Geeta Mahalik

Geeta Mahalik
Born 1948 (age 68–69)
Koraput, Odisha, India
Occupation Classical dancer
Awards Padma Shri
Kendra Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Gramini Award
Website http://about.me/GeetaMahalik

Geeta Mahalik(born 1948)[1] is an Indian classical dancer, regarded by many, as one of the finest exponents of the Indian classical dance form of Odissi,[2] the oldest among the eight Indian classical dance forms.[3][4] The Government of India honored her, in 2014, with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, for her services to the field of art and culture.[5]

Biography

'Odissi, also known as Orissi (Oriya: ଓଡିଶୀ Oḍiśī), is one of the eight classical dance forms of India. It originates from the state of Odisha, in easternIndia. It is the oldest surviving dance form ofIndia on the basis of archaeological evidences.

Gita Mahalik started learning dance at a very early age from renowned guru, Deba Prasad Dash.[6] This was followed by training under Mayadhar Raut which helped Geeta to develop a style which many connoisseurs described as sheer poetry in motion.[2]

Geeta has travelled extensively, performing in many countries across the globe like France, Switzerland, China, Italy, Spain, USA, Canada, Germany, Portugal, Greece and many other countries in the African continent.[7][8] She has also performed at almost all of the major dance festivals in India, Khajuraho Dance Festival, Ellora Dance Festival, Elephanta Dance Festival, Konarak Dance Festival, Mahabalipuram Festival, Mukteswar Dance Festival, Badri Kedar Utsav, Taj Festival, Kalidas Samaroh at Ujjain, Ganga Mahotsav and Mandu Festival featuring among them.[8]

Geeta Mahalik presently lives in Delhi.[3]

Legacy

Geeta Mahalik is generally credited with giving a national flavor to the traditional style of Odissi. She is also widely known to be a master of 'Rasa' (expression).[8][9]

Geeta has choreographed many dance dramas such as Lavanyavati, Krishnabhilasha and Draupadi - Antim Prashna which have won critical acclaim. It is reported that she has brought in many innovative interpretations and religious and secular overtones[9] through her choreography.[2]

Geeta Mahalik has founded a non governmental organization, Geeta's Upasana, based in Delhi, for promoting arts and culture, especially odissi dance.[10][11] The organization regularly stages performances in Delhi and outside.

Positions

Awards and recognitions

Geeta Mahalik is on the artists panel of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.[7]

References

  1. ↑ "Odissi" Sangeetnatak.com
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "About me". About me.com. 2014. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
  3. 1 2 "Odissi and Chhau dance" (PDF). Orissa Reference Manual. 2004. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 26, 2014. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
  4. ↑ "Archaeology". Odissi Kala Kendra. August 2014. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
  5. 1 2 "Padma Awards Announced". Circular. Press Information Bureau, Government of India. January 25, 2014. Archived from the original on March 2, 2014. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
  6. ↑ "Deba Prasad Dash". Narthaki.com. November 6, 2010. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 "Hindu". The Hindu. February 20, 2010. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
  8. 1 2 3 4 "Indian Express 2". The New Indian Express. February 20, 2010. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
  9. 1 2 "Orissa diary". February 16, 2010. Orissa diary.com. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
  10. ↑ "Upasana". India Mapped.com. 2014. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
  11. ↑ "Halabol". Halabol.com. 2012. Archived from the original on 2014-08-26. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
  12. ↑ "Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi". Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi. 2010. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
  13. ↑ "Indian Express 3". The New Indian Express. March 24, 2012. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
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