ODISSI CLASSICAL DANCE Intensive Training
2026
Iccha · Jñana · Kriya
10-DAY ODISSI CLASSICAL DANCE TEMPLE IMMERSION
February 14 - 24, 2026
Old Rangji Temple, Pushkar
Beginners & Intermediate Tracks
Iccha · Jñana · Kriya ·
ODISSI CLASSICAL DANCE - TEMPLE IMMERSION
We invite you into the inspiring, holistic world of dance as an expression of Yoga. Ignite a fire in your dance through rigor and committed practice, while also nurturing the softness and grace that arises when art is approached as a devotional act.
Odissi classical dance nurtures the spirit of the artist through its rich philosophical framework. As one of the great Indic art forms rooted in the vision of the Nāṭya Śāstra (the ancient Indian treatise on dance), Odissi challenges the dancer through aesthetic intricacy, expressive storytelling, and musical complexity. It offers an artistic experience that leans into mysticism, de-personalization (merging with mythic character), and, above all, beauty.
Iccha. Jñana. Kriya. invites you into a deeper process with your dance. Anyone who has encountered Tantra is struck by the power of this simple triadic teaching:
Iccha Shakti · The power to desire — the seed of creativity
Jñana Shakti · The power to know — ideas taking shape through stages of understanding
Kriya Shakti · The power to act — motion, momentum, and embodied habit
Discover how this conceptual framework can enrich our artistic path!
How to Apply
Fill in application form - your acceptance to the program is based on your responses
Only accepted applicants will receive an email of acceptance with the payment link
(If you are not accepted you will not receive an email) If you would like to apply again, you may fill out another form for reconsideration after one week
Once registration payment is made students will receive a receipt by email. The ‘Welcome Letter’ with all information about the program will be sent a few weeks before the start date.
APPLICATION
Iccha · Jñana · Kriya ·
Odissi Classical Dance Training
February 14 -24, 2026
$810 early bird price / $900
*Indian Nationals who are currently residing in India with government issued ID apply here for Indian Rate:
Studying Odissi at SSD
Shakti School of Dance welcomes you home…
Our Odissi Classical Dance Intensive Training Programs are designed for serious students who want to fully immerse into the rigorous lifestyle of a classical dancer.
This cultural immersion guides students towards technical mastery, and to a well rounded understanding of the cultural context related to Odissi dance. The vocabulary of our dance lineage has its origins in Sanskrit texts dating back millennia. Students study these texts which also cover topics such as music theory, aesthetics and stagecraft.
New students are welcome to join. While a certain degree of fitness is required for the training, it is not required to have previous experience in Odissi. Students who are self-motivated, disciplined, love attention to detail and enjoy intricate arts will enjoy this program.
Returning students come back every year to advance their skills, polish techniques and study further into the theories which make Odissi rich and complex. The sincere community of artists who come together in our school from all across the world have formed a precious bond and a family of support that keeps us motivated on this path of dance.
Odissi Classical Dance Intensive Training Programs include: yoga and meditation, technique classes, choreography, repertoire rehearsal, theory lectures, study groups, structured self practice labs, cultural experiences and seva (spirited service)
SCHEDULE INCLUDES:
*Vasant Pañcami Pūjā
Vinyasa Krama Yoga
Odissi ‘Stepping’ Technique
Anga Shuddhi & Natya Shastra Vocabulary
Choreography & Repertoire Review
Indian Aesthetics & Theory Class
Who is accepted
Beginners: students showing a seriousness and dedication to the learning process, ideally some experience in professional training (dance, martial arts, yoga, music, academics, etc). Odissi experience is not required, but we recommend new dancers taking at least one online workshop with Colleena HERE
Intermediate: Odissi dancers with minimum 2+ years of solid training in Odissi. Should be proficient in all steppings and in practice of mangalacharan or more items
Important Information
-
You MUST arrive in Pushkar at least 2 days before the course begins if you are coming from abroad. You will not be permitted to join the course if you arrive the same day the school starts. Experience leads us to believe that students need sufficient rest after long travel or international flights before they begin intensive training.
The ORIENTATION meeting is required
-
Odissi experience is not required, but we recommend new dancers taking at least one online workshop with Colleena HERE
-
If you are an Indian citizen (with an Indian passport, ID or Ration Card) and currently live and work in India – we offer a scholarship rate based on financial need. You will still be required to complete the standard application form for consideration. Please email us at: shaktischoolofdance@gmail.com
-
We offer training certificates at the completion of each Odissi intensive session which note the hours you have trained. After completion of each intensive session, practical and written exams are given.
FAQs
-
Yes. Since we are in an active temple, all Odissi Intensive students must dress appropriately to enter our school or they may be asked to leave. For your Odissi classes, traditional dance sari or salwar kameez are required. More details will be sent to you in your welcome packet after registration is complete.
-
Shakti School of Dance cannot offer any support in visa matters. For this reason, we suggest you enter on a Tourist Visa, for the purpose of “sightseeing”.
-
There are many small guest houses in Pushkar within a 1-15 minute walk. Prices range from $10-$45 US Dollars a night. Guest houses are simple and safe. We suggest you look in a guidebook or travel forum online. It is very easy to find accommodations in Pushkar even without advance reservations. SSD does not offer help with booking accommodation, however please visit our school Facebook group page to communicate with other dancers who have come to SSD before.
We suggest you do not commit to a long term booking online until you arrive and have a look around to make sure you find a comfortable accomodation located close to the school.
-
Those interested in training in the Odissi Intensive programs MUST fill out the application. Students interested in attending drop-in classes in any subject are NOT required to submit an application.
Applications must be submitted on time and completed in full to be considered for admission to our training programs. Payment (via Paypal) must be completed upon admission in the given time period to guarantee enrollment in the Odissi intensive sessions. Please review our strict no-refund policy before tuition payment is completed so there is no confusion.
-
Odissi experience is not required, but we recommend new dancers taking at least one online workshop with Colleena HERE
-
Odissi classical Indian dance training as traditionally taught, music for items completed inside the course of study and some supplementary hand outs. Airfare, travel and hotel are not included in tuition fees.
-
No. We only offer Intensive training classes as part of a structured session. We do not offer discounts or any prorated rates. If you cannot commit at this time to the intensive, we welcome you to join us as a drop in student. Please note the *Arrival Requirements*
-
No. At this time, there are no scholarships or work trades available except to Indian Nationals currently living and working in India. Please write us to inquire more about these rates for Indian Nationals at: shaktischoolofdance@gmail.com
-
We highly encouraged students to maintain a daily yoga practice to familiarize themselves with having a daily discipline and to develop strength, flexibility and concentration. We do have several recordings of Online workshops of various levels by Colleena HERE , we recommend taking some of her classes before joining an intensive training.
-
At the beginning of the season will be cold until mid February. By the end of March it will be hot in Rajasthan!
-
OFFICIAL CANCELLATION / REFUND POLICY:
The Shakti School of Dance Odissi Intensive cancellation and refund policy is in place to guarantee the fair allocation of slots in the program to students who have been accepted and are ready to commit.
Your registration payment to SSD is not refundable, returnable or transferable to a future workshop or to another person. No exceptions. Even in the case of medical or family emergencies. Please register with full awareness of the agreement you are entering into.
Payment (via Paypal), as well as the ‘Mandatory Waiver Form’ must be completed upon acceptance in the given time period to guarantee enrollment in the Intensive sessions.
*By completing your payment, you have agreed to our refund terms and conditions already.