Odissi, as also the other Indian classical dance styles, has movements classified as tandava: masculine, vigorous dance corresponding to the dance of Hindu Lord Shiva and lasya: feminine, graceful dance corresponding to Shiva's consort, Parvati.

At the base of the Odissi technique are the two basic postures unique to the style - tribhangi, a pose formed with three bends of the body formed by a deflection of the torso, and bend of the head and knees with multiple triangular forms; chauka, a squarelike stance representing Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of Odissi. The tribhangi position is found in various sculptures on the walls of the Orissan temples. The fluidity of the upper torso in Odissi is very unique to the dance style. While Odissi shares many of its aspects with the other Indian classical dance styles, it has various technical elements, which are unique to the dance style also.

Order of Training in Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra's Style

1. Exercises to prepare the body
2. Technique
    a. feet positions
    b. head movements
    c. eye movements
    d. neck movements
    e. torso movements
    f. body bending
    g. hand gestures
    h. arm movements
    i. body positions
    j. poses
    k. movement patterns
    l. walks
    m. steps
    n. jumps
    o. spins
3. Dances

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