Orissa/Odisha unfurls a vista of refined forms of arts, crafts, music and dance, which has been booming for ages and has enticed many people. The distinctive dance forms like Odissi and Chhau are world famous with several international exponents, while Odissi dance is charming, vibrant and include various streams. The folk tradition of the state also lend a striking presence to it and the figures of dancers carved on ancient temple walls narrates the saga of Orissa's rich cultural heritage. The folk traditions that developed during the 11th Century AD still exist. Some of the popular dance forms of the state are listed below. Danda Nata Dance One of the ancient folk dance forms of Orissa is the Danda Nata Dance, in which Lord Shiva and his consort Gori are propitiated. Also known by the name of Jhamu Yatra, Danda Nata literally means staff dance where ‘Danda’ means staff and ‘Nata’ means dance. The performers of this particular dance form are called the ‘Bhokta’, which means Devotees. For three days the Bhoktas walk on a bed of red-hot live charcoal (fire walking), stand on edged swords, pierce iron nails on their skin and tongues, as marks of their severe penance to draw the attention of deities to expiate them from all sins and bless them with boons, which begins two days prior to Pana Sankranti. Chhau Dance Chhau Dance, the most popular dance of the region, which has its genesis in Mayurbhanj of Orissa. Chhau dance is known for its vigor and vitality. This is essentially a form of martial arthich was perhaps first practiced during battles at nights and wastherefore named "Chhauni Nrutya". But it was subsequently adopted by the relatives of Maharajas in a sophisticated style to serve the purpose of elites. The traditional group of Chhau dance comprises musicians and drummers and is performed usually during the Chaita Parava. The subject matter has been brought thematically and substantially from theRamayan, Mahabharat, Krishna Cult and the Purans and the present dance form is a fine blending of various systems. Ghoomra Dance The Ghoomra Dance form is actually named after a kind of drum, the Ghumar that is played with it. The drum which looks like a barrel made of clay and the mouth is covered with the skin of a reptile (Godhi), produces a deep musical sound. This dance starts fifteen days before the Gamha Purnima, full moon in September and the dancers tie the drums with strings around their neck and dance to its tune while simultaneously playing it. It is also a popular dance form of the state of Orissa. Kela Keluni Nacha Dance Kela Keluni Nacha dance is a form of folk dance of Orissa performed by the nomadic tribe of the region. The Kelas are a class of wandering tribe in Orissa who roam about the countryside to earn livelihood by catching snakes and birds. This dance form is performed by both male and female and only two dancers take part in it known as Kela(male) and Keluni (the female). he Kela plays a string instrument Ghuduki which produces a peculiar sound. He works out rhythms by playing his fingers in strokes on a string. He dances with the Keluni and also sings. The dance of the Keluni is fast with swaying movements of legs, hips and the head. There are also applauded actions in half-sitting position. Patua Dance Patua Dance is a ritual dance, which is performed during the entire month of Chaitra of the Hindu calendar. During this time, the village streets echo with the sound of Ghanta (Brass gongs) played by Ghanta Patuas and this dance form is closely associated with mother goddess, particularly Sarala. The traditional sevak community of the deities performs this ritual dance and dress themselves as females.The deity is represented by Ghata (the sacred pitcher) which is placed over the head by the dancer to a fixed wooden stand. The Ghata is decorated with sandal paste, vermillion, and flowers. While balancing the Ghata on the head, the dancer dances with bare feet to the rythym of percussive instruments like Mardala (a variety of Pakhwaj) and (ghanta). Ranapa Dance A folk dance of the cowherds of Orissa, Ranapa Dance is performed during the festivals of Dot-Yatra and Giri-Govardhan Pooja. This dance is particularly performed by young boys of this community and they wear anklets which produces jingling sound while performing the dance form. While performing the dance, dancers sing that narrates the childhood tales of Lord Krishna. Animal Mask Dance The Animal Mask Dance is a unique folk dance of Orissa where dancers wear masks of animals during the performance. Performed mainly in the village of southern Orissa, especially in Ganjam district, this form of dance is performed while the idols are taken out into the lanes, during the Thankurani Yatra. This dance form is as well performed during marriages. Two people fit themselves into a cane frame and camouflage as animals. The legs of the men resemble the legs of the animals. The Animal Mask Dance, also known as Chaiti Ghoda Dance is common among the Kaibarta caste, which is performed to placate the caste-deity named Vasuli Devi.
The reflection of the society of ancient time and their life style, describes in their different dance forms. In most ancient civilizations, dancing before the god is an important element in temple ritual. In Odisha there are so many such dance forms like Odissi,Chhau,Gotipua etc. What is interesting about Odissi is that body position is not merely a part of the vocabulary or frame-work. The posture by itself conveys a particular mood or message. The names of these postures too express the moods they represent. The different items of the Odissi dance style are Managlacharna, Batunrya or Sthayi Nata, Pallavi, Abhinaya and Moksha.
