Gotipua
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
An acrobatic devotional dance of Odisha performed by young boys dressed as girls, singing as they dance in praise of Jagannath and Krishna.
DevotionalWhere: Odisha (Puri district, especially Raghurajpur)Occasion: Temple festivals such as Chandan Yatra and Jhulan Yatra, village fairs and stage shows
| Performed by | Boys, usually before their teens, trained in akhadas (troupes) under a guru |
|---|---|
| Costume | A bright blouse and pleated cloth, painted face, flowers in braided hair and silver-style ornaments |
| Music and instruments | The dancers sing themselves, with the mardala, harmonium, violin and gini (small cymbals) |
How it is performed
- Boys start training young, practising yoga-like stretches that make them very flexible.
- The dancers sing Odia songs, often on the love of Radha and Krishna, while they dance.
- Steps and poses follow the Odissi style, mixed with acrobatic figures called bandha nrutya, in which the boys bend into shapes and form human pyramids.
- Performances end in a group display of balance and strength.
Significance
According to tradition, gotipuas began dancing in temple festivals when the maharis (women temple dancers) declined. Their style fed into the revival of Odissi, and several Odissi gurus first danced as gotipuas.