Arriving at Adi Shakti – A Journey Begins

Our journey to Adi Shakti began with a lively reunion at the airport. As each of us arrived, the waiting lounge buzzed with chatter and laughter. It was heartwarming to catch up, share stories, and soak in the collective excitement for what lay ahead. Bags were piled up, coffee cups exchanged hands, and amidst the chatter, the realization struck us—this was the beginning of something extraordinary.

Boarding the bus with our luggage was an adventure in itself. The atmosphere was a mix of apprehension and eagerness. None of us quite knew what awaited us in this dance residency in India, gifted to us as an incredible opportunity. The drive to Adi Shakti was filled with conversations, hushed whispers of expectations, and quiet moments of reflection.

When we finally arrived, the scene was both surreal and grounding. Dragging our heavy suitcases and bags through muddy pathways, we reached the hostel, the earthy scent of the place grounding us immediately in its rustic beauty. There was an unspoken understanding that we were stepping into something sacred, a space that would challenge and inspire us in equal measure.

Rooms were allocated quickly, and with barely enough time to unpack, we left our belongings and gathered for a quick meal. There was an air of nervous anticipation as we prepared for the first major moment of our residency—presenting the Mangalacharan to our teacher, the renowned Odissi maestro, Bijayani Satyapaty

Dressed and ready, we entered the studio with a mix of reverence and trepidation. This was no ordinary teacher—her mastery of Odissi was legendary. As we stood before her, every movement felt heavy with expectation, yet the moment we began, the magic of the Mangalacharan took over.

To our surprise, she was kind and encouraging. Her appreciation of our efforts was a balm to our nervous hearts. It was in her gentle yet discerning feedback that we felt the first sparks of what this journey could truly mean—not just as dancers, but as seekers of something deeper.

That was our introduction to the incomparable B Satyapaty on December 15, 2024. It set the tone for the days to come—a blend of discipline, creativity, and discovery. As we headed back to our rooms that night, exhausted yet exhilarated, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for this opportunity to dance, learn, and grow together in this sacred space.

And so, our Adi Shakti journey began.