Nov 28 2026 to Nov 28 2026 11 a.m.

Book/Buy

Where

Museum of Art & Photography (MAP)

Kasturba Road, Bengaluru 560001

Event Description

Explore the relationship between visual art and movement in this immersive Odissi workshop. Beginning with a sculpture, participants will discover how Odisha’s artistic traditions have shaped the classical dance form, exploring its vocabulary through body awareness, Chauka, Tribhangi, mudras, rhythm and abhinaya.

Through demonstrations, discussions and hands-on exercises, participants will experiment with translating visual forms into movement and storytelling. The session will culminate in a collaborative movement composition, followed by learning a simple Odissi phrase and reflecting on the artwork that inspired the experience.

This workshop is part of the ongoing series, Responding to Art through the Arts. Facilitated by arts practitioners, it aims to activate MAP’s galleries through a series of workshops that hold space for young people’s responses to artwork on display. 

It is conducted as part of our engagements for the MAP Youth Collective – a community for young people (18-25 year olds) to engage with the arts and culture sector. The collective is for, of and by young people — to explore our shared identities and interests through art

Namrata Bhargava has been trained in Odissi Dance under the tutelage of illustrious Gurus of Orissa Dance Academy and Rudrakshya FoundaƟon. Her journey as an Odissi dancer started in San Diego, California at Center for World Music. A non-profit organizaƟon which is affiliated with Orissa Dance Academy in Bhubaneshwar. 

Before moving to India, Namrata was a part of Center for World Music in San Diego, California and performed extensively in various temples and cultural events in California. She has honed her skills extensively with Padmashri Guru Aruna Mohanty, Guru Amulya Balabantaray, Guru Rajesh Kumar Palai, Guru Rudraprasad Swain and the Patnaik sisters. 

Beyond the stage, Namrata works acƟvely to promote Odissi and Indian classical culture. As founder-director of Jagannath Dance Academy in Bengaluru, she develops structured curriculum, leads outreach with insƟtuƟons and communiƟes, and creates programs that bring the art form to new audiences. Her work is rooted in a belief that tradiƟon stays alive through teaching, dialogue, and thoughƞul presentaƟon. She is also passionate about bringing people to the dance, opening the doors of Odissi to new learners and audiences alike.