Sujata Mohapatra: Nov. 29, Dec 1 - 4

One of the leading soloists of the country, Sujata is an accomplished and versatile Odissi artiste from Bhubaneshwar, Orissa. Disciple and daughter-in-law of the legendary Padma Vibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra,
her interest in dance was nurtured at an early age by her parents and
she took to the stage even as a child. Intensively trained and groomed by her guru for more than eighteen years, she is the bearer of his priceless cultural heritage. Sujata has also undergone training at the Odissi Research Center in Bhubaneshwar and is currently guided and supported by her husband Ratikant Mohapatra.

Sujata has a compelling and arresting stage presence, with an exhilarating combination of intensity and spontaneity. Her dance is particularly noteworthy for her strict adherence to her guru's style and vision. Her lyrical movements perfectly epitomize the grace and technical perfection of the Kelucharan Mohapatra gharana and her depth of expression is evocative and moving.

Widely traveled over the world as a soloist and a leading member of the Srjan Dance Troupe, she has also been a leading dancer in most of her guru's great choreographies. Apart from her concert tours Sujata is also a much sought after teacher. Currently she is the principal of Srjan, the institute founded by Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra for imparting training in Odissi and also often conducts workshops in the major centers of Odissi teaching throughout India and abroad. In addition to her training in
Odissi, Sujata holds a Master's Degree in Oriya literature from Utkal University and has extensively researched temple architecture relating to the dance form.