Pratibha Jena Singh

🪔 About

Pratibha Jena Singh is a renowned Indian classical Odissi dancer, teacher, and choreographer, recognized as the most accomplished exponent of her father, Guru Surendra Nath Jena's distinctive Odissi style. She began her training at an early age under her father's guidance, deeply imbibing his unique approach to Odissi. Her artistic foundation was further enriched by training in pakhavaj under Guru Praful Kumar Mangaharaj. Singh is celebrated for her exceptional ability to convey a wide spectrum of emotions through her performances. Her career is marked by extensive contributions to the preservation and propagation of the Guru Surendra Nath Jena Odissi style, which draws inspiration from the sculptural architecture of Odisha's temples, devotional elements, and the nuances of rural life, aiming to represent all aspects of human existence and emotions. She is empanelled by prestigious cultural bodies like ICCR and Doordarshan Kendra. Pratibha Jena Singh was actively involved in a film project in 2005-2006 by Roehampton University, documenting her father's Odissi style. As a dedicated educator, she frequently conducts dance education programs for organizations such as Sangeet Natak Akademi and Spic Macay. She is the founder-director of the Nrityashilp Guru Surendra Nath Jena Odissi Dance Foundation, an institution committed to promoting her father's philosophy and dance style. She also continues to teach her father's classes at Triveni Kala Sangam in New Delhi, where her father was based for many years. Her teaching methodology encourages students of different ages to practice together, fostering a sense of family and responsibility. Pratibha Jena Singh is also an organizer of the International Odissi Dance Festival, which celebrates her father's unique style. She is frequently invited to Russia, where she has a dedicated following. Awards & Honours: Shringhari Shyamsunder Award for Odissi (1995), Government of India Scholarship for Indian Classical Dance under the Cultural Talent Search Scheme, Triveni Kala Sangam Scholarship.