Odissi (or Orissi) is the traditional style of dance that originated in the state of Orissa in Eastern India. It is one of the oldest surviving forms of dance, with evidence dating back to 2200 BC to be found in the caves of Khandagiri and Udayagiri in Orissa. The current form of Odissi is the product of a 20th century revival.
The modern Odissi dance is an extension of two ancient traditions: the Mahari and Gotipua dance systems. The women, Maharis, were temple dancers, while the boys, Gotipuas, performed for the general public outside the temple premises during festivals.
Today, there are three distinct styles of Odissi, including the Gotipua style of Guru Deba Prasad Das, the Mahari style of Guru Pankaj Charan Das, and the repertoire of Odissi as formulated under the aegis of Jayantika in 1957, which is the style of dancer and teacher Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, one of the most popular proponents of Odissi.
Deba Prasad was a dynamic force whose dance captured not only Odissi's sensuous lyrical form, but was also infused with the wild, vigorous spirit of tribal dance and tantric forms. Among Deba Prasad's brightest students is Malaysia-based Ramli Ibrahim, recognised by many as one of the foremost male dancers of Odissi in the world today.
Sources: Wikipedia, Odissi dance blog
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