Kasturi Pattanaik’s compositions and choreographies in Odissi Dance are well acclaimed for their originality and creative diversity.[2] She has introduced new concepts, new ideas, new techniques, new co-ordination, new linkages and new themes in Odissi Dance repertory.[3]
Pattanaik is both an accomplished soloist and group performer. She is also one of the pioneers of Odissi dance drama, particularly blending the classical and folk traditions of Odisha and the great pan-Indian mythological stories. Being an proficient Odissi music composer, Pattanaik has integrated Odissi music in its original and undiluted format in her innovative and imaginative compositions and choreographies in Odissi dance.[4]
Kasturi Pattanaik started her Odissi dance learning, along with Kathak Dance from her childhood. After completing her graduation from the prestigious Shailabala Women's College, Cuttack, Odisha; she joined Odissi Research Centre (ORC),[5] Bhubaneswar in its first batch for her advanced intensive course in Odissi dance.
Pattanaik has the rare distinction of learning and performing under the foremost Odissi dance Gurus/maestros; including Late Raghunath Dutta, Late Padma Vibhushan Kelucharan Mohapatra, Padma Shri Kumkum Mohanty, Padma Shri Gangadhar Pradhan, Ramani Ranjan Jena and Dayanidhi Das.[6]
From an early age, she travelled across the country and world to perform and disseminate Odissi dance. She also conducted workshops in various countries; including in Hong Kong, USSR, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, North Korea and China.
Pattanaik has trained more than four hundred students across the country and abroad in Odissi dance; many of whom have established themselves either as acclaimed performers or as Gurus.
After her stint in Odissi Research Centre as the choreographer;[5] she moved to New Delhi and joined the India’s national nodal cultural organization-‘SANKALP’ as its Programme Director (Culture) and Creative Head. In SANKALP, she broadened her arena of activities to include education, research and policy strategies; besides her main activities related to promotion of Indian Art and Culture.
She has also served the Ministry of Culture, Government of India in its various expert committees.
Pattanaik has also performed leading roles in Odia Films and National Doordarshan Channel serials. Her Doordarshan serial on ‘Debadasi” is a classic masterpiece on Debadasi traditions.[1]
She was a member of Regional Committee of the Central Board of Film Certification. She has also anchored eight episodes of primary education programmes, produced by the State Institute of Technology (SIT), Bhubaneswar under the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India.
She has played a pioneering role in syllabus preparation for B.A & B.A. (Hons.) courses in Odissi Dance of Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya (IKSVV), Khairagarh, Chhattisgarh. She has also served as the Jury of the ‘Kalidas Samman’ and ‘Tulsi Samman’, prestigious arts awards, presented annually by the Government of Madhya Pradesh.
She has also received a number of awards and acclaims for her achievements in promoting the diversity of Indian culture expressions.
Pattanaik is still with SANKALP,[7] an NGO described as "very good" and "of particular interest" by the Government of India Committee, headed by J. S. Verma, former Chief Justice of India. As the programme director for culture, Pattanaik promotes cultural and natural heritage.[8]
Kasturi Pattanaik was the Program Coordinator of the Planning Commission, Government of India research project titled “Promotion of Diversity of India’s Cultural Expressions- An Impact Assessment Study of Central Sangeet Natak Academy (SNA)’.[17] It is a significant study on one of the premier autonomous cultural bodies of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
