Odissi, one of India's classical dance forms, is rooted in Odisha and holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. It is now transforming, evolving societal values, technological integration, and shifting audience expectations. This study examines how contemporary Odissi practitioners perceive, experience, and navigate these changes through qualitative research with 25 Odissi dancers, sampled from dance academies in Bangalore, India. Data were processed and analysed Atlas.ti . Respondents cited various motivations for learning Odissi, and most reported improvements in mental and physical well-being, discipline, and self-expression. Challenges highlighted included limited digital content, lack of institutional support, language barriers, and the need to adapt performances to contemporary attention spans. Respondents appreciated constructive feedback but valued personal satisfaction more. Some favored preserving Odissi in its original form, while others supported innovation to keep it relevant. This study shows that Odissi dancers value tradition while acknowledging the need for innovation to stay relevant. Balancing preservation and change is crucial for sustaining its growth in today's cultural and global contexts. Odissi remains vibrant, but its legacy depends on modernisation without losing essence. Curriculum integration, funding, digital archiving, and inclusive performances are key strategies. Dancers' voices highlight commitment to both preservation and evolution, ensuring a resilient future.
Mishra et al. (Mon,) studied this question.