Nrutyayan Academy for Odissi Dance

Founded in Bhubaneswar by Nrutyacharya Guru Durga Charan Ranbir, Nrutyayan upholds and advances the Debaprasad bani of Odissi. Guru Ranbir—widely regarded as a principal inheritor of the late Guru Debaprasad Das’s style—consolidated decades of teaching and choreographic work into a focused institution where the lineage’s distinctive grammar is taught with classical rigor. His approach synthesizes the geometric strength of chauka and tribhangi with an earthy vitality drawn from Odisha’s folk and tribal idioms, articulated through sabdaswarapata and powerful mardala-centric rhythmic design. Nrutyayan’s mission is to preserve, document, and transmit the Debaprasad parampara through sustained studio practice, repertory building, and stage presentation. The school shapes dancers through a graded curriculum—from foundational technique and fitness to pallavis, batu nritya, abhinaya based on Odia and Sanskrit poetry, and ensemble choreography—while fostering musicianship, tala training, and contextual study. Its vision is a rooted-yet-evolving Odissi practice: faithful to the lineage vocabulary and aesthetics, yet responsive to contemporary stages, research, and pedagogy. Nrutyayan nurtures students from India and overseas, engaging them through regular classes, intensive workshops and lecture-demonstrations, and mentorship for professional performance careers. The institution also contributes choreographies that expand the Debaprasad repertoire and participates in major festivals, furthering the visibility of the bani nationally and internationally.

We are proud to have earned 5 awards for our dedication to the art form.