Outreach
At the Dance and Community Research Institute (dNc), outreach means building bridges between scholarship, artistry, and community. We recognize that South Asian dance traditions live and thrive not only in their regions of origin but also in the hands of diaspora artists who carry them forward in new cultural landscapes. These artists often face unique challenges—navigating multiple identities, sustaining traditional practices in new contexts, and finding pathways for professional growth.
Through our outreach initiatives, dNc partners with South Asian dance artists in the diaspora to strengthen their creative and professional infrastructure. Our programs support:
By centering outreach, dNc ensures that artists have the tools, resources, and networks they need not only to preserve their traditions but also to innovate and reimagine South Asian dance for future generations.
Our outreach work reflects our belief that the health of the field depends on the health of its artists. By supporting diaspora dancers at every stage of their journey, we are investing in a more sustainable, visible, and interconnected future for South Asian dance worldwide.
Grant Partners
Rohini Dandavate
Dr. Rohini Dandavate holds a doctoral degree in Cultural Policy and Arts Administration from The Ohio State University. She received training in Odissi dance in Kala Vikash Kendra, Cuttack from Padmavibhusan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, Guru Raghunath Dutta and Guru Ramani Ranjan Jena.
Maya Kulkarni
Maya Kulkarni learned her art from a remarkable lineage of Gurus. Starting under Shri. Parvati Kumar a stern but highly regarded Guru in Mumbai at the age of 7, when she was 19, she was recognized and designated 'State Artist' and sent off by the Government of Maharashtra to give performances and spread awareness of classical art forms throughout the state.
Aruna Mohanty
Guru Dr. Aruna Mohanty is one of the finest dancers and choreographers in the field of Odissi. She has been a student and Secretary of Orissa Dance Academy, a premiere Cultural institution in Bhubaneswar. Her unique skill and versatility make her the recipient of many awards and accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from Outlook Magazine, State Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Honorary D. Litt from Rama Devi Women’s University and the 4th highest civilian award PADMASHREE.
Sujata Mohapatra
Srimati Sujata Mohapatra is an Odissi dancer and devotee of Lord Jagannatha. She is a senior disciple of the legendary Odissi Guru KeluCharan Mohapatra. Sujata Mohapatra has dedicated her life to upholding the rich culture and devotional mood that her guru embodied through his classicalization of the distinct Odissi dance form. Under the expert guidance of Kelucharan Mohapatra also known to his disciples as “Guruji”, Sujata Mohapatra has become one of the foremost Odissi dancers of her generation.