Snehaprava Samantray

🪔 About

Snehaprava Samantray is an eminent Indian classical dancer and a revered guru of Odissi, one of the eight classical dance forms of India. Her profound dedication and significant contributions to the art form have earned her national recognition. Samantray served as a distinguished lecturer at the Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, a prominent institution in Bhubaneswar dedicated to fostering performing arts in Odisha. Throughout her illustrious career, she has graced numerous stages, both within India and internationally, captivating audiences with the grace and intricate beauty of Odissi dance. A notable highlight of her global outreach includes her performances at the Expo70 world fair in Japan, which showcased her artistry to an international audience early in her career. Her commitment to the preservation and promotion of Odissi was further demonstrated by her participation in significant cultural events, such as the 3rd International Odissi Festival held in Bhubaneswar in 2006, an event organized in homage to the legendary Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. In recognition of her sustained artistic excellence and invaluable contributions to Odissi dance, Snehaprava Samantray was honored with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (Akademi Puruskar) for the year 2023. This award represents the highest national recognition bestowed upon practicing artists, gurus, and scholars in the performing arts by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's National Academy of Music, Dance, and Drama. Earlier in her career, in 2009, she received the Ist Savitri award from the Odissi Dance and song organisation Nrutyayana in Bhubaneswar, further solidifying her esteemed position within the Odissi dance community. As a dedicated guru, she has committed herself to imparting the rich traditions and techniques of Odissi, thereby nurturing and inspiring new generations of dancers to carry forward this ancient art form. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (Akademi Puruskar) (2023), Ist Savitri award (2009).