Meghna will be introducing ODISSI, the beautiful and ancient classical dance style from the Eastern Indian state of Odisha. Meghna plans to demonstrate on stage some characteristic features of this distinctive style of dancing. She will also show a few video clippings of the dance repertoire, while taking the audience through the history and evolution of this dance style… its journey from ancient courts and temples, to the modern proscenium stage. Meghna will conclude with a discussion on the relevance of this style today, in the context of cultural globalisation, emphasising the universality of story-telling and communication of ideas.

Meghna Das was introduced early into the field of classical Indian dance, as she grew up among dancers and musicians at an academy for music and dance in Singapore. Her first public performance was at the tender age of 3 and that won her great audience appreciation for her confidence and charm. With this began a lifelong passion for classical Odissi dance.