Nirmal Jena’s performance of Odissi dance was one of those rare delights when a solo performer gives so generously and vividly of his talents that it’s often hard to remember that there is only one person out there. .....This was painting, sculpture - a whole culture - coming to life. Sydney Morning Herald
I have never seen any other Indian artist able to capture the essence of Shiva’s dance so vividly. One can only say here that the vision of Shiva dancing became a hauntingly surreal timeless experience with this piece. A lesser artist would not have been able to carry it off. Nirmal became a vehicle for Shiva’s destruction. ...The intense energy he generated within himself propelled the audience into a dimension of great power, awe and wonderment. Kinesis, Ausdance, Vic
I have been honoured to have engaged Guru Nirmal Jena in the training of the actors at NIDA this year. I will continue to weave his masterful teaching into the fabric of our training here, as there are so many gifts and principles of movement for the contemporary actor. The transformational nature of the performer is deeply investigated along with detailed study of archetypal forms and theatrical rhythms creating a wonderful foundation for the modern performer....Gavin Robins, National Institute of Dramatic Art, Sydney Australia
Surendra Nath Jena [Nirmal’s father and teacher] is a genius to have evolved this style. He has planted in good soil and the tree grows healthy and strong - so whatever ‘use’ it may be put in the future, it will never lose its spiritual and traditional roots. Workshop participant, University of New South Wales
Nirmal Jena has brought valuable talent and expertise to this State.......Former NSW Minister for the Arts
Nirmal Jena, an artist of exceptional individual quality...[his father’s] all-round versatility has obviously been passed on to the next generation, giving an intensely theatrical flavour to Nirmal Jena’s performances...Sydney Morning Herald
..the dramatic power and vivid imagery of the dance inundated the intimate venue…The Melburnian
Sydney people are obviously hungry for Indian classical dance and music, judging by the overflowing audience on opening night and the extra performance announced beforehand.........Nirmal Jena, an exceptional performer whose body just seems to fall into the shapes and gestures required of it - at the same time, exuding inferences of meaning, character and symbolism......Sydney Morning Herald
Nirmal Jena’s commitment to the Jena style of Odissi dance and Orissan music offers Australian audiences and performers the opportunity to experience this distinctive dance tradition that enlightens with its ...spiritual significance......General Manager, Belvoir Street Theatre
The incorporation of dance into life and life into dance, theatrical dimension to dance, family and community emphasis rather than an isolated artform are aspects of Indian dance which should be welcomed to performing arts [in Australia] which is presently caught in an image of an elitist area as being removed from the people rather than for the people…Student, University of Western Sydney
[Odissi dance] appeals to a wide cross section of people. Most people who enjoy dance would see its beauty and spirit…..Ausdance NSW Member
Very natural and appealing. The style has a serenity about it when performed by Nirmal and demonstrated by Chitrita…..Ausdance Vic Member
Odissi dance] can offer a different style of dance rather than the traditional ballet and modern dance. It is pure in its form. It is emotional….Student UWS
[Odissi dance] would give Australians a better understanding of the values of the danceform and it would also give them a greater insight into their own expression of movement. I feel that it would be of great value to any dancer…Student UWS
Odissi dance definitely has a place here. It can offer Australians a broader understanding..UNSW Student
To Australians it would offer an education and understanding of a unique dance style...........I think Odissi dance can offer something to every culture - the expression, feeling and purity of the dance….UNSW Student
One thing I have experienced with western dance forms is the lack of spirituality. Odissi obviously has a huge link with the spirituality of dance. This to me adds so much more to the expression of the dancer and the dance…..Student, USyd
Very good workshop, very nice people - helpful, interesting and modest, lots of charisma - come back, it's great…Student, USyd
[Odissi dance] can offer us great diversity in dance; a great sense of concentration is required for this dance. It is wonderful for Westerners because it makes us change our consciousness to movement.........UWS Student
I hope we will be fortunate enough to have more of the Jena family's dance with us. It is so exciting for me to see the kind of culture happening in Australia. Aboriginal and Islanders' people sharing their dance with our Indian neighbours, bridging the gaps and sharing our culture creates great harmony, more, more, more………Principal Teacher, National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association
Excellent presentation, appropriate to visual arts students in expansion of means of expression and body awareness and in its linking to sculptural forms…..Lecturer, Sydney College of the Arts
Very difficult and straining. I think one would have to be very committed to become very good….Student, Sydney College of the Arts
I think Odissi dance has as much place in the performing arts as any other classical danceform. It can offer discipline, self-fulfilment as well as great insight into............how the dance is interrelated to many aspects of life and art…..Visual Arts Students, Sydney College of the Arts
I found Nirmal Jena's explanation of his dancing illuminating. He is a very clear presenter of the ideas behind the dance as well as a fine dancer…Student, Sydney College of the Arts
Odissi dance has a place as one of the main danceforms of our region. This must be a source from which Australian artists can draw inspiration. I would support any attempts to arrange future visits….. Senior Lecturer, Department of Music, University of Sydney
Wonderful! What a pity 0.00001% of the population [in Australia] gets to see it….. Music Student, University of Sydney
It is possible to gain a broader knowledge of different cultures through dance. Odissi would supply culture, spirituality and discipline. Come back! There should be more access to [Odissi] dance tuition in Australia………Student, USyd
It is a lot harder than it looks. I really appreciated the hard work…….Dance Student, UNSW
[Odissi dance] can be incorporated in schools to teach children of the history and that every movement has a meaning. It's nothing like I've ever seen before….Dance Student, UNSW
This artform is a must to be taught, it is a totally new artform in dance altogether, it has no similarity to anything I have seen, it should be learnt..........I am sure that there would be many Australians who would find it a privilege to study this artform…..Dance Student, UNSW
I'd like to learn more. I enjoyed it. Watching the dance form was entrancing…..Student, Victorian College of the Arts
Being based on natural movement, children would adapt quickly. It would be ideal for the full-time student [of dance] - especially for its mime and "dynamics" content. In ballet and Western contemporary dance it is taught separately until such time technique, dynamics and mime come together as a whole. In this style of Odissi, these facets are taught together from the beginning (or so it seems to me) plus learning different ways of moving the body….. Student, Victorian College of the Arts
Nirmal Jena is a complete artist - interpreting a form of dance narrative which could comment on any situation in the world today...............Teacher, Victorian College of the Arts
Having had a number of years involvement with yoga, and a particular personal interest in nada yoga, I was very interested to have the opportunity to attend Nirmal's workshop. The things that impressed me most were, firstly, Nirmal's thorough preparation of the material presented, and the clarity with which he conveyed information. In our group there was a range of experience amongst the participants, and all were able to follow and learn and benefit. Secondly, Nirmal presented information and practices in a way that allowed time for each participant to absorb, we felt supported and there was no rush. Thirdly, I remain deeply impressed by Nirmal's sincerity and dedication to the propagation of the essence of nada yoga, maintaining the highest respect for the science. Nada Yoga Workshop Participant
I felt, very much, that during the workshop it was about Nirmal finding out and observing what we knew, understood and/or where we were at and at the same time it let us know where he was also coming from. A sort of breaking ground. Just in this short time I felt more connection with breath, prana and sound than ever before and this has continued into sadhana. I know it is just the minutest tip of the iceberg but it has opened/expanded the view once more. Nada Yoga Workshop Participant
In the time we had it is difficult to cover such a vast subject. What I did find was I felt a very deep and profound effect of what it is. I thoroughly enjoyed, I came away having a deeper connection with myself and felt so internally nurtured. This did lead on to allow me to view the areas of my life which are not in alignment. Thank you so much. Nada Yoga Workshop Participant
I just wanted to pass on my sincere thanks to Nirmal and Pratibha for the amazing Intensely Soul Indian Dance and Music performance last night. It truly was transformational at a deep spiritual level, and I feel privileged to have been part of the audience. The music and dance both transported us to a meditative state which was very healing, and at the same time, the artistic performance was quite breathtaking and superb. Thank you for the beautiful experience you gave us all last night, and the message, to remember to go slower, deeper, and wiser. I look forward to the future….Audience Member, Intensely Soul Performance Sydney
A memorable piece was Nirmal’s “Archana”, a deluge of dance, singing and literal interpretation. According to Nirmal, this is a form of “dynamic meditation,” and its effects were evident in the hypnotic performance.....Indian Link Melbourne
They also say their Odissi style of dancing is ''a way of life, where age and life experience create fertile grounds for a richer arts practice''. This, they say, is different from much of contemporary Western dance, which has an association with the body beautiful - ''young, well-sculpted bodies'', as they put it. In contrast, their father's work invites audiences to go on a transformational journey, ''a journey into the universe within'', they say….Canberra Times
Nirmal Jena and Pratibha Jena Singh suggest the dance their father pioneered is capable of making audiences experience a transformation. The Jenas' approach to dance and music is not designed for the physical senses alone, but for the soul. It gives priority to an inner energy they call the ''power of the soul, as the essence of wisdom, emotional and spiritual resilience''. Sydney Morning Herald
I have never seen any other Indian artist able to capture the essence of Shiva’s dance so vividly. One can only say here that the vision of Shiva dancing became a hauntingly surreal timeless experience with this piece. A lesser artist would not have been able to carry it off. Nirmal became a vehicle for Shiva’s destruction. ...The intense energy he generated within himself propelled the audience into a dimension of great power, awe and wonderment. Kinesis, Ausdance, Vic
I have been honoured to have engaged Guru Nirmal Jena in the training of the actors at NIDA this year. I will continue to weave his masterful teaching into the fabric of our training here, as there are so many gifts and principles of movement for the contemporary actor. The transformational nature of the performer is deeply investigated along with detailed study of archetypal forms and theatrical rhythms creating a wonderful foundation for the modern performer....Gavin Robins, National Institute of Dramatic Art, Sydney Australia
Surendra Nath Jena [Nirmal’s father and teacher] is a genius to have evolved this style. He has planted in good soil and the tree grows healthy and strong - so whatever ‘use’ it may be put in the future, it will never lose its spiritual and traditional roots. Workshop participant, University of New South Wales
Nirmal Jena has brought valuable talent and expertise to this State.......Former NSW Minister for the Arts
Nirmal Jena, an artist of exceptional individual quality...[his father’s] all-round versatility has obviously been passed on to the next generation, giving an intensely theatrical flavour to Nirmal Jena’s performances...Sydney Morning Herald
..the dramatic power and vivid imagery of the dance inundated the intimate venue…The Melburnian
Sydney people are obviously hungry for Indian classical dance and music, judging by the overflowing audience on opening night and the extra performance announced beforehand.........Nirmal Jena, an exceptional performer whose body just seems to fall into the shapes and gestures required of it - at the same time, exuding inferences of meaning, character and symbolism......Sydney Morning Herald
Nirmal Jena’s commitment to the Jena style of Odissi dance and Orissan music offers Australian audiences and performers the opportunity to experience this distinctive dance tradition that enlightens with its ...spiritual significance......General Manager, Belvoir Street Theatre
The incorporation of dance into life and life into dance, theatrical dimension to dance, family and community emphasis rather than an isolated artform are aspects of Indian dance which should be welcomed to performing arts [in Australia] which is presently caught in an image of an elitist area as being removed from the people rather than for the people…Student, University of Western Sydney
[Odissi dance] appeals to a wide cross section of people. Most people who enjoy dance would see its beauty and spirit…..Ausdance NSW Member
Very natural and appealing. The style has a serenity about it when performed by Nirmal and demonstrated by Chitrita…..Ausdance Vic Member
Odissi dance] can offer a different style of dance rather than the traditional ballet and modern dance. It is pure in its form. It is emotional….Student UWS
[Odissi dance] would give Australians a better understanding of the values of the danceform and it would also give them a greater insight into their own expression of movement. I feel that it would be of great value to any dancer…Student UWS
Odissi dance definitely has a place here. It can offer Australians a broader understanding..UNSW Student
To Australians it would offer an education and understanding of a unique dance style...........I think Odissi dance can offer something to every culture - the expression, feeling and purity of the dance….UNSW Student
One thing I have experienced with western dance forms is the lack of spirituality. Odissi obviously has a huge link with the spirituality of dance. This to me adds so much more to the expression of the dancer and the dance…..Student, USyd
Very good workshop, very nice people - helpful, interesting and modest, lots of charisma - come back, it's great…Student, USyd
[Odissi dance] can offer us great diversity in dance; a great sense of concentration is required for this dance. It is wonderful for Westerners because it makes us change our consciousness to movement.........UWS Student
I hope we will be fortunate enough to have more of the Jena family's dance with us. It is so exciting for me to see the kind of culture happening in Australia. Aboriginal and Islanders' people sharing their dance with our Indian neighbours, bridging the gaps and sharing our culture creates great harmony, more, more, more………Principal Teacher, National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association
Excellent presentation, appropriate to visual arts students in expansion of means of expression and body awareness and in its linking to sculptural forms…..Lecturer, Sydney College of the Arts
Very difficult and straining. I think one would have to be very committed to become very good….Student, Sydney College of the Arts
I think Odissi dance has as much place in the performing arts as any other classical danceform. It can offer discipline, self-fulfilment as well as great insight into............how the dance is interrelated to many aspects of life and art…..Visual Arts Students, Sydney College of the Arts
I found Nirmal Jena's explanation of his dancing illuminating. He is a very clear presenter of the ideas behind the dance as well as a fine dancer…Student, Sydney College of the Arts
Odissi dance has a place as one of the main danceforms of our region. This must be a source from which Australian artists can draw inspiration. I would support any attempts to arrange future visits….. Senior Lecturer, Department of Music, University of Sydney
Wonderful! What a pity 0.00001% of the population [in Australia] gets to see it….. Music Student, University of Sydney
It is possible to gain a broader knowledge of different cultures through dance. Odissi would supply culture, spirituality and discipline. Come back! There should be more access to [Odissi] dance tuition in Australia………Student, USyd
It is a lot harder than it looks. I really appreciated the hard work…….Dance Student, UNSW
[Odissi dance] can be incorporated in schools to teach children of the history and that every movement has a meaning. It's nothing like I've ever seen before….Dance Student, UNSW
This artform is a must to be taught, it is a totally new artform in dance altogether, it has no similarity to anything I have seen, it should be learnt..........I am sure that there would be many Australians who would find it a privilege to study this artform…..Dance Student, UNSW
I'd like to learn more. I enjoyed it. Watching the dance form was entrancing…..Student, Victorian College of the Arts
Being based on natural movement, children would adapt quickly. It would be ideal for the full-time student [of dance] - especially for its mime and "dynamics" content. In ballet and Western contemporary dance it is taught separately until such time technique, dynamics and mime come together as a whole. In this style of Odissi, these facets are taught together from the beginning (or so it seems to me) plus learning different ways of moving the body….. Student, Victorian College of the Arts
Nirmal Jena is a complete artist - interpreting a form of dance narrative which could comment on any situation in the world today...............Teacher, Victorian College of the Arts
Having had a number of years involvement with yoga, and a particular personal interest in nada yoga, I was very interested to have the opportunity to attend Nirmal's workshop. The things that impressed me most were, firstly, Nirmal's thorough preparation of the material presented, and the clarity with which he conveyed information. In our group there was a range of experience amongst the participants, and all were able to follow and learn and benefit. Secondly, Nirmal presented information and practices in a way that allowed time for each participant to absorb, we felt supported and there was no rush. Thirdly, I remain deeply impressed by Nirmal's sincerity and dedication to the propagation of the essence of nada yoga, maintaining the highest respect for the science. Nada Yoga Workshop Participant
I felt, very much, that during the workshop it was about Nirmal finding out and observing what we knew, understood and/or where we were at and at the same time it let us know where he was also coming from. A sort of breaking ground. Just in this short time I felt more connection with breath, prana and sound than ever before and this has continued into sadhana. I know it is just the minutest tip of the iceberg but it has opened/expanded the view once more. Nada Yoga Workshop Participant
In the time we had it is difficult to cover such a vast subject. What I did find was I felt a very deep and profound effect of what it is. I thoroughly enjoyed, I came away having a deeper connection with myself and felt so internally nurtured. This did lead on to allow me to view the areas of my life which are not in alignment. Thank you so much. Nada Yoga Workshop Participant
I just wanted to pass on my sincere thanks to Nirmal and Pratibha for the amazing Intensely Soul Indian Dance and Music performance last night. It truly was transformational at a deep spiritual level, and I feel privileged to have been part of the audience. The music and dance both transported us to a meditative state which was very healing, and at the same time, the artistic performance was quite breathtaking and superb. Thank you for the beautiful experience you gave us all last night, and the message, to remember to go slower, deeper, and wiser. I look forward to the future….Audience Member, Intensely Soul Performance Sydney
A memorable piece was Nirmal’s “Archana”, a deluge of dance, singing and literal interpretation. According to Nirmal, this is a form of “dynamic meditation,” and its effects were evident in the hypnotic performance.....Indian Link Melbourne
They also say their Odissi style of dancing is ''a way of life, where age and life experience create fertile grounds for a richer arts practice''. This, they say, is different from much of contemporary Western dance, which has an association with the body beautiful - ''young, well-sculpted bodies'', as they put it. In contrast, their father's work invites audiences to go on a transformational journey, ''a journey into the universe within'', they say….Canberra Times
Nirmal Jena and Pratibha Jena Singh suggest the dance their father pioneered is capable of making audiences experience a transformation. The Jenas' approach to dance and music is not designed for the physical senses alone, but for the soul. It gives priority to an inner energy they call the ''power of the soul, as the essence of wisdom, emotional and spiritual resilience''. Sydney Morning Herald