The timeless elegance of Indian classical dance echoed through the halls of Jesus College last week as the University of Cambridge welcomed its first-ever workshop on Odissi, led by celebrated dancer Dona Ganguly.
The landmark event introduced the 2,000-year-old dance tradition to an audience of students, academics, and art lovers, many of whom were experiencing Indian classical performance for the first time. Known for its flowing movements, expressive gestures, and devotional roots, Odissi is one of India’s eight officially recognised classical dance forms.
Under the guidance of Dona Ganguly—an internationally acclaimed performer and founder of the Diksha Manjari academy—participants explored the foundational techniques of the dance, learning about its spiritual and historical significance. No prior experience was required, and the diverse crowd reflected the workshop’s open and inclusive spirit.
“To share the legacy of Odissi at the University of Cambridge is both an honour and a deeply emotional experience,” said Ganguly.
This dance form is not just movement—it is meditation, devotion, and storytelling. I am heartened to see such enthusiastic participation and openness to Indian culture here.
The workshop was part of a wider initiative by the university to promote cultural exchange and global perspectives within its academic and artistic communities. Organisers say the enthusiastic response has sparked discussions about future collaborations, potentially paving the way for more regular engagement with Indian classical arts at Cambridge.
Ganguly, a disciple of the legendary Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, has long championed the international reach of Odissi. Her mission, she says, is to bring the dance’s spiritual and artistic richness to new audiences across the world.
The event marks a new chapter in Cambridge’s cultural calendar—one that celebrates diversity not just in thought, but in movement, rhythm, and story.
