GOTIPUA DANCE (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Art and Culture)

Context: Gotipua child artistes, who experience the world as their stage and applause as a constant companion, face an uncertain future when they hit puberty, leaving them without skills required for a job.

Gotipua Dance

• About: It is performed in Orissa by young boys dressed as females to honor Lord Jagannath and Lord Krishna.
• Meaning: Gotipua, which translates to ‘one boy,’ has children trained in singing, dancing, yoga, and acrobatics within gurukuls or akhadas .
• Dance Form: The dance features acrobatic figures inspired by Radha and Krishna, with boys starting to learn at a young age and continuing until adolescence.
• Costume and Make-Up: 

o Boys do not cut their hair but style it in elaborate knots with flower garlands.

o They wear traditional attire, which has evolved over time but still includes elements like the "Kanchula" blouse and "nibibandha" frill.

• Ancient Tradition: Female dancers called “Devadasi” or “Mahari” served Lord Jagannath in ancient Orissa, as depicted in temple sculptures.
• Evolution of Gotipua: It emerged in the 16th century, replacing the Mahari tradition, during the reign of King Rama Chandra Dev.

• Connection to Odissi: Gotipua is a precursor to Odissi dance, influencing its current form. Many prominent Odissi Gurus were Gotipua dancers.
• Odissi Style: Odissi dance incorporates tandava (vigorous) and lasya (graceful) elements, with key postures like "Tribhangi" and "Chouka."

o The dance’s fluid upper torso movement is compared to the gentle waves of Orissa's beaches.