Since 1975, Ratikant Mohapatra has been surrounded by Odissi dance and music almost every minute of his day. A 40-year association with the field of Odissi and the years of training and experience with his father and guru, late Sri Kelucharan Mohapatra have left their imprint on Ratikant and today, he has carved an enviable niche for himself as a dancer, percussionist, teacher, choreographer, and archivist. As the Director of Srjan (Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Nrityabasa), he has single–handedly created a world-class dance institute, attracting students from all over the globe for a comprehensive and dedicated learning methodology of Odissi dance.
Ratikant’s dedication to the art form has been acknowledged with the ‘Smt. Sanjukta Panigrahi Samman’ in 2005 by the SanjuktaPanigrahi Trust, the ‘Nrutya Choodamani’ in 2014 by Krishnagana Sabha, the ‘BhumiputraSamman’ in 2016 by Bharat Sevashram Sangha and the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2016, among others. He is also attributed to creating a Guinness World Record for choreographing and directing 555dancers in an Odissi dance composition, the very first of its kind.
In his role as a choreographer, Ratikant has conceived more than 67 original works, characterized by ‘neo-classical’ choreographic innovations,attractive musical arrangements, experimental lighting, and stagecraft, all within the boundaries of the Odissi idiom. Ratikant’s versatility and creative energy have found expression in celluloid as well, most recently in the choreography of Odissi dance sequences for the Indo–Chinese film “The Desire.”
Extensive travelling and quality time spent teaching and performing within India andabroad have given him insights into how different audiences absorb the nuances of Odissi dance on the world stage. In all spheres of activity related to dance and music, Ratikant’s enthusiasm and rigor for producing high quality work have propelled him into the highest echelons of the cultural hierarchy. His uncompromising attention to detail, demand for perfection, and high levels of professionalism have established him as a leading force in the art form today as heably and effortlessly carries forward the timeless legacy of his father and Guru.
