Odissi Dance Company

For New Jersey residents passionate about traditional arts, or those eager to explore the rich cultural heritage of South Asia through dance, the Odissi Dance Company in Colonia, NJ, stands as a pivotal institution. This esteemed company is not merely a place for dance instruction; it is a vibrant hub committed to promoting and preserving the diverse cultural and performing arts heritage of South Asian dance. Guided by its mission to erase cultural and ethnic barriers, the Odissi Dance Company strives to educate American and global audiences about Odissi, an ancient Indian classical dance form, while fostering appreciation for South Asian cultural and performing arts around the world.

The Odissi Dance Company, under the tutelage of Dr. Aparupa Chatterjee, is a touring Indian Classical Dance company that brings together pure and interdisciplinary dancers. As part of the massive umbrella of 'Srjan Nrityabasa,' a leading school of Odissi founded by Padmavibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, the company delves into both traditional and modern Indo-Western literary classics within the context of traditional Odissi dance. This unique approach aims to introduce global audiences to ancient Indian traditions, ensuring their enrichment, cultural experience, and preservation through the integration of Sanskrit, meditation, and yoga.

Through disciplined practice and a lifelong commitment, the Odissi Dance Company has made its mark globally, featuring in international festivals, film festivals, online platforms, and television broadcasts. Their critically acclaimed performances are lauded for their exceptional technique, aesthetic imagery, and captivating synchronization. For anyone in New Jersey seeking a profound connection with Indian classical dance, the Odissi Dance Company offers an unparalleled opportunity.

The Odissi Dance Company is located in Colonia, NJ 07067, USA, with an address specified as Inwood Ave. Colonia is a census-designated place (CDP) within Woodbridge Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey. This location offers significant accessibility for residents across a wide area of New Jersey.

Middlesex County is a central hub in New Jersey, with excellent road networks. Inwood Avenue, while potentially a local street, would be connected to larger thoroughfares within Colonia and Woodbridge Township, making it straightforward for those traveling by car from neighboring towns such as Edison, Metuchen, Rahway, Clark, and Woodbridge itself.

For individuals relying on public transportation, Woodbridge Township is well-served by NJ Transit bus routes. Additionally, the Woodbridge and Metuchen train stations on the Northeast Corridor Line of NJ Transit are relatively close by. These stations provide direct train services to New York City and other major New Jersey destinations, making the Odissi Dance Company accessible even for those coming from outside the immediate local area. The combination of suburban convenience and strong regional transport links ensures that the Odissi Dance Company is a practical and accessible choice for New Jersey residents interested in classical Indian dance.

The Odissi Dance Company is dedicated to the promotion, preservation, and education of South Asian dance, particularly the Odissi classical form. Their services extend beyond mere classes to include broader cultural initiatives.

• Odissi Dance Training: Providing instruction in Odissi, an ancient Indian classical dance form, suitable for various levels of dancers, from beginners to advanced.
• Performance Opportunities: Offering a platform for dancers to showcase their skills through various events and productions.
• Workshops and Seminars: Organizing educational events focused on South Asian dance and culture, including specific workshops on Odissi.
• Multicultural Events: Collaborating with academic institutions, student organizations, and non-profit organizations to host and participate in events that promote cultural diversity.
• University Residencies: Educating performing arts communities about Odissi through engagements with universities, including departmental lectures and commissioned works.
• International Tours: Contributing to the global promotion of Odissi through performances and educational initiatives abroad.
• Fundraising Events: Organizing events to support and promote South Asian dance and culture to a wider audience.
• Research and Choreography: Executing both traditional choreographic works (e.g., Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra's) and evolving neoclassical/neoliberal choreographies (e.g., Guru Ratikant Mohapatra's).
• New Productions: Commissioning new Odissi productions that retain traditional grammar while experimenting with aesthetic significance, movements, and rhythmic transitions using Carnatic, Hindustani, and World music.
• Cultural Exchange Programs: Fostering global and community outreach, aesthetic enrichment, and cultural exchange with the broader performing arts community.
• Online Platforms and Television Broadcastings: Utilizing modern media to reach a wider audience and create a niche for the Odissi diaspora.
• Dance Fitness with Odissi: Encouraging a blend of dance and fitness through the Odissi form (implied by general Odissi dance class offerings often integrating this).
• Adult Dance Classes: (Generally implied by being a classical dance company, though not explicitly stated for routine classes, their broader mission suggests adult participation.)
• Kids Dance Classes: (Also generally implied, as classical dance forms often start training at a young age.)

The Odissi Dance Company distinguishes itself through a unique set of features and highlights that underscore its importance as a cultural institution in New Jersey and beyond.

• Preservation and Promotion of Ancient Art Form: The company's core mission is to actively preserve and promote Odissi, one of India's oldest surviving classical dance forms, ensuring its heritage continues to thrive.
• Critically Acclaimed Performances: Their productions are highly praised by international and domestic critics for "exceptional technique, complementing aesthetic imagery and captivating synchronization."
• Expert Leadership and Pedigree: Led by Dr. Aparupa Chatterjee, the company operates under the umbrella of 'Srjan Nrityabasa,' founded by Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, a legendary figure in Odissi, and currently directed by Guru Ratikant Mohapatra. This lineage ensures authentic and high-quality training and performance.
• Holistic Approach to Dance: The company explores traditional and modern literary classics within the context of Odissi, integrating Sanskrit, meditation, and yoga, suggesting a deeper, more holistic engagement with the art form.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Actively forms "successful partnerships with academic institutions and student or non-profit organizations," organizing multicultural events and enhancing cultural understanding.
• Global and Local Outreach: While based in Colonia, NJ, the company has a national and international presence, organizing events in various states and participating in international festivals, film festivals, and television broadcasts, making it a significant cultural ambassador.
• Commitment to Education: Offers university residencies, departmental lectures, and workshops to educate the broader performing arts community about Odissi's origin, history, technique, essence, and language of expression.
• Innovative Choreography: Demonstrates expertise in performing traditional works while also commissioning and executing new productions that experiment with aesthetic significance and rhythmic transitions, enriching the dance form without diluting its grammar.
• Cultural Exchange and Barrier Eradication: A core part of their mission is to "erase cultural and ethnic barriers" by promoting diverse cultural heritage, fostering aesthetic enrichment, and facilitating cultural exchange.

For New Jersey residents and cultural enthusiasts interested in learning more about Odissi dance, participating in classes or workshops, or inquiring about performances and cultural events, here is the contact information for the Odissi Dance Company:

Address: Inwood Ave, Colonia, NJ 07067, USA

Phone: (979) 492-1751

Mobile Phone: +1 979-492-1751

For performance, media, and workshop inquiries, individuals are encouraged to reach out via the provided phone numbers. The company's dedication to outreach and education suggests a readiness to assist those eager to engage with the beautiful art form of Odissi.

For New Jersey residents, particularly those in Middlesex County and surrounding areas, the Odissi Dance Company in Colonia stands as an invaluable cultural resource. Its location in a well-connected part of Central New Jersey ensures accessibility for individuals eager to connect with traditional Indian performing arts.

What makes the Odissi Dance Company exceptionally suitable for locals is its profound commitment to cultural preservation and education. In a diverse state like New Jersey, having an institution dedicated to promoting an ancient and revered art form like Odissi is a tremendous asset. It offers a unique opportunity for individuals of all backgrounds to learn about and engage with a rich cultural heritage, whether through direct dance instruction, attending captivating performances, or participating in broader cultural exchange events.

The company's leadership under Dr. Aparupa Chatterjee and its affiliation with the prestigious 'Srjan Nrityabasa' ensure that local students receive authentic and high-quality training, while audiences witness critically acclaimed performances. This is not just a dance studio; it's a cultural ambassador that actively works to "erase cultural and ethnic barriers" and foster a deeper appreciation for South Asian traditions. For New Jerseyans seeking to enrich their lives through artistic expression, cultural understanding, or simply to witness the beauty of Odissi dance, the Odissi Dance Company provides a truly enriching and highly recommended experience.

Odissi Dance Company

Inwood Ave, Colonia, NJ 07067, USA