India, 9th June, 2026: Renowned Odissi exponent Dona Ganguly conducted a special Odissi Dance Workshop at Kellogg College, bringing the elegance and rich storytelling traditions of Indian classical dance to one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions.
Participants at the workshop were introduced to the fundamentals, aesthetics, and expressive nuances of Odissi – one of India’s oldest and most celebrated classical dance forms. Through an engaging and interactive session, students and members of the university community explored the dance form’s distinctive blend of movement, rhythm, sculpture-inspired postures, and storytelling, gaining a deeper appreciation of India’s rich cultural heritage.
The workshop was organized as part of ongoing efforts to promote cultural exchange and celebrate the diversity of global artistic traditions within the academic environment of the University of Oxford.
Speaking on the occasion, Dona Ganguly said, “From Cambridge last year to Oxford this year, the journey of sharing Odissi continues with immense gratitude. It was a privilege to conduct this workshop at Kellogg College, University of Oxford. For me, Odissi has always been more than a dance form – it is a living expression of India’s cultural memory, where rhythm becomes prayer, movement becomes language, and expression becomes connection. Bringing this art form to international spaces is always special because it allows people from different cultures to experience India not just through words, but through movement, music, and emotion. The enthusiasm shown by the participants was truly heartening, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue carrying this tradition beyond borders and sharing the richness of Indian classical dance with audiences across the world.”
On this Occasion, Eeshani Bendale, Former President, Kellogg College MCR, University of Oxford & Director of Engagement, The Oxford Union Society, said, “It was an honour to host Mrs. Dona Ganguly Ma’am at Kellogg College, University of Oxford, for a workshop on the Indian classical dance form of Odissi. Her wisdom, talent, and dedication to her craft are truly an inspiration to all of us students.”
The workshop highlighted the growing global interest in Indian classical arts and served as a meaningful platform for cultural dialogue, allowing participants to engage directly with India’s rich artistic heritage. Through initiatives such as these, Odissi continues to transcend geographical boundaries, fostering appreciation and understanding of Indian culture among international audiences.
