Odissi Dance is one of the eight classical dance forms in India originating from the state of Odisha in eastern India. It is the oldest surviving Indian dance form, which traces its origin to the pre-Buddhist times of 2^ndcentury BC India. Deeply spiritual and grounded in the temple traditions, it is today one of the most evolved dance styles, completely modern yet ancient and esoteric in its evolution.

Dance Synopsis – Pallavi ( Saberi ) 

A pure dance item in which the raga is elaborated through eye movements, body postures & intricate footwork, emphasizing on the “thribanga” (3 bends of head, torso and hip) and the “chauka” (the square position). Pallavi means “blossoming”. Saberi however is an exception in the case of this Pallavi, as it has motifs of “shiringara” (love) as its sub-theme. But there is no “bhava”(emotional energy) only motifs. It is primarily set to an 8 beat cycle, then moves to portions of ukuta in cycles of 7 and 6 before returning to the 8 beat at the end.           

Composition by: Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra

OBJECTIVE OF GOING TO TAIPEI

1. The opportunity will allow me to share Odissi Dance in an exchange of dance and cultural knowledge with other dancers, choreographers, speakers, teachers and dance enthusiasts from all walks of life at this gathering in a truly Asian setting through daily interaction, performance and even workshops if required bringing this ancient yet modern dance form to the rest of Asia in one place! This gathering also encourages the bridging and strengthening of Asian countries even closer together.

2. With your help, I will hopefully meet my other Asian counterparts and attend seminars, discussions and talks about the current issues that plague the dance world in Asia and abroad. This could bring Taiwan to hopefully come to Malaysia in the future, if they already have not yet come, to discover even more dance forms that we have i.e. cultural dance forms in the tribal villages, traditional and contemporary Malay, Indian and Chinese dance, Mak Yong (an age old art form recently revived by local dancers that was banned by an Opposition state government of Malaysia and in 2005, UNESCO declared Mak Yong a “Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage to Humanity” and wayang kulit (shadow play). The exchange from both sides hopefully culminates to even more dance opportunities and ideas strengthening the ties between Taiwan and Malaysia.

3. I would like the experience living life as an independent dancer. The opportunity will allow me to step out of my comfort zone continuing with World Dance Alliance AGM, Taiwan 2013! I am currently dancing in Melbourne performing with; with the Tony Yap Company (Artistic Director: Tony Yap) in the ‘The Light in Winter Festival’ at Federation Square, 22 June 2013. In my own small way, I hope to make my country proud.

LONG TERM FUTURE GOALS

1. To create a Centre of Music and Movement (MUMO) for adults and the senior population with a huge garden named after my parents. There will be no restriction of where one can move, listen to music, draw or paint. There will be no restriction to race, religion and physical disability. The only restriction is you cannot litter and the place has to be very clean and kept.

2. To create a sister Home of Art for Children (HEART). Open especially to orphans and teenagers undergoing rehabilitation. Named after my sister.

3. Centre for animal caring and dog aid for the blind (it’s way better then blind sticks as dogs form a companionship and the blind have much better protection in movement and safety) and a good form for therapy for children and the older generation. The 3 centres co-exist in the garden and compound.

ABOUT THE DANCER

When Goh asked me how has dance helped me overcome life's  hurdles? I answered how has it not?

May music, art and dance be the beauty that feeds your soul forever! ;)

Best,

Michelle Jueney <3