Intensely Soul: Transformational Odissi Indian Dance & Music

Nirmal Jena’s performance of Odissi dance was one of those rare delights when a solo performer gives so generously and vividly of his talents that it’s often hard to remember that there is only one person out there. .....This was painting, sculpture - a whole culture - coming to life - Jill Sykes, Sydney Morning Herald

Pratibha Jena has a radiant, joyous stage personality. She undertakes basic positions with clarity and is neat in her rendition…her dance has an openness which helps her flower on the stage...- Delhi Times, Times of India

The condition of the spirit is in the foundation of the dance and when I saw Pratibha’s dance I understood that this is not only the dance, but the inspiration of the communication with the dearest Lord...- Kievski Telegraph Herald, Ukraine

I have never seen any other Indian artist able to capture the essence of Shiva’s dance so vividly. One can only say here that the vision of Shiva dancing became a hauntingly surreal timeless experience with this piece. A lesser artist would not have been able to carry it off. Nirmal became a vehicle for Shiva’s destruction. .........The intense energy he generated within himself propelled the audience into a dimension of great power, awe and wonderment.- Chandrabhanu, Ausdance Newsletter Victoria

Surendra Nath Jena [Nirmal’s father and teacher] is a genius to have evolved this style. He has planted in good soil and the tree grows healthy and strong - so whatever ‘use’ it may be put in the future, it will never lose its spiritual and traditional roots. - Workshop participant, University of New South Wales (Dance)

Nirmal Jena, an artist of exceptional individual quality...[his father’s] all-round versatility has obviously been passed on to the next generation, giving an intensely theatrical flavour to Nirmal Jena’s performances...Jill Sykes, Sydney Morning Herald ..the dramatic power and vivid imagery of the dance inundated the intimate venue... - Pamela Carsaniga, The Melburnian

Sydney people are obviously hungry for Indian classical dance and music, judging by the overflowing audience on opening night and the extra performance announced beforehand.........Nirmal Jena, an exceptional performer whose body just seems to fall into the shapes and gestures required of it - at the same time, exuding inferences of meaning, character and symbolism...- Jill Sykes, Sydney Morning Herald

Nirmal Jena’s commitment to the Jena style of Odissi dance and Orissan music offers Australian audiences and performers the opportunity to experience this distinctive dance tradition that enlightens with its spiritual significance…- Robyn Kershaw, Belvoir Street Theatre

Having had a number of years involvement with yoga, and a particular personal interest in nada yoga, I was very interested to have the opportunity to attend Nirmal's workshop. We were warmly welcomed into Nirmal's home and sadhana room, where the time passed all too quickly listening as Nirmal shared some of his wealth of knowledge and experience on the topic of nada yoga. The things that impressed me most were, firstly, Nirmal's thorough preparation of the material presented, and the clarity with which he conveyed information. In our group there was a range of experience amongst the participants, and all were able to follow and learn and benefit. Secondly, Nirmal presented information and practices in a way that allowed time for each participant to absorb, we felt supported and there was no rush. Thirdly, I remain deeply impressed by Nirmal's sincerity and dedication to the propagation of the essence of nada yoga, maintaining the highest respect for the science - Swami Dayasagar Saraswati, Nada Yoga Workshop Participant

The workshop was an interesting experience. I felt, very much, that during the workshop it was about Nirmal finding out and observing what we knew, understood and/or where we were at and at the same time it let us know where he was also coming from. A sort of breaking ground. Just in this short time I felt more connection with breath, prana and sound than ever before and this has continued into sadhana. The awareness that awakened is there with every mantra, every chant, every meditation, every moment. I know it is just the most minute tip of the iceberg but it has opened/expanded the view once more - Yogajanani, Nada Yoga Workshop Participant

In the time we had it is difficult to cover such a vast subject. What I did find was I felt a very deep and profound effect of what it is. Regardless of what was done or not done in my time there which I thoroughly enjoyed, I came away having a deeper connection with myself and felt so internally nurtured. This did lead on to allow me to view the areas of my life which are not in alignment. Thank you so much -  Anandabhairavi, Nada Yoga Workshop Participant

The session by Nirmal Jena [within a leadership development program] was excellent with very positive feedback from participants. Words included deeply connected spiritual man, at One with the One, exquisite devotion and prayer Met our expectations of 3 parts – theory –demonstration and our participation….Many thanks for this gift…- Ilze, PowerMind Coaching, NSW Australia

Emotions were conveyed with full intensity and pangs of passion through her sinuous body which moved around with perfect grace and charm. Her tribhanga stances are simply marvelous...- Dainik Bhaskar, Bhopal, India