Once upon a time, a dreamer saw a land of wilderness and red mud, and imagined a haven for dance, and thus was born the idea of Nrityagram, which literally means dance-village. In a world that did not know what a woman entrepreneur meant, Protima Gauri single-handedly strove to make the dream real, fuelled by a sense of adventure and a commitment to artistic excellence.
Of all the diverse edifices that highlight Nrityagram’s campus, it is the Odissi Gurukul that most mystifies the viewer. Natural raw faces of stone fill its walls, suspended with strength that counters the giving gestures of the dance it houses. The dance hall has a floor fashioned from Burma teak, with a slight spring that cares for dancer’s feet and joints.
Home to the spirit of Orissa temples, the space re-conjures the magic of thousands of years. Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra taught here as did Guru Bichitranandan Swain, Guru Ratikant Mahapatra, and Protima Gauri. Surupa and Pavithra are presently the Gurus in residence.
Designed by Gerard da Cunha, the Odissi Gurukul was built in 1990 and funded by Raymond Ltd.
Things to do at Nrityagram
Take a Casual Tour
- This is a self-guided tour. You will be given a brief orientation, after which you can explore our beautiful campus and watch rehearsals / classes.
- Cost is ₹100 per person (Subject to change). No payment for Senior citizens and children under 12.
Our dance pedagogy is inspired by the Gurukula, an ancient Indian residential teaching paradigm where students and teachers live together in an integrated environment of practice, theory and discipline. Learning is a way of life and students have a rare opportunity to imbibe the spirit of the Guru by living with them and observing them at work.
Pentacle (Dance Works Inc.) is a 501©(3) not-for-profit organization EIN # 23-7426261.
Your contribution is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Today, Nrityagram is a thriving community of artistes dedicated to the practise and nurture of Odissi, a 2000-year-old classical dance of India. The village is home to a school inspired by the Gurukula, an ancient teaching paradigm and an internationally renowned Dance Ensemble.
Friends of Nrityagram are vital members of our extended family. Your support will help us create uplifting experiences for the community, maintain artistic excellence, expand our unique outreach programs and ensure that Nrityagram continues to inspire future generations of dancers.
Timeline goes here. yoohoo
