance. In Odissi classes, students learn exercises, body positions, stepping technique, and dance item stories, music and choreography. Guru Jyoti Rout believes that while technical proficiency is important, deep surrender is most important so that the divine can truly shine through a dancer.

For more information, visit Jyoti Kala Mandir College of Indian Classical Arts