Beena Keum

🪔 About

Beena Keum, a distinguished Odissi dancer hailing from South Korea, discovered her profound connection to the Indian classical dance form in 2001 after witnessing a brief segment in Mira Nair's film *Kamasutra*. This fleeting exposure ignited a passion that led her to pursue Odissi professionally. While a student of philosophy and comparative religious studies at Sogang University in Seoul, Keum made the pivotal decision to travel to India to immerse herself in the art form. Her rigorous training in Odissi commenced in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, where she became a dedicated disciple of several revered gurus. Her initial mentor was the late Gangadhar Pradhan, the founder of the Konark Natya Mandap, and Keum was notably his last disciple. She further refined her technique under the guidance of other prominent teachers, including Bichitranand Swain, Manoranjan Pradhan, Lingaraj Swain, and Yudhisthir Nayak. Beyond the dance itself, Keum also delved into the musical aspects of Odissi, learning vocal music from Guru Bijay Kumar Jena and mastering the percussion instrument mardal from Guru Banamali Moharana. Beena Keum marked her formal stage debut, known as 'manch pravesh', in 2010 at Jayadev Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. This significant event was attended by her gurus and family, and she impressed the audience by addressing them in Oriya, showcasing her deep cultural assimilation. Since her debut, Keum has performed extensively across various cities in India, such as Delhi, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, and has also presented Odissi in her home country, including Seoul, Busan, Cheongju, and Chuncheon. She is celebrated for her graceful performances and her ability to foster cultural exchange, often blending South Korean and Indian classical elements. Keum is also dedicated to teaching Odissi to women in South Korea, actively promoting Indian art and culture internationally.