Intro Image

introduction

Soma (Simantini Mitra-Behura) is an artist trained in Odissi classical dance as well as modern choreographic techniques. They have been learning, teaching and performing dance for over 20 years. They currently study under Padmashree Guru Aruna Mohanty at Orissa Dance Academy.

Their practice is grounded in a deep appreciation for Odissi’s storytelling capacity through both abstract and literal choreographies. Soma strives to marry this storytelling capacity with precision in movement and technique; the result is embodied narrative.

Currently based in London, UK. Read more about Soma’s dance journey here.

Barsha Abhishaara

Barsha Abhishaara at British Museum Sari, not Sorry event; July 2025

Barsha Abhishaara Duet

Barsha Abhishaara Duet at Bhavan, London; July 2024

Barsha Abhishaara

Barsha Abhishaara at British Museum Sari, not Sorry event; July 2025

Hansadwhani Pallavi Trio

Hansadwhani Pallavi Trio at Devonshire Square Diwali event; October 2024

ODA at Dhauli Festival

ODA group at Dhauli-Mahotsav Festival in Odisha; February 2025

Khammaj Pallavi

Khammaj Pallavi at International Odissi Festival 2022 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Sacred Shapes

Sacred Shapes with Odissi Ensemble at Green Space Dark Skies in the Chilterns 2022

Panchabhutam

Panchabhutam at International Odissi Festival 2017 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Performance of Barsha Abhishaara at 2018

Barsha Abhishaara at 2018 Janmasthami at MIT, Boston, MA

Saptavarna

Group production of Saptavarna in 2019 US tour with Orissa Dance Academy

Madhurashtakam

Madhurashtakam at International Odissi Festival 2019 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha

performance highlights

Barsha Abhishaara Duet

The Indian soil dry with the prolonged heat of summer eagerly welcomes the arrival of the rains. The cooling drops of the first rain arouse myriads of sensations in the mind. It is a symbol of new life, regeneration, of the thrill and passion of romance, love and joy of living. With the distant thunder, rocks tumble down and lightning blinds the eye. The dance, Barsha Abhishaara, is a celebration of the arrival of rain and the pangs of separation that lovers suffer, yearning for the beloved.

Choreography: Padmashree Guru Aruna Mohanty
In frame: Padmashree Guru Aruna Mohanty, Simantini (Soma) Mitra-Behura
July 12, 2024; Bhavan, London

Madhurashtakam

Chronicling the adventures of Krishna throughout his life.

Choreography:
In frame: Simantini (Soma) Mitra-Behura
December 2019; International Odissi Dance Festival in Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Khammaj Pallavi

Pallavi means elaboration. It is another composition of pure dance with movements of lyrical grace. It is based on a melody (raga) which is soft, lilting and melodious. Beautiful dance passages run parallel with rhythmic syllables sung musically.

Choreography: Padmashree Guru Aruna Mohanty
In frame: Simantini (Soma) Mitra-Behura
December 27, 2022; International Odissi Dance Festival in Bhubaneswar, Odisha

contact

Follow Soma’s dance page on Instagram.

Soma can be reached by email at soma.dances.sometimes at gmail dot com.

Feel free to reach out about collaborations or any other inquiries!