About
Hailing from the temple city of Bhubaneswar, Dr. Ankita Rath represents a rare harmony between science and classical art, flourishing as both a dedicated dental surgeon/academician and an accomplished Odissi danseuse. She initiated her formal training in Odissi at the tender age of five under the renowned tutelage of Guru Smt. Swapnarani Sinha, emerging over the years as a prominent soloist and senior repertory member of the Nrutyanilaya Ensemble.
Her dance vocabulary is distinguished by swift, agile footwork, sculpturesque geometry, and deeply evocative abhinaya. Academically grounded in the arts, she earned the title of Sangeet Bhaskar from Pracheen Kala Kendra, Chandigarh, and completed a Master’s Degree in Culture Studies from Utkal University of Culture, Bhubaneswar. As an empaneled artist under the Festivals of India (Outstanding category) and the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC), Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, she has graced major stages nationwide and abroad, including prestigious showcases like the International Odissi Dance Festival.
Beyond the stage, Dr. Rath is an institution-builder and curator. She founded Nrutyankita, an academy dedicated to grooming the next generation of classical dancers and documenting pedagogical tutorials. In 2025, she conceptualized and launched RASĀNUBHAVA, a premier classical dance festival inaugurated at the (GKCM ORC) in Bhubaneswar, providing a platform to celebrate rasa, traditional repertoire, and emerging classical talent. A versatile personality, she also lends her voice as a compere for state-level cultural events and promotes Odishan handloom heritage.
Festivals
Selected performances
Sakhi Bije Kadamba Mule (Raga Bhairavi) – Solo abhinaya performance at Mukteswar Dance Festival, Bhubaneswar; showcased emotional depth in Radha-Krishna nayika bheda; widely shared on Instagram (July 2025)
2025
Jaa re Bhanra – Featured solo at Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav; highlighted fluid tribhangi movements and lyrical interpretation of Odia poetry
2025
Mohana Murati Chhailo – Senior repertory member, Nrutyanilaya Ensemble at Konark Natya Mandap; choreographed by Guru Smt. Swapnarani Sinha; part of ICCR-sponsored national tour
2024
Srita Kamala & Yahi Madhava Yahi Keshava – Dual abhinaya recital at Utkal Sangeet Mahotsav, Cuttack; praised for expressive finesse and costume authenticity
2024
Dasavatara (Pure Nritta) – Performed as ICCR empaneled artist in Southeast Asia Cultural Festival (Singapore & Malaysia); represented Guru Debaprasad Das style internationally
2023
Moksha Mangalam – Closing ensemble piece at International Odissi Festival, Bhubaneswar; synchronized group choreography with live orchestral support
2023
Sakhi He (Jayadeva Ashtapadi) – Solo recital at EZCC National Dance Festival, Kolkata; selected under “Outstanding” artist category
2022
Kedar Gajapati – Virtual performance during Pandemic Cultural Series (Doordarshan Bhubaneswar); reached 50K+ viewers; focused on Jagannath devotion
2021
Shabari (Ramayana episode) – Lecture-demonstration + performance at Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award Ceremony, Bhubaneswar; highlighted narrative innovation
2020
Pashyati Dishi Dishi – Debut international solo at India Festival, Paris (ICCR delegation); introduced European audiences to Odissi sculptural grammar
2019
Sthayi (Opening Mangalacharan) – Performed at Rajani Nrutya Utsav, Puri; marked 10+ years of stage presence; featured in OTV broadcast
2018
Gallery
3Watch
Schools
Nrutyankita
founder
Teaches