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Learning Pathway

The SITA Curriculum

A structured, modular journey from foundational steps to advanced mastery of Odissi classical dance.

The SITA Learning Framework

Five Dimensions of Training

01
💃

Practical Training

Progressive repertoire from Mangalacharan to advanced compositions

02
💪

Physical Conditioning

Strength, flexibility, alignment and endurance for classical dance

03
📚

Theory & Literature

Natyashastra, Rasa theory, Tala systems and Indian aesthetics

04
🎭

Performance Experience

Regular showcases, stage discipline and audience engagement

05
🏅

Certification Opportunities

ABGMVM examination pathways for motivated students

Levels 1–4

Foundation Programme

Building the essential vocabulary of Odissi — posture, rhythm, mudra and musical awareness.

Level 1

Prathama

48 Hours (4–6 Months)

Practical

  • Basic standing postures: Chowk & Tribhanga
  • Introductory footwork (Thatkar)
  • Basic hand gestures (Mudras)
  • Eye and neck movements

Theory

  • Introduction to Odissi history
  • Basic Tala concepts
  • Indian classical music fundamentals
Level 2

Dwitiya

48 Hours (4–6 Months)

Practical

  • Mangalacharan (invocatory piece)
  • Stage directions & discipline
  • Advanced footwork patterns
  • Tala Awareness in practice

Theory

  • Tala systems in depth
  • Stage discipline & etiquette
  • Introduction to Natyashastra
Level 3

Tritiya

60 Hours (5–7 Months)

Practical

  • Pallavi (basic)
  • Introductory Abhinaya
  • Radha-Krishna narratives
  • Combined footwork & gesture

Theory

  • Introduction to Rasa theory
  • Radha-Krishna in Odia literature
  • Musical raga identification
Level 4

Chaturtha

60 Hours (5–7 Months)

Practical

  • Batu Nritya
  • Expanded Pallavi studies
  • Tala system in practice
  • Performance preparation

Theory

  • Abhinaya Darpana (introduction)
  • Tala varieties & compositions
  • Temple traditions of Odissi

Levels 5–7

Intermediate Programme

Level 5

Panchama

72 Hours (6–8 Months)

Practical

  • Advanced Pallavi in chosen raga
  • Abhinaya compositions
  • Moksha (introductory)
  • Ensemble awareness

Theory

  • Natyashastra — Chapters 1–4
  • Abhinaya Darpana in depth
  • Rasa & Bhava analysis
Level 6

Shashtha

72 Hours (6–8 Months)

Practical

  • Moksha (complete)
  • Abhinaya — selected compositions
  • Stage performance preparation
  • Guru Vandana & devotional items

Theory

  • Abhinaya Chandrika
  • History of Odia literature
  • Advanced Tala systems
Level 7

Saptama

84 Hours (7–10 Months)

Practical

  • Gita Govinda (selected compositions)
  • Advanced Abhinaya
  • Complete solo performance
  • Original compositions study

Theory

  • Gita Govinda — text & meaning
  • Sanskrit for dancers
  • Indian aesthetics — complete

Mastery Level

Advanced Programme

For the dedicated artist seeking complete mastery, performance excellence, and potential teaching qualification.

🎭

Advanced Repertoire

Complete Odissi repertoire including rare and complex compositions from the classical canon — Ashtapadi, Champu, and selected original works.

❤️

Abhinaya

Deepening the art of expressive narrative — exploring Sringara, Bhakti and Karuna rasas through Jayadeva and other classical poets.

🌟

Performance Practice

Full solo recital preparation, stage craft, production elements, and the psychology of performance — preparing for professional presentation.

📖

Pedagogy

The art and science of teaching Odissi — methodology, student development, curriculum design for those aspiring to teach.

🔬

Research

Original scholarship in Odissi tradition — engaging with primary texts, notation systems, and contributing to the living body of knowledge.