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 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
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
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
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
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...
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
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
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
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
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
Sydney Morning Herald
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
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
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
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
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...
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
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
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
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
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
