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Anushua Chowdhury, a Doordarshan Graded Odissi Artist, Promoting the Art Form By Teaching Odissi Dance and Its History to Her Students

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Classical dance is a lifelong path of devotion, discipline and dedication.
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Classical dance is a lifelong path of devotion, discipline and dedication.
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As a Doordarshan-graded artist, Anushua is recognized for her exceptional skills in Odissi Dance. She trained under guru Kavita Dwibedi, and holds a senior repertory artist position at the Sanchari Foundation. A national scholarship holder from the Sahitya Kala Parishad and an international performer, Anushua continues to inspire and train the next generation of dancers.

Classical dance in India is enriched by the contributions of dedicated artists like Anushua Chowdhary. Anushua has made a significant mark in the field of Odissi dance, earning the esteemed title of a Doordarshan-graded artist from Delhi Doordarshan Kendra.

She is a disciple of Vidushi Guru Kavita Dwibedi who is the daughter and disciple of Guru Hari Krishna Behera. She holds the position of Senior Repertory Artist at the Sanchari Foundation while also working as a freelance dance artist in Delhi NCR and on an international level.

Anushua is also known for her portrayals of 'Sita Mata' and 'Radha Rani' at the prestigious Shri Ram Bhartiya Kala Kendra. Her skills are not confined to Odissi alone; she has also trained in Indian Ballet Dance under the guidance of Padma Shri Shobha Deepak Singh.

Throughout her career, Anushua has attained numerous accolades, despite facing various challenges. She is a national scholarship holder from the Sahitya Kala Parishad, Delhi, the Government of India, and is a Doordarshan-graded artist. She has toured internationally with her guru and with the Shri Ram Bhartiya Kala Kendra troupes, gaining valuable experience and imparting that knowledge to her students.

From a tender age, Anushua exhibited a keen interest in dance. She began her classical dance training when she was just seven, initially enrolling in Bharatanatyam classes, which were highly popular at the time. Following her 11th-grade studies, she joined Shri Ram Bhartiya Kala Kendra, where she devoted eight years to mastering Odissi under the guidance of Guru Smt. Priyambada Pattnaik. This extensive training laid a solid foundation for her continued pursuit of excellence in dance, now under the mentorship of Guru Smt. Kavita Dwibedi.

Anushua firmly believes that the study of dance is a lifelong endeavor. At the Sanchari Foundation, she continues to learn and also imparts her knowledge to students, emphasizing the depth, origins, and significance of classical dance. Beyond her involvement with the Foundation, she has established her own dance institution, where she trains students in classical dance, ensuring they understand its profound essence. Her goal is to pass on her comprehensive knowledge, enabling her students to continue the tradition and teach future generations.

Born in Kolkata but raised in Delhi due to her parents' professional commitments, Anushua balanced her academic and artistic pursuits well. She is currently pursuing a Master Degree in Performing Arts from the World University of Design in Sonipat and has completed her Prabhakar from Prayag Sangeet Samiti. Her academic achievements complement her artistic journey, merging scholarly insight with practical expertise.

Anushua's life and career have been significantly influenced by her parents and her guru. Her parents, who were her first role models, and her guru, who taught her the importance of being a good human being before being anything, have deeply impacted her approach to dance and life. These lessons have shaped her into the artist and individual she is today, emphasizing that one's character should be evident through their art.

Anushua views her hardships as opportunities for growth, attributing her successes to the resilience and perseverance developed through these experiences.

For aspiring classical dancers, Anushua emphasizes the necessity of patience and dedication. She recommends training under a proficient guru for at least 6-7 years and stresses the importance of devotion, discipline, and dedication to attain expertise in this field. She also advises parents to be supportive and patient, recognizing that classical dance is a lifelong learning process requiring continuous effort and commitment.

Anushua expresses concern about the modern trend of creating dance reels, which she believes can undermine the integrity of classical dance. According to her, classical dance is a form of 'sadhana' (devotion) and should be treated with the utmost respect. She regards the stage as a temple and the guru as a god, advocating for the preservation and promotion of classical dance's sanctity. In her view, dance reels should not replace the profound and disciplined practice of classical dance.

Anushua Chowdhary's life and career reflect her unwavering dedication and passion for classical dance. Through her performances, teaching, and ongoing learning, she strives to keep the essence of classical dance alive. Her story is an inspiration to aspiring dancers, highlighting the importance of perseverance, respect, and devotion in the pursuit of any art form. Anushua continues to contribute to the classical dance community, ensuring that this rich tradition is preserved for future generations.

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Watch the Inspiring Story of Indian Classical Dancer, Anushua Chowdhary | Odissi Dance

Explore the inspiring life of Anushua Chowdhary, a renowned Odissi performer and practitioner. Learn about her dedication, achievements, and contributions to classical dance in India.