The Journey Here

I'm a dancer and a Yogini. Writing was never something I put much value into, and I seldom used it as a channel of creative expression. I've been traveling the world, living in many foreign countries, where I often didn't understand the local tongues. Naturally, as an adaptation, I convinced myself that I didn't need much of a 'real language' to communicate with, and I gradually placed more value on communicating through movement. However, after making my home in the US for many years, living with English on a daily basis, establishing a vast web of connections, immersing myself in life, community, and general busy-ness, I noticed a natural emergence of passion for language and writing. I discovered in me a new fascination with English, as well as other languages.

I came across the blogging idea as I joined the Online Odissi group, and a blog was automatically assigned to my member profile. I heard about the blogging phenomenon for awhile, but frankly, never had much interest in all this writing business. However, once I was gifted with my very own blog, I was intrigued to discover the possibilities with it, and my fancy blog page was blank, and needed me to adorn it with 'text'. So I felt compelled to get my shiny new blog page ready to present to the world. I hurried to write my very first blog. That was back in March of 2008 (My blog page keep track of these details:). And since, I lost the momentum. Or maybe never started it. Always so involved with my Yoga center, my dancing, my spiritual practice, my family... - life as we all know it. Blogging was at the bottom of my 'To Do' list.

Now, after we sold our Yoga center, moved out of our home in AZ, said goodbye to family and friends and traveled East, and then some more East - to Europe, Israel, and India, and then settled in Orissa, I feel ready to use this medium to share with you all who are interested.

I'm spending this winter in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa. It was once the ancient center of the Tantric Temple culture, and is now the vibrant center of Odissi Dance. 

 64 Yogini Temple

It's been over a month now that I'm here, and the process of setting into harmonious routine of dance, inner practice, and the joys and chores of daily life is taking its course. I'm so happy to have a long winter here, allowing me to really immerse myself in the Odissi culture and art, and drop deeper into the subtleties of this mysterious and magical dance.

I've been continuously deepening my understanding of Odissi, the core yogic alignment that lay in its foundation, and the energetic possibilities of expression that naturally unfold out of its spirally movement. I find tremendous wealth of knowledge bubbling out of my inner source as I continue to practice and dance. I receive precious inspiration from the ancient Temples around me, and valuable information from the community of dancers and researchers living and practicing here. Of course my teachers and dance community are a constant inspiration and support, and the audience who come to watch me when I perform are the most enthusiastic and appreciative crowed! I'm looking forward to this very special winter, rich and full with dance passion. And I look forward to sharing the little stories of my life here with you.

Namaste,

Revital