Sangeeta Dash

🪔 About

Sangeeta Dash is a renowned Indian classical Odissi dancer, teacher, and choreographer, recognized for her dedication to the Deba Prasad Das style of Odissi. She began her training at the tender age of seven under Guru Durga Charan Ranbir and later received intensive guidance from the late Guru Sri Debaprasad Das from 1980 to 1986, a period she credits for shaping her artistic journey. Dash initially pursued a career as an actress in the Oriya film industry, appearing in eight films with the explicit intention of promoting her guru's style and reaching a wider audience, before fully dedicating herself to dance in 1990. Throughout her extensive career spanning over four decades, Sangeeta Dash has performed widely across India and internationally, with performances in countries such as North Korea, China, and Bangladesh. She has graced prestigious stages at major festivals including the Konark Dance Festival, Khajuraho Dance Festival, Soorya Festival, and Natyanjali Festival. Her profound contributions to Odissi have been recognized with several accolades, including the 'Singarmani' award from Kal ke Kalakar Sammelan in Mumbai in 1989, the 'Mahari Award' from Guru Pankajcharan Odissi Research Foundation in 1998, and the 'Sanskrit Samman' from Sanskriti Pratishana, New Delhi. She was also the first recipient of the 'Pankaj Charan Das Award' in 2003. In 2013, she was honored with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for her outstanding achievements in Odissi dance, a testament to her artistic excellence and dedication. Sangeeta Dash is a committed educator and institution head, running her own Meera Dance Academy and Research Centre in Puducherry, where she provides personal coaching to both Indian and international students. She also imparts her knowledge at the Aurobindo Ashram, considering it a service. Her academic involvement extends to serving as a regular question setter and examiner for various dance institutions, including Utkal University of Culture. Dash is a strong proponent of the Deba Prasad Das style, which she describes as intense, grounded, and characterized by powerful footwork and sharp movements, and she actively works to ensure its wider recognition and legacy. She continues to perform, with recent appearances at the International Odissi Dance Festival in December 2025, where she presented an evocative portrayal of Lord Krishna's childhood. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2013), Pankaj Charan Das Award (2003), Mahari Award (1998), Sanskrit Samman (1998), Singarmani Award (1989), National Scholarship for juniors, National Scholarship for seniors, Junior fellowship for Odissi dance, 'A' grade artiste.