The Sacred Temple: Uniting Body and Soul through Yoga and Odissi Dance

One of my first Odissi teachers told me, "Your body is a temple, and every movement is a prayer." And when I asked him how to approach a particularly challenging pose, he replied: "Close your eyes for a moment, find your centre, breathe, then go for it"

Does this sound familiar to you as a yoga practitioner? The union of body and soul, of breath and movement.

There is a profound connection between asana practice and Odissi dance. Yoga forms the solid foundation upon which I build my dance skills, while Odissi enhances my progress in the path of yoga.

Through both disciplines, I have come to appreciate the significance of mindful movement, core focus, proper alignment, the use of drishti (gaze), and the power of mudras (hand gestures). These key concepts serve as bridges between the two practices, deepening my understanding and connection to each.

Yoga and Odissi are not merely physical activities but gateways to spiritual elevation. They both act as stepping stones toward an elevated state of consciousness, which is the ultimate goal. They both guide us to go beyond the limitations of the body and connect with something greater, something divine.

So what should you expect in the Odissi workshop?

Now, let's delve into what you can expect in an Odissi workshop. The workshop is an open-level introductory workshop, so wholly suited to those new to yoga, and seasoned practitioners seeking new avenues of exploration.

In the workshop, we will embark on a journey exploring the fundamentals of the Odissi dance form. We will dive into the most common foot positions, delve into the movements of the head and eyes, and embrace the invigorating experience of basic footwork (think lots of stomping!).

But Odissi is not solely about footwork and technicality; it encompasses a rich storytelling vocabulary. We will learn about hand gestures known as mudras and their profound ability to convey a range of emotions and narratives.

Rhythm is an integral part of classical dance, and Odissi is no exception. Throughout the workshop, we will unravel the intricacies of rhythm in Odissi, clapping along to learn playful and challenging tongue-twisting rhythmic syllables. This immersive experience will awaken your senses and expand your understanding of the profound connection between movement, rhythm, and expression.

Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the history of the Odissi dance form and explore the richness of Indian culture from which it originates. This cultural context will deepen your appreciation for the artistry and heritage surrounding Odissi, adding layers of meaning to your dance practice.

To culminate our journey together, we will weave all the elements we have learned into a short composition. This composition will be a piece of art you can take home, practice, and share with your loved ones, enabling you to preserve the beauty and essence of Odissi beyond the workshop.

~ Tamara Tirjak

The parallels between yoga and Odissi dance are undeniable. Both practices guide us towards spiritual transcendence through the medium of physical movement.

Whether you are a yogi or a dancer, seeking a deeper connection with movement and spirituality this workshop will be an insightful introduction to this traditional and unique dance form.