This young Odissi dancer is keeping a 2,000-year-old art alive

Did you know that Odissi, one of India’s oldest classical dance forms, dates back over 2,000 years? In an age where fast-paced digital trends dominate teenage life, one student stands out by keeping this ancient tradition alive. Meet Taneshtha Pati, a Class 10 student from Apeejay School, Kharghar, who has been practicing Odissi for the last 9 years. From temple stages to national dance festivals, her journey with this lyrical and graceful art form is both inspiring and rooted in passion. Read on to discover how her love for dance blossomed, how she balances school with performances, and what makes Odissi such a captivating art form.

Taneshtha, nine years is a long time! What first drew you to Odissi?

I’m originally from Odisha, and Odissi felt like a natural connection to my roots. But beyond that, the dance form is very lyrical and graceful. It’s often seen as slow, but it’s actually full of intricate movements and requires a lot of stability. That challenge is what keeps me going.

Did you always want to be a dancer?

Not really. I started learning Odissi at the age of six under my guru. In the beginning, I wasn’t that interested, but as I grew, I started loving it. Now, it’s become a very important part of my life.

Tell us about your current dance schedule. How do you balance school and dance?

I have dance classes twice a week. But the real training begins when I prepare for performances. Before every big event, I train seriously. I try to perform in at least five programmes outside Mumbai every year. That gives me the space to grow as a dancer.

Where have you performed so far? Any favourites?

I’ve performed at the Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai Odissi Utsavs. in Bangalore. My first-ever performance was at the Guruvayur Devaswom Temple in Kerala. That one’s special – it was divine. People from all walks of life stopped to watch, even though Odissi isn’t very common there.

Have you received any awards for your dance performances?

Yes, I received the Odissi Pratibha Award for scoring over 90% before the Odissi Utsav. I’m currently in my fourth year of Odissi training, and my goal is to complete my Visharad, which is like a degree in classical dance. It allows you to teach professionally.

How do you manage dance during exams? Do you take a break or keep going?

I actually continue dancing during exams. It helps me relieve stress. Even if it’s not intensive practice, moving and staying connected to dance helps me stay balanced.