One of the rich Indian classical art form, Odissi dance had its origin in the dances performed for the ritual purpose in the temples. Today, the dancing style of the state of Orissa is considered as Odissi. As the feudal rule has been abolished from India, the patronages that were given to the artists and the temples were also stopped. After that survival for those artists became much tougher. After a long period this art started reestablishing with the hands of maestros like Kelucharan Mohapata, Gangadhar Pradhan and etc. The revival of current style of Odissi is considered to be the product of 20th century.

The Odissi dancers of today are experimenting with the traditional one. Some of them always attempted to keep the ancient form as it was. While on the other side some tried to incorporate their creative idea to the ancient form. But one thing that is common among them is that they all tried to enrich this cultural heritage with a thorough research of ancient manuscripts and sculptures. In order to establish this traditional art form in a new unique style they are endlessly striving to restructure Odissi. Their efforts resulted in a positive structure that today Odissi has been regarded as one of the most accomplished classical dancing style.

Odissi style of dance like many other classical dance form also possesses two significant facets. They are Nritta or non-representational dance and Abhinaya, or stylized mime. The most popular themes of interpretation in Odissi are the love tales of Radha and Bhagawan Krishna. An archetypal recital of Odissi on one or two ashtapadis (poem of eight couplets) from Jayadeva`s Gita Govindam is always performed in the execution. The `tribhangi, or thrice deflected posture` is the technique that has repeated use in the style. This posture made Odissi comparatively difficult style. The dancers who have adapted these difficult characteristics of Odissi have been accomplished as noteworthy dancers. Some noted dancers who have carved niche for themselves are:
Aloka Kanungo--- The rare combination of a dancer, choreographer, teacher & scholar all can be found within the Odissi dance maestro Aloka Kanungo.

Ileana Citaristi--- Ileana Citaristi, following the torch light of maestro Kelucharan Mohapatra has dedicated her life to the path in the domain of Odissi Dance.

Malavika Sarukkai--- Malavika Sarukkai`s unique style of combining the modernity and the traditional art forms made her an accomplished dancer of Odissi.

Niharika Mohanty--- Niharika Mohanty in North America actively initiating for the promotion and apprehension of Odissi, Indian dance, and other dance forms.

Puspita Mishra--- An esteemed Odissi dancer Puspita Mishra has been considered as a rare artist who combines the rhythmic grace and symphony in her style of dance.

Rajika Puri --- Rajika Puri is an Indian established Classical dancer, who has made her impression in the western stage.

Surupa Sen --- For her excellence in the art of dancing, Surupa Sen, has been established as a noteworthy Odissi dancer all over the globe.

Yogini Gandhi--- This skilled Kathak and Odissi dancer have carved a niche for herself in the arena of Dance.

Rahul Acharya ---- This eminent Odissi dancer is also a vedic scholar and a master degree holder in science.

Geetanjali Acharya---- Geetanjali Acharya is an aspiring Odissi dancer who has already made her impression on the minds of dance critics.

Rajnita Banerjee---- Rajnita Banerjee is also a distinguished Odissi dancer to her credit.

Rajashree Chintak Behera--- Under the famous Guru Durga Charan Ranbir and Guru Harihar Mohanty, this astonoshing persona Rajashree Chintak Behera has been trained.

Sharmila Biswas --- Sharmila Biswas has been esteemed as one of the proponent dancer in the domain of Classical Odissi dance form.

Sanchita Bhattacharya--- Sanchita Bhattacharya is an illustrious Odissi dancer and is continuously striving for the upliftment of the economically handicapped aspirant students.

Aparupa Chatterjee --- Aparupa Chatterjee today has been regarded as one of the most raising Odissi dancer for the years to come.

Meera Das ---- Meera Das, an eminent odissi dancer who is always attempted to instill the tradition old Odissi culture through her dance and music.

Lipsa Dash--- In the world of Odissi dance, Lipsa Dash has made her strong impression as a noteworthy classical dancer.

Nivedita Daw--- Nivedita Daw is an accomplished versatile Odissi dancer.

Ritha Devi--- Ritha Devi apart from being a noted dancer has also graduated in English and Sanskrit from the University of Bombay.

Sreyashi Dey---- To spread the art form Odissi in US, Sreyashi Dey has taken the initiative.

Shreelina Ghosh--- Shreelina Ghosh is the creator of the creative composition "Panamami Buddham".

Reela Hota --- Former disciple of legendary Odissi dancer Padmabibhusan Kelucharan Mohapatra, Reela Hota is a dancer of repute.

Chitra Krishnamurti--- Chitra Krishnamurti is an accomplished Odissi dancer who is also a scientist.

Vani Madhav --- In the array of accomplished dancer of Odissi, Vani Madhav has established herself.

Asmita Kar Mahapatra --- Asmita Kar Mahapatra presently involved in the research work, which is focusing on the enrichment of Odissi dance style.

Daksha Mashruwala---Through Daksha Mashruwala`s execution the inner meaning of Bhakti and Singara Rasaa gets a new shape.

Sonali Mishra---Sonali Mishra has been considered as the prominent Odissi dancer of younger generation.

Aruna Mohanty --- Aruna Mohanty, an accomplished Odissi dancer is a disciple of legendary guru Gangadhar Pradhan.

Leena Mohanty ---- A dynamic and empowered vision of Odissi dance has always been reflected through her performances.

Snigdha Mohanty --- Snigdha Mohanty has established the rich heritage of Odissi dance in a milieu of Taiwan culture.

Ratikant Mohapatra--- Ratikant Mohapatra, son of legendary Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, endlessly strives to carry forth his father`s tradition, which is to enrich the tradition.

Sujata Mohapatra---- Sujata Mohapatra has been regarded as the appropriated prototype of `beauty and poise`.

Sharmila Mukerjee---- Sharmila Mukherjee, an Odissi dancer who is working applying the Dance therapy with the deaf children.

Manasi Pandya --- Manasi Pandya at present serves as a member of "Purva performing group" as well as "Konark performing group".

Jhelum Paranjape ---- Jhelum Paranjape, an accomplished Odissi dancer who has attempted to recreate the traditional range of Odissi into a group format.

Lingaraj Pradhan --- Lingaraj Pradhan, an aspiring Odissi dancer is also serving as the faculty of "Rudrakshya".

Manoranjan Pradhan --- Manoranjan Pradhan has spent most of his significant time of career dancing and teaching.

Bani Ray--- Bani Ray has been enthralling audiences throughout the world through her graceful performances.

Arpita Roy--- Arpita Roy under the umbrella of Guru Mayadhar Raut has been trained in Odissi style of dance.

Chitra Shankar --- Chitra Shankar, an eminent Odissi dancer who is regarded as one of the rare performer of talent, quality and beauty.

Ketaki Shetge ---- Under the guidance of Jhelum Paranjape Ketaki Shetge has sharpened the Odissi repertoire.

Monica Sing --- Keeping in mind the traditional boundaries Monica Sing aims at expanding the creative outlook of this art form.