Rudrakshya is a Vibrant and Enchanting Dance Troupe from India consisting of 14 Members that includes Professional Dancers and Musicians along with a world famous GURU (Choreographer). The group guided by Guru Sri Bichitrananda Swain presents a new dimension in Indian classical (Odissi) dance by developing new and innovative choreography. Odissi is the graceful and lyrical dance form of the eastern state of Orissa, India. Famous for its grace and charm, the dance is characterized by its rounded, fluid movements, as well as the abundance in sculpturesque poses. The group is visiting Arizona for the first time and it will be an exceptional opportunity for the classical dance lovers of Arizona to enjoy this breathtake performance by this highly acclaimed contemporary Indian classical dance group. An exceptional performer, instructor and choreographer, Guru Sri Bichitrananda Swain has emerged as one of the leading gurus in this new generation of Odissi dance. The tour will feature a talented group of dancers along with a live orchestra featuring some of the finest artists in Odissi music.

There are nine moods or sentiments in Indian classical dance, called rasas. They are: srngara (love), hasya (laughter), karuna (sadness), raudra (anger), vira (pride), bhayanaka (fear), bibhatsa (disgust), adbhuta (wonder), and shanta (peace). Rasa is two-fold, experienced by the dancer and the audience. Situations are depicted using the state of the rasa, called bhava. The Odissi dancers take the audience through the nine moods as the audience enters the metaphysical place where heaven and earth touch and where the sensual and the spiritual are one in the depths in their human hearts.

Classical dance in India evolved as a spiritual expression of devotion to the Higher Being. Odissi, one of the seven recognized forms of Indian classical dance is from Orissa and dates back to 2nd century BC. Odissi was nurtured in the famous shrines of Orissa situated in Puri, Konark, and Bhubeneswar. Some of the Odissi postures can be seen in this show are from the sculptures of ancient Hindu, Jain, and Bhuddist temples and caves of Orissa.

On the basis of archaelogical evidence, Odissi may well claim to be the earliest classical dance style of India. Natyashastra, the most ancient and authentic text on Indian Dance and Dramatics also acknowledges its existence of Odissi.