Sanchita Bhattacharyaa

🪔 About

Sanchita Bhattacharyaa, also known as Guru Sanchita Bhattacharyaa, is an acclaimed Indian Odissi dancer born in Kolkata, India. The daughter of a dancer mother and a philosopher and Kriya Yogi father, she began her dance training at a very young age, reportedly at two or five years old. She received extensive tutelage from two legendary figures in Odissi dance: Padmashri Guru Mayadhar Raut, a pioneer of the form, and Padmabibhusan Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra. Bhattacharyaa is celebrated for her intricate footwork, expressive style, vigorous movements, and sculptural gestures, with The New York Times describing her dance as "perfection" in 2002. She has performed globally, gracing prestigious stages such as Madison Square Garden in New York, the Esplanade Theater in Singapore, and the Sankat Mochan Festival in Varanasi, India. Her international performances have led the Edmonton Journal to refer to her as "an ambassador of Odissi dance around the world." In 2022, she marked 50 years of performing on stage, having left a high-profile job in international banking to dedicate herself to her passion for dance. Beyond performing, Sanchita Bhattacharyaa is also a respected choreographer, with notable works including "The Draupadi Phenomenon" and "Yodhini," which blend classical Odissi with other forms like Mayurbhanj Chhau. She is a dedicated teacher and has lectured at various universities, including Duke University, the University of Colorado, and Brown University, as well as on global forums like www.world-body.org. She founded the Sanchita Odissi Dance Foundation in Kolkata, which supports young girls from underprivileged backgrounds. She is married to the renowned santoor maestro, Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya. Awards & Honours: Kalpataru Award (2000), Shree Kshetra Mahari (2005), Mashal Pratibha Samman, Raas Ratna Award.