1. Meera Das had the propensity for the art form since her childhood; her untiring endeavour and single-minded devotion paved the way for her commendable success. Meera believes that by adhering to our rich Odissi culture, we can bring about developments of the long neglected dance form and work upon spreading Odissi Dance in all parts of the globe. There has to be efforts by all the contemporary dancers to elevate Odissi dance form and spread the light of Knowledge. 2. In her own endeavor to spread the message Meera has taken significant steps in the right direction. Her institution, the Gunjan Dance Academy enlightens individuals of various age groups about Orissi Dance and music. Students under her tutelage aim at keeping Odissi Tradition alive and at the same time enrich the minds of the people by adding innovative ornamentation. One of the most propitious and fortunate event in recent history of Orissa has been the revival of Odissi dance and music, which was dying a slow but a sure death. Meera considers herself blessed that she came into the world at a time, when Odissi Dance had taken rebirth thanks in large measure to the pioneering efforts of Guru Pankaj Charan Das, Guru Kelu charan Mohapatra, Guru Debi Prasad Das, Guru Banamali Maharana, Sanjukta Panigrahi and a few others.
29/03/2019
MEERA DAS - ODISSI
INTRODUCTION :-
1. Meera Das had the propensity for the art form since her childhood; her untiring endeavour and single-minded devotion paved the way for her commendable success. Meera believes that by adhering to our rich Odissi culture, we can bring about developments of the long neglected dance form and work upon spreading Odissi Dance in all parts of the globe. There has to be efforts by all the contemporary dancers to elevate Odissi dance form and spread the light of Knowledge.
2. In her own endeavor to spread the message Meera has taken significant steps in the right direction. Her institution, the Gunjan Dance Academy enlightens individuals of various age groups about Orissi Dance and music. Students under her tutelage aim at keeping Odissi Tradition alive and at the same time enrich the minds of the people by adding innovative ornamentation. One of the most propitious and fortunate event in recent history of Orissa has been the revival of Odissi dance and music, which was dying a slow but a sure death. Meera considers herself blessed that she came into the world at a time, when Odissi Dance had taken rebirth thanks in large measure to the pioneering efforts of Guru Pankaj Charan Das, Guru Kelu charan Mohapatra, Guru Debi Prasad Das, Guru Banamali Maharana, Sanjukta Panigrahi and a few others.
PROFILE :-
I. LIFE & ART :-
1. Meera Das is an epitome of perfection in poise, grace, movement and expression in Odissi dance. She is one of the most distinguished Odissi dancer of the present era, characterized by her unique Odissi recitals where poetry in motion, expressions are as lively as they can be, the classical form retains its purity laced with her outstanding improvisations. The eminent artist is acclaimed for her grace, creativity and in-depth knowledge of this classical art. She received her initial training from Guru Gangadhar Nayak and mastered the acrobatic form of Odissi dance, Bandha Nrutya. An illustrious disciple of the illustrious Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, Meera learnt the art of expression, the graceful movements and purity of the dance and its deep intricacies from her esteemed Guruji. She had the fortune of working in the exalted company of the doyens of Odissi dance, Mrs Kumkum Mohanty, Mrs Sanjukta Panigrahi and Guru Gangadhar Pradhan. A student of philosophy and a practitioner of Odissi dance, Meera has been the beacon of Odissi dance today and has been a kultur-tager of Indian Classical Dance. Watching mesmerising Meera on the dance floor transcends the audience to a sublime state.
2. With a view to popularizing the dance form and educate and train students in the purest form of Odissi, Meera started Gunjan Dance Academy in Cuttack. For almost two decades her academy has been performing the world over and has attracted overseas students who have become the torch bearers of Odissi in their respective countries. Besides her unique classical choreography, Meera also has been choreographing for movies. A gifted artist whose talents knows no bounds, Meera has composed music and has been a successful music composer and a vocalist too..
II. DANCE ACADEMY (AN INTRODUCTION) :-
Meera Das, one of the most celebrated Odissi Solo artists of our time established Gunjan Dance Academy in 1995 in order to popularize Odissi and also retain the purity in this classical dance form which traces its origin to the temples of the Lord of the Universe! Carrying forward the mantle from her venerable Guru's, Guru Sri Kelucharan Mohapatra and Guru Gangadhar Pradhan, the onus was to train children in Odissi.
Gunjan Dance Academy has an excellent in-house facility for students where students from all back ground, including overseas students come for learning this art. Today Gunjan Dance Academy is a center for excellence in imparting training and knowledge in various aspects of Odissi dance. For its relentless work and pursuit for excellence, the institute is accredited to ICCR and has also been associated with various educational institutions. Students of Gunjan have performed on various platforms globally.
III. SIGNIFICANT GLOBAL TOURS :-
Country Program Year
USA Global Convention org. by OSA 2015
USA Annual Festival of Konark Dance School, Vergenia 2014
USA Teaching assignment & performance 2013
USA Teaching assignment 2012
FIJI Island ICCR Tour 2011
Qatar, Doha and Abu Dhabi International Tour org. by Soorya 2009
Gulf countries, London, Malaysia, Switzerland,Europe, Singapore Soorya World Tour 2008
Malaysia Soorya World Tour 2007
Greece (C.I.D.) International Dance Council 2007
U.S.A. (Nasville) JSA (Jaganath society of America) 2007
U.S.A (Detroit) OSA Convention 2007
U.S.A (Mariland) OSA Convention 2006
Muscat (Oman) Indian Classical Dance Festival 2005
Maryland, USA Dance teaching assignment 2005
Muscat, (Oman) Melody in motion org. by Asianet and Vichitra 2003
Tulsa, USA Centre for Performing Arts suprtd. by Microsoft and Sam’s Club 2003
Dallas, USA Centre for Performing Arts suprtd. by Microsoft and Sam’s Club 2003
Seattle, USA Indian Assn. of Western Washington supported by Microsoft and Sam’s Club 2003
Muscat (Oman) Indian Classical Dance Festival organized by Embassy of India 2002
Hungary Eight programmes organized by ICCR 2000
Germany Indian Expo, Hanover 2000
France Lecture Demonstration at Arles 2000
Luxemburg Indian Festival of Luxemburg 2000
Czech-Republic ICCR Program 2000
Italy Rome and Podva by ICCR 2000
Spain Two performances organized by ICCR 2000
Indonesia Kaling Bali Yatra Festival 1993
Germany Festival of India 1992
Korea Spring Friendship Festival 1990
IV. SIGNIFICANT TOURS IN INDIA :-
SMT. MEERA DAS AND HER GROUP HAVE PERFORMED FOR ALL MOST ALL MAJOR FESTIVALS OF INDIA IN DIFFERENT YEARS.
Madhya Pradesh : Khajuraho Dance Festival
Odisha : Konark Dance Festival
Bhubaneswar : Mukteswar Festival
Puri, Gopalpur (Odisha) : Beach Festival
Trivendrum : Soorya Dance & Music Festival
Thiruvananthapuram : Nishagandhi Festival
Palakkad : Swaralaya Dance & Music Festival
Bangalore : Sankara Foundation
Uttar Pradesh : Surajkund Festival
Kolkata : Bharat Mahotsav
Deogardh : Vaidyanath Festival
National Doordarshan : Classical Dance Festival
To Name of a Few.........
V. ACHIEVEMENTS AND HONOURS :-
Founder and Director of Gunjan Dance Academy, Cuttack, Odisha
National Top Grade Artist of Door Darshan
Honoured with 8 Mahari Samman by Guru Pankaj Charan Odissi Research Foundation
Bhavan Samman honoured by Former President of India
Smt. Prativa Devi Singh Patel.
Jury member, Kalidas Samman, Govt of Madhya Pradesh.
Honoured as Nrityashree by the Chief Minister of Odisha.
Honoured by Chinta o Chetana with Baisakhi Samman.
Honoured by Prananath samman by Prananath Foundation.
Honoured by Anupam Bharat with best dancer of the year samman.
Honoured with “Ka Samman” by the honorable Governor of Odisha.
Honoured by Orissa Dance Academy as a notable “Dancer of Young Generation. Awarded by Abhinandanika Puri.
Awarded as “Orissa Prativa” by Cuttack Surakhya Committee.
Honoured with the “Ruchi Pratibha Sanman” Award
Honoured with “Deba Smruti Samman”,Berhampur
Certification from Her Excellency Ms. Eulina Brocks, Mayor of the City of Denton, Texas, USA.
Certificate for Honorary Citizenship of Tulsa, Oklhama, USA by His Excellency Mr Bill LaFortune, Mayor, City of Tulsa, Oklahama for the highly appreciated Orissi Dance performance in the City of Tulsa, USA.
Recipient of Padmsree Sanjukta Panigrahi Award for artistic achievement in Odissi Dance.
Honoured with “Mahodadhi Smarak Samman” by Hotel and Restaurant Association of India at Puri Beach Festival.
Nritya Bhusan, by International Dramatic Association, Orissa. Honoured by Governer of Orissa.
VI. COMPOSITION & CHOREOGRAPHY :-
Jagannath Mangalam
Nrutta
Moods of Rythym
Srungara
Madana Manohara Stotram
Parvatee Stutee
Srhee Ganesh
Soorya
Meghambari
Sambhoga Srungar
VII. ABHINAYA :-
CHAMPU :- KA,KHA,GA, GHA,UNON
SAJANILO CHANHA BARE
JAMUNA KU AAU JAANAA
BIBHUSANAPUSPE
GEETAGOBINDA
TABA BIRAHE
BIRACHITA CHATU BACHANA
NINDATI CHANDANA
DHIRA SAMEERE
DASAVATAR
EKALABYA
BASANTA RASAA
INDONESIA JATRA
MUKINARK KAHUCHI
KAHUCHI KEDAR GOURI
GEETAGOBINDA
MHARA RE GIRIDHARA GOPAL
BASO MORE NAYANANA ME
PAGA GHUNGURU
DANCE DRAMA
AHALYA
JEEBANA SANGEETA
MEERA A DEVINE LOVE STORY
KRISHNA KATHAMRUTA
RAMA PREMA BHAKTI KATHA
KALIJAI
BUDHASANKHARI
OTHER ITEMS
NILAKANTHA
DARUBRAMHA
HIRANYA GARVA
GAYATRI
BANDE UTKALA JANANI
RAINBOW
NRITYABITANA
VIII. FESTIVALS & SEMINARS :-
1. Gunjan Dance & Music Festival :-
For two decades Gunjan has been conducting annually Classical Dance and Music Festival in the historical city of Cuttack, the epicenter of culture in Odisha. The programs have been graced by countless dignitaries from various states, Heads of States, and established personalities from different walks of life. Along with the students of Gunjan, artists from other institutions from all over the world have participated in thesefestivals. The festivals are known for the splendour and gorgeousness of the performances and recitals.
2. Guru Poornima :-
Revered Gurus in Odissi tradition have a venerable position as the dance form is passed on by the Guru's to the Sishya's. To pay respect to all the Gurus who have perfected this classical dance form, Guru Purnima is celebrated by paying homage to the Gurus. Connoisseurs and critics of art witness the glorious spectacle of Odissi recitals by the performers of the present generation. This festival also allows the Gurus to interact with the students and provide them guidance and knowledge.
3. Gunjan Sandhya :-
For the last five years, we have performing Gunjan Sandhya in different areas to globalize Odissi. Every art evolves, and the improvisations in the art, yet preserving its originality and purity is a challenge to all the experts. Meera has been at the forefront of this onerous task, and the Gunjan Sandhya is one such event where such recitals are showcased. This establishes the fact that art knows no boundaries
4. World Dance Day :-
Dance has no language, knows no boundaries and is a unifying force that binds the whole world. Every population, every tribe irrespective of their origin or nationality has its own dance form. Gunjan celebrates the World Dance Day where young and aspiring dancers from all over perform in the amphitheater at Gunjan before a select audience
5. Summer Workshops & Seminars :-
In the workshops, Gunjan invites dancers of different styles and forms from all over the country as well as overseas to conduct special training. This provides for a platform for assimilation of different dance forms. Furthermore, professionals from complementary fields like yoga, music, theatre, kalaripattu, martial arts, etc are also invited where fusion of different arts occurs.
On 19th November every year we invite artists to share their wealth of knowledge amongst all participants. They enlighten our students and the attendees with their experience and expertise and a work on various new concepts to keep track with time in this ever evolving world
***
EDITORIAL :-
1. The time of birth is always a special moment. Seven years back, when Gunjan was incepted, my idea then was to create a small cultural space where I could teach the essence of Odissi dance to a few interested students. A few hesitant steps later, I could fulfill my childhood dream and this journey made me experience and rediscover Odissi in a very wholesome manner.
2. At a tender age of eight, I had started training with 'Bandha Nata, an extremely acrobatic dance form in Anandapur, Keonjhar, Orissa. I was mesmerized and my eyes filled a with new future, when I saw the Odissi dance performance of Late. Smt. Sanjukta Panigrahi. - She danced abhinaya to "Mali mala Shyamaku debi".
3. Such was my fascination with the grace I saw and I changed courses to Odissi. What followed a beautiful long stint at Odissi Centre and ever since, I have been a disciple of Guru Sri Kelucharan Mohapatra. I have been a professional dancer for fifteen years and few things have given me so much fulfillment as performing Odissi for an enthusiastic audience.
4. Gunjan Dance Academy has brought with it, a triad of responsibilities, all rather awesome in their ways. It has not been easy to combine my inadequate self, the disparate roles of a wife and mother,
5. A teacher of dance and the organization head of my academy and a professional classical dancer fully committed to the demands of stage performance, choreographically pitfall, deadline tensions. There have been moments of success, all owing to a great measure to the support, encouragement and enthusiasm of my little family, friends and well-wishers.
6. If I continue to teach, perform and fulfill family duties, it has been also inspired by my love and obsession with Odissi. The dance and its music, and the dedication of its primogenitors never fail to inspire me and have sustained me to keep the art alive in me. The art has given me joy in shape of my students, a sense of fulfillment, hope and a confidence I cannot express.
7. I wish to carry my environment, dance meaningfully, without shifting Odissi from its traditional base and its structural genesis. I dream of carrying Odissi to the villages where it once come from, to make the world experience the wholeness and aura one feels in it. I live to be proud of my students who reach heights in performance and choreography…
8. With this I teach, I empathize, I perform and I live to witness a day when a new star will burst upon the horizon, having its luminosity in some of our finest efforts. My friend then my struggle would be worthwhile.
STUDENTS OF GUNJAN :-
1. Established in the year 1995 Gunjan Dance Academy, committed to the classical and traditional art heritage of Odissi, Under the able tutelage and leadership of Smt. Meera Das ; a disciple of legendary Guru Kelu Charan Mohapatra and Guru Gangadhar Pradhan and also a solo dancer of international repute and choreographer of impeccable perfection. Meera is imparting training and guiding a group of young dancers in the historical city of Cuttack and with them set up a highly professional repertory who has been performing around the globe and Gunjan Dance Academy has become an organization of excellence. Gunjan has an excellant in house training facility in Cuttack & Bhubaneswar, where students from abroad take training under the direct supervision of Smt. Meera Das.
2. The academy is associated with several educational institutions with the objective to spread Odissi awareness and encourage youth and students to learn and propagate Odissi. It adds to our credibility and honor that we are one of the proud empanelled groups of ICCR and have performed globally with the invitation by ICCR.
3. We are invited and performed in several prestigious programmes and festivals organized by Central Sangeet Natak Academy, New Delhi, Odishi Research Centre, Dept. Of Tourism and Culture Govt of India, Odisha, Govt. of Madhyapradesh and many more.
PERFORMANCE :-
1. Pushpanjali' - the traditional dance in which the dancers offer their humble salutations through Pushpam (flowers) to the lord, the Guru and the Rasikas(audience). Kalamamani Smt. Ranganayaki Jayaraman's composition in Arabhi Ragam set to Misra Thalam.
2. 'Sreeta Kamala Kucha Mandala' - this Abhinaya item portrays the mystico-exotic, spiritual, sensuous and immortal poetic work of the Gita Govinda. The Shringara Rasa along with Bhakthi, reflects the eternal love & devotion to Lord Krishna Choreography -Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra, Music - Pandit Bhubaneswar Mishra, Set to Tripata Taal.
3. 'Om Namo Narayana' - a Abhinaya item in Praise of Lord Narayana, describing his glorious form and how true devotees are blessed by the lord. The dancer depicts the story of two such Bhakthas, the young Prahalada and Namboodari, a leper, who is cured of the dreaded disease. He then becomes a great poet and dedicates his life to the Lord. Smt. Ambujam Krishna's Ragam set to kanda Chapu Thalam.
4. 'Pallavi' - a pure dance composition which implies elaboration; an exposition not only of the dance but also of the music that accompanies it. The graceful and lyrical movement of the dancer's form is supported by intricate rhythm patterns of exceptional beauty. Together they tapestry of rhythm, music and movement. Raga - Bilahari, Tala - Chatursra Ektali, Choreography - Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra, Music - Pandit Bhubaneswar Mishra.
5. 'Ananda Kuthinar' - Describes the joyful dance of Lord Shiva with his consort, Goddess Parvathi on Mount Kailash along with their sons, Ganesha & Muryga and the Ganas. As the tempo of the dance reaches a creacendo, the whole universe dances in a trance with cosmic dances. Singapore Santhanandha Swamigal's composition in Hamsanandhi Ragam set to Adi Thalam.
****
Interview with an Odissi dancer : by Mariellen Ward | November 22, 2018
Odissi dancing brings Indian sculptures to life
I recently wrote in my first blog about my trip to Odisha (Orissa) that I was extremely impressed by one particular program at the Konark Festival. After Meera Das and her troupe, the Gunjan Dance Academy, performed, I wrote on Facebook that if I disappear, it is because I have moved to Cuttack, Odisha to study with her. I felt swept up in the performance, by the energy, reverence, creativity and passion. All the dancers moved together in harmony. Though Meera Das is the leader, the guru, she did not grab the limelight — she has the grace, humility and talent to allow herself to become part of the ensemble.
Afterwards I found out my host in Odisha, Mrs Mohanty, is Meera Das’ cousin, and she said she could set up an interview. When I walked into the lobby of the Swosti Hotel in Bhubaneshwar, and met in her in person, I was initially confused. Was this demure, feminine Indian lady the same bold dancer I saw on stage? I asked her husband, who accompanied her: Are there two Meeras, two different women? And he agreed, yes, there is.
But as Meera talked about her life and her passion for dance, I could see her boldness, her confidence appear. And when she moved, to show me a few small postures, then I could see the dancer in the woman.
“I never knew I would be doing this as a career, though I had a tremendous inclination towards music and dance. Even from the age of three or four I loved music; my parents used music to soothe me when I cried. But women in Oriya culture don’t have careers.”
She told me she is lucky that her husband supports her. It was an arranged marriage and she never saw him until they day of the wedding. They have one son, who is 15 years old.
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I wanted to know more about Meera and also about the program she danced at the Konark Festival. I don’t know enough about Odissi dancing to decipher it, but I could easily see that it was choreographed specifically for that venue.
“I choreographed it two years ago, but added to it specifically for the festival. It was inspired by a feeling of respect for the Sun Temple. I am so happy you felt it.”
But not only was it choreographed to pay reverence to the great temple, lit up behind the stage; it was also inspired by the actual sculptures that adorn the temple.
“If you quietly observe the Sun Temple sculptures, you can feel there is a heart inside, a movement inside. Look at the sculptures and see that they’re lively. Observe silently and they may start talking to you. The aesthetic sense in Odissi comes from those sculptures.”
There is something very special about Odissi dancing, in my view, and I asked Meera if she could explain it.
“Odissi is the dance form of Orissa. We don’t have other dance forms. What I feel now is that Odissi is the best: the attire, softness, grace and lilting movements of the dance. To me, Odissi is the most graceful. Odissi uses foot, lilting torso, the postures, the mudras. You can see them in the temple sculptures.”
Clearly, Odissi dance is born directly from the rich and ancient culture of the state of Odisha. That is part of the secret. But the thing that makes Meera Das stand out is something else: heart and soul.
Meera has been dancing for about 24 years — she is a very youthful looking 42 — but she says it’s only in the last five years she has figured out that it’s all about dancing from the heart; dancing for her soul. She no longer cares what others think, no longer worries about what her detractors say. “Dancing brings me joy that I never found in money and other things. It’s coming from my heart. I don’t really understand it. But it’s like an energy drink! Without dance I can’t breathe, I can’t exist.
“I dance it for the audience,” she said, “The audience is god. I see dance as a prayer, not a performance. When you do it from your heart, it affects the audience. Then you can communicate and connect. I came to know this through years of experience.”
Meera told me she comes from a modest background, in a tribal area of Odisha. She always loved music and never really cared for anything else. When she became interested in the traditional dance form of Odisha, which is Odissi, she naturally wanted to study with the greatest proponent, Guru Kelu Charan Mohapatra — but her family could not afford it. Destiny intervened and the government opened the Odissi Research Centre, under the direction of Mohapatra.
At first she was in the far corner and felt unnoticed. But then one day he chose her to come to the front, and she stayed there. He was hard on her, but she realized it was done with love and care.
“I believe in destiny,” she said, making a gesture across her forehead with her hand — to indicate, I assume, if something is written on your forehead, it is your destiny.
Meera is very youthful looking, full of positive energy. “Dance keeps you young because you exercise. But happiness inside yourself keeps you healthy and cheerful.
“I’m naturally happy. Sometimes I feel sick in the morning. But when I hear the sound of the students stepping, I forget my sickness and want to join them.”
I was very impressed with the way Meera and her 11 students on stage moved together in such joyful harmony. “We hold hands and chant for two minutes before performing, and I give them my energy, I inject my energy into them.” As she said this, she grabbed my hands and I could feel her strength and energy. “You’re a guru!” I said.
And in that moment I realized I was absolutely bang on when I saw her perform and instinctively wanted to become her disciple. Maybe I will. Maybe that impulse was my soul speaking.
“I try to do what my soul says. It is very important to listen to your soul it will never misguide you,” she said. “Keep working, have patience, if you are doing something good, people will recognize you. Do it from your passion and it will energize you.”
After meeting Meera in real life, I realized that she is full of love; she is a conduit of love, and it moves through her when she dances. Where does it come from, I asked?
“My father,” she said, unhesitatingly. “I am a late child of my father. He was 52 or 54 when I was born — and he pampered me like anything; he gave me a lot of love.”
Three years ago, he died hours before she was to leave for a tour in Asia, and naturally she didn’t want to go. But her mother said to her: he would want you to go. So she went and danced; and when she came off the stage, she cried.
She still feels he is with her; she gets a lot of energy from him, and says she doesn’t feel sad. But she obviously feels a lot of emotion as her eyes reddened as she talked about him, openly and passionately, without holding back. She is a lovely person, beautiful, feminine, strong and full of life. She is obviously doing what she was put on earth to do.
***
About Mariellen Ward :
Professional travel writer Mariellen Ward is the founder of award-winning Breathedreamgo. Mariellen has a BA in Journalism and has been travel writing and blogging since 2005. She has won many awards, including Traveller of the Year from Outlook Media, and writes for some of the world's leading publications including BBC Travel and NatGeo Traveller India.
* Mariellen Ward :
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