Faculty

Guru Ratikant Mohapatra has carved a space for himself as a dancer, percussionist, teacher and archivist of Odissi. As one would look back perhaps it was the desire of the almighty about four and a half decades ago to offer the cradle of a dancer to him. Born into the illustrious family of Guru Kelu Charan Mohapatra & Laxmipriya Mohapatra was indeed an advantage for Ratikant. Imbibing the artistic & creative talents of both Guruji & Guruma as the parents of Ratikant were addressed, he improvised on his own natural talents and inclination towards dance and music at an early age. Tutored by the Maestro in the art of Odissi & mardala (Odissi Pakhawaj) Ratikant did not spare any efforts to emerge as a leading male dancer by the time he was in his early twenties.

Sujata Mohapatra has been dancing since early childhood and has mastered the Odissi style of Indian Classical dance. She is devoted, talented and the aspiring disciple and daughter-in-law of the legendary Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. An artistic environment and encouragement from her parents made Sujata interested in dance. She has completed more than eighteen years training under the guidance of her Guru. At present she is continuing her dancing career under the able tutelage of her husband Guru Ratikant Mohapatra.

Rajashri Praharaj Rajashri Praharaj is an accomplished artiste of the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra gharana of Odissi. She has been dancing since an early age. Her formal training in Srjan (Odissi Nrityabasa) as a resident student under the able tutelage of Guru Ratikant Mohapatra has enabled her to master the art and technique of Odissi dance. Rajashri has absorbed the essence of this style and executes it with purity and perfection. Her dance has an excellent blend of sensuous movement and graceful footwork with absolute control of laya.