Jyoti Unni

Jyoti Unni`s journey into the world of Classical Odissi Dance began at the age of ten under the guidance of Guru Rabindra Kumar Swain in Orissa. Since her ` Manchapravesh` (debut in stage performance) in 1987, she has performed at several prestigious functions and events apart from giving lecture –demonstrations in India & Singapore. An exponent of Guru Deba Prasad Das style of Odissi, Jyoti is continuing under the able tutelage of renowned artiste of this style Smt. Sangeeta Dash.

Jyoti holds the `Sangeet Prabhakar` degree in Classical Odissi Dance from Prayag Sangit Samiti ,Allahabad, with distinction. In her formal education she is a Masters in Agricultural marketing Management.

With her striking stage presence, precise dance techniques & abhinaya (facial expressions),Jyoti has won popular praise among audience in India & Singapore.

Major Performances:

In Singapore:(2003 – 2007)

• Lecture demonstration on Odissi for the Rotary club of Singapore-2007

• Festival of Indian Classical Music & Dance organized by the Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society-2005.

• Inauguration of `Chalo Dilli` exhibition on Indian National Army ,organized by National Archives of Singapore.

• `Mahakumbabishegam` consecration ceremony at Ruthra Kaliamman Temple.

• National day Celebrations.

• `Discovery Open House` on Indian culture sponsored by Discovery channel.

• Presented a lecture demonstration -`Journey into the world of classical Odissi dance` for the National library board.

• `Diwali` celebrations of parents association at International school.

In India

• `Parampara` series at the Soorya Festival , Trivandrum November 2006.

• `Swathi Sangeetholsavam-2002`organized by Swaralaya, Palakkad.

• Lecture demonstration on Indian Dance for Chinese Delegation ,Palakkad.

• South Asian Friendship Youth Camp, Puri

• All India Inter-University Lecture demonstration on dance at Utkal University, Bhubaneswar.

• Odissi Nrutya Mahotsav, Bhubaneswar.

• Performed at several All India Workshops, college & Hostel functions at the Agricultural University in Bhubaneswar.

• Silver Jubilee celebrations at Regional Engineering College, Rourkela.

• `Sageet Utsav` 1989 & 1991 organized by Steel Authority of India Ltd,Rourkela. Won the first prize in Junior Category in 1989.

• Played lead roles in dance productions like `Krishnavtaar`, `Urvashi`, `Ramayana`,`Dashavtaar` under the aegis of `Kutapo-Centre of Classical Odissi dance.
  

• Jyoti has performed over television and judged dance competitions.

Jyoti Unni is presently teaching Odissi at the Global Indian Cultural Centre in Singapore. Her recent choreographies in Singapore include choreographing Odissi for Global Harmony -2007 , organized by Global Indian International foundation ;the musical ‘Ramayana’ at an International School in Singapore (2006) and a dance production to raise funds in aid of Tsunami Victims of Asia (2005). In 2003 she was the dance director of a production titled `Once upon a time in Ayodhya` involving 65 children for the Diwali function of Indian Women`s association, Singapore.


Jyoti Unni can be reached at jyoti_unni@rediffmail.com