Pratibha Jena

🪔 About

Pratibha Jena Singh is a distinguished Indian classical Odissi dancer, teacher, and choreographer, widely recognized as the eldest daughter and a leading exponent of the unique Odissi style developed by her father, the late Guru Surendra Nath Jena. She commenced her training at an early age under her father's guidance, deeply imbibing the qualities of his distinctive Odissi style, which integrated elements from temple sculpture, ancient dance forms, literature, yoga, and philosophy, focusing on spiritual ascendancy and self-realization rather than mere aesthetic appeal. Pratibha Jena Singh is an accomplished performer known for her expressive range and radiant stage personality. She has been actively involved in promoting and perpetuating her father's legacy, notably by continuing his classes at Triveni Kala Sangam in New Delhi. Following her father's demise in 2007, she founded and now heads the Nrityashilp Guru Surendra Nath Jena Odissi Dance Foundation, an institution dedicated to raising awareness about his philosophy and dance style. Her career includes conducting numerous dance education programs for prestigious organizations like Sangeet Natak Akademi and Spic Macay. She frequently travels internationally, particularly to Russia, where she has a dedicated following and conducts workshops, such as one at the Ural Russian Theater University. Pratibha Jena Singh was also involved in a film project documenting Guru Surendranath Jena's Odissi style, produced by the AHRC Research Centre for Cross-Cultural Music and Dance Performances, Roehampton University, from 2005 to 2006. She is empanelled by ICCR and Doordarshan Kendra. Awards & Honours: Shringhari Shyamsunder Award (1995), Scholarship for Indian Classical Dance under the Cultural Talent Search Scheme, Scholarship.