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About
Oopalee Operajita is a distinguished Indian classical dancer and choreographer, renowned for her mastery in both Odissi and Bharatanatyam. Born in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, into a scholarly family, she began her intensive dance training at a young age. For Odissi, she was a leading disciple of Padma Vibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, studying with him…
Journey Timeline
1970s
Began Bharatanatyam and Odissi training
1979
Began choreographing Odissi pieces — Her innovative choreographic pieces for Odissi have been set to music by Pandit Chhannulal Mishra since this year.
1982
Named Top Ranked Artist of the Younger Generation — Awarded by the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi.
1982
Named Top Ranked Odissi Dancer of the Younger Generation — Awarded by the Orissa Sangeet Natak Akademi.
1982
Received Singar Mani — Awarded by Sur Singar Samsad.
1990
Appointed Distinguished Fellow at Carnegie Mellon University — Appointed by President Richard Cyert.
1995
Received MAPW degree from Carnegie Mellon University
1996
Dance performance with Kelucharan Mohapatra ranked among top 10 Pittsburgh classical dance performances — By the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
2007
Founded Al Gore Sustainable Technology Venture Competition — Asia's first major sustainable technology venture competition.
2010
Artistic Director and Choreographer for Concert for President Obama — Hosted by Indian President Pratibha Patil for US President Barack Obama.
Photo Gallery
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Video Library
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Signature Performances
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Performance Map
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Awards & Honors
- 1982 · Top Ranked Artist of the Younger Generation — Central Sangeet Natak Akademi
- 1982 · Top Ranked Odissi Dancer of the Younger Generation — Orissa Sangeet Natak Akademi
- 1982 · Singar Mani — Sur Singar Samsad
- Canada Council Arts Award — Canada Council for the Arts
- Senior Performing Arts Fellowship — Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute
- Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Fellowship — Rotary Foundation
- National Science Talent Scholar
- National Scholar
- Chancellor's Prize Winner for Debating
- Nominated for a Harry Schwalb Award for Excellence in the Arts
- Nominated for an Outstanding Established Artist Award — Pittsburgh Magazine
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