Why in News?

Traditional dance form ofGotipua, the precursorof Odissi, is now facing challenge from Odissi itself.

About Gotipua:

• It is a traditional dance form associated with the state of Odisha and is known as the precursor of Odissi classical dance.
• It is performed by young boys dressed as women to praise Lord Jagannath and Krishna.
• The dance form involves acrobatic movements inspired by the life of Radha and Krishna.
• The dance of the Gotipuas is accompanied by traditional Odissi music along with the primary percussion instrument being the Mardala.

About Odissi:

• Odissi dance is one among the eight classical dances of India.
• It is associated with Odisha and some other parts of eastern India.
• The dance form has its origin in the temples.
• The carvings found at the Udayagiri and Khandgiri Monasteries denote that Odissi was patronised as early as the 2nd Century BCE.
• The steps appear like the waves of ocean, hence symbolises the aspect of water.
• The classical music and dance form of Odisha was namedOdissi by Odia poet KabichandraKalicharanPattanayak,
  • He was the centre of the cultural revival of Odisha in post-independence India.

Dance Techniques

• Odissi dance form comprises of:
  • The movement of the head, bust and torso.
  • The accompanying gestures and expressions.
• The two basic postures of Odissi are:
  • Chowk: a position imitating a square – a very masculine stance with the weight of the body equally balanced.
  • Tribhanga: The tribhanga is a very feminine stance where the body is deflected at the neck, torso and the knees.

• Odissi dance theme generally deals with love of Radha and Krishna.
• Odissi dance form also finds mention in the Sanskrit Text – Natya Shastra as Audramagdhi.