Ileana Citaristi: A Journey of Passion, Dance, and Cultural Transformation
The Calling of a Dancer
In a small town in Italy, a young woman named Ileana Citaristi stood at a crossroads. Trained in theatre, she sought something deeper—something beyond words, something that spoke through movement. Little did she know that her search would lead her thousands of miles away, to the heart of India, where she would find her true calling in the mesmerizing rhythms of Odissi and Chhau dance.
Her journey began with a single performance—an electrifying Kathakali show that left her spellbound. “When I saw a Kathakali performance, I realized that in India, there was a full-fledged grammar of body expressions which conveyed so much,” she recalls. Determined to understand this art, she arrived in Kerala to train under Guru Krishnan Namboodiri. But fate had bigger plans. A mention of Odissi by her guru changed everything.
Falling in Love with Odissi
In 1979, Ileana stepped onto the sacred soil of Odisha, expecting to divide her time between Kathakali and Odissi. But the moment she began learning from Guru Padma Vibhushan Kelucharan Mohapatra, she knew she had found her true home. Theatre and Kathakali faded into the background as she surrendered herself completely to Odissi’s elegance, its storytelling, its soul.
Learning Odissi was not easy. The language was foreign, the culture unfamiliar, and the discipline rigorous. But Ileana was relentless. She didn’t just master the movements—she immersed herself in the philosophy, literature, and music that breathed life into the dance. “It wasn’t just about learning steps; it was about embracing an entire culture,” she reflects.
Creating a Legacy: Art Vision Academy
Fueled by a desire to give back, Ileana founded Art Vision in 1996, a space where dancers, musicians, and artists could come together to explore and innovate. She carries forward her guru’s precise and scientific approach, ensuring that students first learn his compositions before exploring her own creations. “Tradition is not a cage; it’s a foundation upon which creativity can soar,” she believes.
Dancing Beyond Borders
Ileana’s artistry is a bridge between cultures. She blends classical Indian dance with themes from around the world:
- Echo and Narcissus – Inspired by Greek mythology
- The Journey – A reflection on Japanese Haiku
- Still I Rise – An interpretation of Maya Angelou’s poem
- Karuna – A heartfelt tribute to Mother Teresa
Each performance is more than a dance—it’s a story, an experience, an emotion that transcends language and geography.
A Life of Recognition
Ileana’s contributions to Indian dance have earned her numerous accolades:
- Padma Shri (2006) – The first foreign-origin Odissi dancer to receive this honor
- National Film Award for Best Choreography (1996) for Yugant
- Leonide Massine Award for the Art of Dance (1992)
- Member of the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity (2008)
She has also authored insightful books on dance and culture, including The Making of a Guru, Traditional Martial Practices in Odisha, and My Journey: A Tale of Two Births.
An Unfinished Journey
Today, Ileana Citaristi stands as a living testament to the power of passion and perseverance. She has not just learned an art—she has embodied it, carried it across continents, and shared it with the world. And yet, her journey is far from over.
“Dance is not just movement; it is an awakening, a language of the soul. It has taught me discipline, patience, and the joy of lifelong learning,” she says. Her story is an inspiration for anyone who dares to dream beyond borders, to embrace the unknown, and to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to their passion.
Ileana Citaristi did not choose Odissi—Odissi chose her. And in its graceful embrace, she found her destiny.
Bidisha Ghosh, content writer and a passionate baker
