Guru Ganghar Pradhan Welcome to the World of Odissi Sutra Dance Theatre is honoured to organise this prestigious event in conjunction with its 25th Year Anniversary Celebration. Under the artistic direction of Ramli Ibrahim, Sutra Dance Theatre has been the core centre for the flowering of Odissi in Malaysia, and the catalyst that has created immense interest in Indian classical dance, especially Odissi, among the Malaysians as well as international audiences. For over twenty five years, Sutra Dance Theatre has been preparing the grounds for a major event like Stirring Odissi, with over a hundred of the world’s best Odissi dancers and musicians. Whilst honouring a tradition and celebrating creativity and excellence, Sutra now aims to further strengthen Odissi and help secure a place for it in the future. Stirring Lives Odissi is an elegant, sensual and lyrical dance form that has fire in its belly. The title of this festival alludes to two images - stirring to life the essence of an ancient classical dance form, and stirring the imaginations of modern day people. Stirring Odissi is a tribute to the only dance form with one foot in 2,000 BC and another in 2,000 AD. The evolution of Odissi Some might say that the deterioration and near-loss of Odissi in the 1940’s was a blessing in disguise. For the determined spirit of Odissi re-emerged to dance with even more beauty and pride than before. After its reconstruction by a few great gurus of India, Odissi now encompasses both the traditional and the contemporary. In the ‘survival of the fittest’, Odissi has not only stood the test of time, it continues to evolve as a truly living classical art. This traditional dance form is recognised and applauded in the international scene. It is so special it speaks to today’s people and dissolves national, racial and religious boundaries.