Bhubaneswar, Dec. 26: At 19, Ellora Mohanty is quite aware of her cultural roots.

The US-based dancer has been practising Odissi since she was seven and has played a role in propagating the dance form abroad.

The dancer captivated the audience on the inaugural day of the 8th edition of the International Odissi Dance Festival today being held at Rabindra Mandap. Her solo performance based on the love of Lord Krishna and Radha was appreciated.

She says the transition from western to classical dance has been fulfilling.

"Initially, I went classes for ballet, tap, and jazz but had to stop those lessons. Later, I attended an Odissi session and was excited to see so many students, including foreigners, taking classes. It made me not only want to keep learning but also make Odissi more than just an extracurricular activity," said Ellora.

Her latest performance as Kunti in dance drama Panch Kanya at the Manhattan Movement and Arts Center, New York City, New York, was well appreciated. She has also been trained in Hindustani classical music.

She took her initial lessons from Bani Ray and was later under the tutelage of guru Durga Charan Ranbir, who visited New Jersey every summer to teach Odissi.

"He helped me polish my techniques, expressions and footwork," she says. Learning Odissi. She adds, helped her find a connection to Odisha and her culture.

How popular is the dance form in US? "Odissi is not as popular as other Indian classical dance forms in the US. People have heard of kathak or Bharatnatyam. My friends and I are trying to spread awareness about Odissi by performing at different places," she says.

They also use Odissi for social causes. "In 2014, I helped raise money for a social organisation called Gram Vikas. This also provides a platform to popularise the dance form," she says.

The dancer is excited to perform at her native place.

"I am very honoured and excited to be here. After taking lessons for so many years in America, it is almost surreal to perform in India. I am glad that my family members who live in Odisha could finally watch my performance."

A second-year student at the University of Pittsburgh, she says that she would definitely love to hold on to the dance form for life.

"I am studying neuroscience. So whether I can pursue a fulltime career in Odissi or not is unsure of. But, it will definitely be a big part of my life."

The five-day festival being hosted by GKCM Odissi Research Centre will witness young and veteran Odissi artistes from across the world and country staging Odissi recitals.