CONSULATE GENERAL OF INDIA SHANGHAI

PRESS RELEASE

ODISSI DANCE WORKSHOP

Odissi dance has its origins in the Indian state of Odisha in eastern India, where in its rudimentary form it was performed as part of temple service. The traditional dance was remoulded as a theatre art towards the middle of the twentieth century with reference not only to the existing dance art, but representation of dance in Odisha’s medieval sculptures, paintings, and literature.

In order to enhance Chinese people's understanding and engagement with this traditional Indian culture, the Consulate General of India in Shanghai organised a Workshop on Odissi dance as part of the Indian classical dance workshop series with Odissi     exponent    &    Indian    Council    for    Cultural     Relations (ICCR) alumnus Ms. Wu Kan (Regina) on 19th October 2024.

At the beginning ofthe workshop, Ms. Wu Kan gave an overview of the various Indian classical dances, how they differ amongst themselves including the area/region from which they emnated and facets of Odissi dance with vivid pictures, in which she not only  shared  heartfelt  reflections  on  her  personal learning journey in India, but also told some interesting stories about this Indian classical dance art.

In the second part of the workshop, which was a demonstration session, Ms. Wu Kan offered a vivid showcase of Odissi’s finer nuances and the various movements, mudras and style which are intrinsic to Odissi

The workshop concluded with Ms. Wu Kan performing a piece of charming Odissi dance, which earned a lot of applauses.

The    workshop    received enthusiastic response       from    the    local participants.

12th November, 2024
Shanghai