Odissi dance
A rigorous classical practice shaped by lineage, sculpture, rhythm, expressive storytelling, and years of patient refinement.
Indian classical dance, voice, and instrumental music
Authentic Indian classical dance and music with master teacher Nirmal Jena.
In Sydney and the Blue Mountains, Nirmal offers inspiring, transformative teaching for students of all levels — whether you wish to perform, deepen your artistic practice, or support your health and wellbeing.
A living tradition, taught with rigour, generosity, and devotion.
Nirmal teaches the Jena style of Odissi — his father's distinct family lineage — at studios in eastern Sydney and the Blue Mountains, and to the actors at the National Institute of Dramatic Art. Students arrive as beginners, as serious performers, and as people seeking the practice itself.
The practice
Three forms. One classical practice.
Vocal music
Voice training for students who want to deepen musicality, breath, listening, and the relationship between sound and devotion.
Instrumental music
Classical foundations taught with attention to tradition, discipline, and the living connection between music and movement.
Lineage
The Jena style of Odissi, in his father's lineage.
Nirmal is the son of Guru Surendra Nath Jena. The Jena style is recognised for the depth of its basic positions, the undulating shape of its movement, and a solo-performance focus that explores the raudra and bibatsa sentiments where many Odissi traditions do not. Four scholarly sources document the style; Nirmal's own translations of his father's writing carry it forward.
“Nirmal Jena's performance of Odissi dance was one of those rare delights when a solo performer gives so generously. This was painting, sculpture -- a whole culture -- coming to life.”
Classes and pathways
For students who arrive with curiosity, ambition, or a need to return to the body.
Music and dance performance trainingTeacher trainingOdissi dance as daily practiceMusic for meditation and kirtansDance for Humanity free training
Begin as a new student with careful foundations.
Deepen an existing artistic practice.
Prepare for performance with seriousness and care.
Support health, wellbeing, rhythm, memory, and embodied confidence.
Arts & Life Education Gurukul Ltd
Dance for Humanity. Free training, taught seriously.
Founded by Nirmal Jena and Chitrita Mukerjee, the Arts & Life Education Gurukul is an Australian registered charity with DGR status. Its program supports young people experiencing financial hardship through Odissi dance, music, and life skills — over years, not weeks.
Creativity, diversity, humanity, and sustainability are the values Nirmal and Chitrita work toward, in the school and through ALEG.
Sydney and the Blue Mountains
Reach out about classes, training, performance, or ALEG.
Tell us a little about what brings you here. Nirmal and Chitrita will reply personally.
We acknowledge the Bidjigal, Gadigal, Dharug and Gundungurra peoples of the First Nations as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we teach, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.