The department of Odissi dance at YICG (Young Indian Culture Group, Inc.) in NYC is headed by Mala Desai. Ms.Desai is a professional Odissi dancer who has performed in India and the USA for over 25 years. She is also well-versed in Kathak, Bharatanatyam and takes a keen interest in teaching, directing and performing Indian folk dances.

Classes are offered for students belonging to all age groups. Mala Desai focuses on educating students about Odissi, the classical art form and hopes to promote, perpetuate, and develop in them an understanding of and appreciation for dance, a universal language. As a senior disciple of Padmashri Guru Mayadhar Raut, Ms. Mala Desai adheres strictly to the tradition of Guru-Shishya Parampara. She teaches students the importance of maintaining proper Odissi technique incorporating dance and movement exercises based on yoga. As an Odissi dance teacher, Ms. Desai makes students strive for perfection in this stylized dance form of India.

About Mala Desai

Mala Desai started learning Odissi from the age of four and went on to attain a Diploma in Odissi Dance from Guru Mayadhar Raut School of Odissi Dance. She has received certificates for classical dance from the Indira Kala Sangit Viswavidyalaya, Khairagarh University in India.

Since 1995, Ms. Desai has been conducting Odissi classes, workshops, and lecture demonstrations. She creatively choreographs classical and semi-classical dance styles.

Some of her performances, presentations and productions are:

• Deeksha 2008 and Nritya Parichaya in October 2009 (India International Center, New Delhi)
• Abhisarika Nayika for ‘Mangala’ in November 2009 (Nassau County, New York)
• Yaatra, International Festival in July 2010 (Stein Auditorium, New Delhi)
• Gurutattva – a new series that explores the classicism of Indian dance

Contact YICG for More Information

For more details regarding her class schedule, call 1-516-739-1575 or send an email to yicgroup99@gmail.com