"Being a part of the culture and knowing the language are very essential for any Indian classical dance. For Odissi, you need to read, write and speak Oriya. You also need to understand Odissi classical music, Sanskrit, myths and epics in Hinduism. You must experience Jagannath culture, be familiar with Orissa's history, its legends and myths. You must be able to immerse completely in the local culture to be a good dancer."