Actually either Odissi or Orissi may be considered acceptable. Both have been used in writing since the 1950's. Yet, both are technically inaccurate. The confusion over how to spell Orissi, in English, is due to Indian languages possessing some entirely different sounds in their alphabets than English. The Indian tongue is more agile than the English tongue. In Oriya script, the second letter of Orissi has a "rd" sound, with a rolled "r" similar to Spanish. Unlike Spanish, there is only one roll of the tongue followed immediately by the soft "d" sound. The r and d are said almost simultaneously creating a new (for English speakers) combined sound. The most accurate way to spell the name of this beautiful Classical Indian dance form in English would be, Ordissi, but that is awkward and unwieldy. A pronunciation with no "r" sound, and a hard flat "d" has come in vogue, making it easier for Westerners to pronounce it (doubtless as a nod to the broad support Orissi has enjoyed in the West). Several in the Orissi community have already adopted the new pronunciation. As the 'd' pronunciation has a harsh unaesthetic sound, and Orissi most accurately represents the musical sound of the word as it was traditionally pronounced, we prefer the latter. Nevertheless, both spellings are now used interchangeably on this site. (David)

Please look in the photo gallery (menu left) to see images from the world of Ordissi Dance both old and new.

Photo copyright: David J. Capers