Dr Ankita Rath
About Me
Dr. Ankita Rath is a multifaceted artist and professional from Bhubaneswar, Odisha, renowned for her mastery of Odissi dance while maintaining a distinguished career in dentistry. Described as a "multi passionate woman achiever," she embodies the grace and precision of classical Indian dance through her swift, agile movements and expressive artistry, captivating audiences worldwide. She continues to perform, teach, and inspire through her institute and social media presence, blending her dual passions seamlessly. # Early Life Born and raised in the temple city of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Dr. Rath was introduced to the world of Odissi dance at a young age, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of her homeland. Her early exposure to the arts, combined with a supportive family environment, laid the foundation for her lifelong dedication to performing arts. # Education and Training Dr. Rath's academic journey spans both the sciences and the arts. She holds a dental degree and has practiced as a clinician for over a decade, currently serving as faculty at Hi-Tech Dental College and Hospitals in Bhubaneswar. Complementing this, she earned a 'Sangeet Bhaskar' from Pracheen Kala Kendra, Chandigarh, and a Master's in Culture Studies from Utkal University of Culture, Bhubaneswar. Her formal Odissi training began at the age of five under the guidance of Guru Smt. Swapnarani Sinha, a pivotal figure in her development. Over the years, she participated in numerous workshops and tours led by her guru, honing her skills in abhinaya (expressive storytelling) and nritta (pure dance) techniques central to Odissi. # Professional Career Dr. Rath's career is a remarkable fusion of medicine and dance. As a dental surgeon, she is recognized for her academic excellence and clinical expertise. Simultaneously, she has established herself as a leading Odissi exponent, performing as a soloist and senior repertory member of the Nrutyanilaya Ensemble. Her performances span national and international stages, showcasing Odissi's sculpturesque poses and rhythmic footwork. In addition to performing, Dr. Rath has ventured into hosting (compere) roles for state-level events and dance festivals. She has also modeled for fashion houses promoting Odisha handloom, further highlighting her versatility.
✦ Key Highlights
- •Began Odissi training at age 5 under Guru Smt. Swapnarani Sinha (Bhubaneswar), a senior disciple in the Guru Debaprasad Das lineage.
- •Trained in guru-shishya parampara with emphasis on abhinaya, nritta, and Odia poetic repertoire.
- •Holds Sangeet Visharad and Sangeet Bhaskar from Pracheen Kala Kendra, Chandigarh
- •Pursued Master’s in Culture Studies from Utkal University of Culture, enriching theoretical understanding of Odissi.
Gurus
Smt. Swapnarani Sinha
Accolades & Certifications
Guru Debaprasad Das Yuba Prativa Samman
Guru Debaprasad Award Foundation, Bhubaneswar
Honored for outstanding contribution as a young Odissi exponent in the Guru Debaprasad Das lineage; presented during annual dance festival
Debanshi Kalinga Nrutya Samman
Debanshi Kala Niketan & Odisha Dance Academy
Recognized for excellence in abhinaya and preservation of Odia poetic repertoire in Odissi
Satkosia Nabagata Prativa Samman
Satkosia Cultural Forum, Angul
Awarded for innovative choreography and promoting emerging talents in classical dance
Kala Samarpan Award
Kala Vikash Kendra, Cuttack
Felicitated for lifelong dedication to Odissi and blending art with social impact
“Multipassionate Woman Achiever” Recognition
Women Icon Awards (Odisha Chapter)
Honored for balancing dentistry and Odissi at a national level; featured in regional media
Sangeet Bhaskar (Post-Graduate Diploma in Music & Dance)
Pracheen Kala Kendra, Chandigarh
Top honors in Odissi theory and performance; equivalent to Master’s level certification
Sangeet Visharad (Graduate Diploma in Music & Dance)
Pracheen Kala Kendra, Chandigarh
Completed with distinction; foundational certification for ICCR empanelment
My Dance Journey
First Steps in Odissi: Begins formal training at age 5 under Guru Smt. Swapnarani Sinha in Bhubaneswar; enters guru-shishya parampara in Guru Debaprasad Das lineage.
Early Stage Presence: Performs first public recital at local temple festival; featured in school cultural programs; lays foundation in nritta and basic abhinaya.
Sangeet Visharad Certification: Completes graduate-level diploma in Odissi from Pracheen Kala Kendra, Chandigarh with distinction; qualifies for professional empanelment.
Debut International Performance: Selected for ICCR delegation; performs solo Pashyati Dishi Dishi at India Festival, Paris – first exposure to global audiences.
ICCR & EZCC Empanelment (“Outstanding” Grade): Officially empaneled as top-tier artist by Indian Council for Cultural Relations and Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre; eligible for national/international representation.
Sangeet Bhaskar (Post-Graduate Diploma): Achieves highest certification in Odissi from Pracheen Kala Kendra; completes Master’s-equivalent training in theory and performance.
Digital Leap During Pandemic: Performs Kedar Gajapati for Doordarshan’s virtual series; reaches 50K+ viewers; adapts traditional art to online platforms.
Founding of Nrutyankita: Establishes Nrutyankita Odissi Dance Institute in Bhubaneswar; begins structured teaching for beginners and advanced students.
Kala Samarpan Award: Honored for lifelong dedication to Odissi; recognized for balancing art with medical profession.
Senior Repertory Member, Nrutyanilaya Ensemble: Promoted to lead dancer in Guru Swapnarani Sinha’s ensemble; performs regularly at Konark, Mukteswar, and Dhauli festivals.
Southeast Asia ICCR Tour: Represents India in Singapore & Malaysia; performs Dasavatara and group choreographies; strengthens global footprint.
Triple Award Year : Receives Debanshi Kalinga Nrutya Samman, Satkosia Nabagata Prativa Samman, and Guru Debaprasad Das Yuba Prativa Samman in one year.
Konark Natya Mandap Highlight: Performs Mohana Murati Chhailo (choreographed by guru) as part of national ICCR tour; featured on OTV and YouTube.
Nrutyankita Student Recital Series Launch: Organizes first annual student showcase; 20+ disciples perform; institute gains regional recognition.
Mukteswar & Dhauli Festival Solo Performs: Sakhi Bije Kadamba Mule (July) and Jaa re Bhanra at premier Odisha festivals; Instagram reels go viral (100K+ views).
Significant 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)
Jaa re Bhanra – Featured solo at Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav; highlighted fluid tribhangi movements and lyrical interpretation of Odia poetry
Mohana Murati Chhailo – Senior repertory member, Nrutyanilaya Ensemble at Konark Natya Mandap; choreographed by Guru Smt. Swapnarani Sinha; part of ICCR-sponsored national tour
Srita Kamala & Yahi Madhava Yahi Keshava – Dual abhinaya recital at Utkal Sangeet Mahotsav, Cuttack; praised for expressive finesse and costume authenticity
Dasavatara (Pure Nritta) – Performed as ICCR empaneled artist in Southeast Asia Cultural Festival (Singapore & Malaysia); represented Guru Debaprasad Das style internationally
Moksha Mangalam – Closing ensemble piece at International Odissi Festival, Bhubaneswar; synchronized group choreography with live orchestral support
Sakhi He (Jayadeva Ashtapadi) – Solo recital at EZCC National Dance Festival, Kolkata; selected under “Outstanding” artist category
Kedar Gajapati – Virtual performance during Pandemic Cultural Series (Doordarshan Bhubaneswar); reached 50K+ viewers; focused on Jagannath devotion
Shabari (Ramayana episode) – Lecture-demonstration + performance at Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award Ceremony, Bhubaneswar; highlighted narrative innovation
Pashyati Dishi Dishi – Debut international solo at India Festival, Paris (ICCR delegation); introduced European audiences to Odissi sculptural grammar
Sthayi (Opening Mangalacharan) – Performed at Rajani Nrutya Utsav, Puri; marked 10+ years of stage presence; featured in OTV broadcast
Hobbies & Interests
- •Cultural advocacy (e.g., promoting Odishan handloom through modeling)
Image Gallery
Video Gallery
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