Dance workshops being conducted at Blue Light Academy in Bhubaneswar. The studio will be formally inaugurated in July. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, June 26: It’s good news for classical dance connoisseurs in the capital.

A plush dance studio, Blue Light Academy, gifted by Odissi dancer-cum-choreographer Saswat Joshi, will soon be inaugurated in the city.

The academy, a first-of-its-kind dance studio in Odisha, has been named after much thought by the dancer.

“It is impossible to overlook the importance of Lord Krishna in Odissi dance. Most of our dance forms are inspired from the tales of Radha-Krishna or the valour of Lord Krishna. Besides, He is my favourite and that’s where the name Blue Light comes from,” said Saswat.

The dancer, along with his entrepreneur friend Janmejaya Mohanty, has looked into every fine detail of the set up of the studio. From the structural aesthetics to the courses offered in the academy, everything has been chosen with great care.

The three-storey spacious studio that will open its doors in July has the look of an ancient Gurukul with laterite stonework carved on its entrance gate.

A blue lily pond and a finely chiselled dola mandapa located in front of the doorway add up to the architectural beauty of the studio.

Saswat promises to recreate the charm of Odissi and the pizzazz of contemporary dance in a new flavour. Taking a break from the old school of dance, Saswat is eager to highlight his unique style through experimentations and permutations.

“I will be organising several workshops that will be attended by eminent dancers of Odissi and contemporary dance.

“In July we have arranged for a workshop with prominent Odissi dancer Sujata Mohapatra and in August we are inviting contemporary dancer Terence Lewis to teach our students a step or two. We will also have classes on martial arts,” he added.

The studio will also throw light on the art and history of Odisha. An archive and library displaying traditional Odissi costumes, pattachitras and even accessories and ornaments worn by noted Odissi dancer Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, form a segment of the studio.

“As a dancer, my main objective will always be the all-round development for my students. I want them to realise that dance is not just about moving your hands and feet but it also requires spiritual connections. For that we will conduct yoga classes and several grooming sessions for the students,” said Saswat.

A dance village around the studio is also on the cards.

“We are planning a residential campus dedicated to dance here,” added Saswat.