Odissi Certificate Programme

What is it?

This is a systematic and comprehensive programme that covers fundamentals of traditional Odissi training (technique of nritta and abhinaya and elements of traditional repertoire) alongside a rigorous study of Odissi music applied to dance.

The programme also ensures a solid applied understanding of safe and healthy practice, including basics of dance psychology for training and performance, as well as introducing students to improvisation and choreography to nurture a creative approach to Odissi dance practice. Students will also learn about the history and cultural background of this dance form, including past and current choreographic practice.

Why this programme?

Odissi training, particularly outside of India, still relies on training in nritta, abhinaya and repertoire only. Training sometimes does not show a clear sense of progression from easier to more complex exercises. Understanding of safe and healthy practice is often limited, this also includes basics principles of dance psychology for wellbeing and artistic excellence. Choreography and improvisations skills are generally not nurtured, creating limitations and inequities in the student artistic development. We consider essential to nurture a systematic yet empowering approach to dance training. Students often acquire a basic knowledge of dance history and culture that lacks critical understanding of the complexity of these areas.

This programme aims to fill what we perceive as gaps in the training of a dancer that is technically strong, creatively empowered, culturally informed, politically aware and able to engage in a safe and healthy relationship with dance. The programme will provide a clear overview of what training in Odissi entails for those who need a structured approach, including children and young people, or those who would like their skills to be assessed and acknowledged through certification.

Why us?

We have been teaching Odissi since 2010, both within the wider community and in Higher Education in the UK. We have also carried out academic research in Odissi training and culture (PhD) and we have extensive understanding of the British dance scene, both South Asian dance and beyond. We have assessed and mentored students in dance and acted as peer-mentors. We have been teaching face-to-face and online and have developed learning resources to support the student learning journey.

Our teaching methodology focuses on pursuing artistic excellence while always acknowledging individual unique needs and abilities. Our teaching puts the student first and aims to empower the individual to find their own journey into dance. We recognise that everyone has different motivations and personal approaches when undertaking their journey in dance and these should be acknowledged and supported. One of our biggest priorities is to create a sense of belonging and community in dance. We therefore pay attention to providing an inclusive, welcoming and safe space for all.

Who can undertake this programme?

Anyone who is interested in learning Odissi in a systematic way and would also like to develop practical understanding of culture, history, safe and healthy practice, as well as develop confidence in basic choreographic and improvisation skills.

How does it work?

The programme is a learning road map, that gives a clear sense of skills progression in different areas of practice. To fulfil this programme, it is expected you attend classes with Bhumi. You can attend group classes face to face (London) or you can go for an online route, arranging individual sessions with us or taking part in group workshops we may offer. You can also opt for a combination of both, for instance attend group classes in studio and then arranging 1-2-1 sessions to consolidate some aspects of practice and get individualised feedback and support. These 1-2-1 sessions can be online or face to face.

The programme is flexible in its duration and commitment required. The actual content also aims to be open to allow for individual abilities and needs to be acknowledged. You can fulfil L1 programme in 1 year or spread this over 2 or 3 years depending on your individual circumstances. You need to complete one level to be allowed to access the following one. You can go for a fast-track route (if you are already at an advanced level). We aim to offer examinations 2x per year.  

If you attend our classes and you are not interested in this programme, you can continue to do so and simply not prepare for assessment. Taking exams for certification, will require independent study and practice time and working individually with the teacher.

What learning resources are available?

You will have access to learning resources to support your training and learning journey. These will be made available to you as you progress in your practice and attend classes. Eventually, we plan to set up a digital learning platform where students can access the resources independently at their own time.

How much does it cost?

The overall cost will depend on the amount of time and support you need to prepare for the assessment for a specific level. If you attend regular group classes, the cost will be that of class attendance (currently between £14 to £20 per hour depending on studio location, subject to change according to inflation). If you need 1-2-1, you will need to book a private class or small group class.

There will be a fee to pay when accessing examinations, to cover administration and staff costs. There will be a membership fee to access learning resources on the programme digital platform when these become available.

We believe our fees are competitive for London costs and given we are working without public funding and in a niche sector with small numbers of students. We hope to be able to offer bursaries, scholarships and other forms of support in the future.

Where will this take place?

Face to face (London): Attending our regular classes + arranging private classes when needed.

Online: Online private classes. Some online group sessions will be organised, but in 24-25, we will focus on delivering this programme mostly face to face.

When will the programme start?

From September we will use this programme when planning and delivering classes to prepare students for examinations if they wish to.

Would you like to know more?

To have access to the details of the programme, please fill in and submit the form below.