The Odissi Profiles: Reela Hota

A dedicated Odissi dancer, Reela Hota started her training in Indian classical dance at the age of eight, from Guru Gangadhar Pradhan,who remarked 'her dance as revealed in her body movement, footwork and abhinaya,will make her a dancer of repute'.

She then received training in Odissi dance under Srimati Madhavi Mudgal,who applauded Reela for her "remarkable presence on stage" In 1994, she presented her debut recital under the aegis of Sahitya Kala Parishad. Celebrated critics remarked: "Reela has the assurance coming out of excellent dance technique" "Reela's movements have a sensuous grace …one must commend the dancer for her rhythmic grasp"- Leela Venkataraman, The Hindu, National Daily. "….with her flawless Nritta,precisely profiled tribhang and Chauka,she was a delight to watch " "Reela showed her class in finely etched bramharis, precise hastas and sensitive mukhabhinaya"- Shanta Sarabjeet Singh, Dance Critic.

She went on to train under the guidance of the late Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, who instilled in her the desire for perfection. She has ,since then, performed in festivals namely Yuva Mahotsava, Lucknow Mahotsava, DIU Festival, Sangeet Nrityotsav, Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award Festival, Ganga Mahotsav, Taj Mahotsava, World Philosophy Congress, Baishakhi Festival, NavSamvatsar, Lakshman Mela, H.C.L concert series;

danced in various conferences for Indian Postal Department, Department of Finance, Ministry of Petroleum, World Philosophy Congress, Health Ministry, Netaji Centenary Celebrations Orissa Day, Tourism Day; received critical acclaim in Bharat Bhawan, India International Centre, Goa Kala Kendra; toured Europe, Bangladesh, Oman and worked as the lead actor in a tele-film on Odissi Dance. In 2006, Reela toured Oman, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, and has performed at the prestigious 'Harare International Arts Festival”
Reela regards her dance as a spiritual practice -a means towards inner purification