Odissi Odyssey 2027 – K–12 Ensemble Project

2026-07-22

Odissi Odyssey 2027 is excited to announce a special collaborative performance project for K–12 dancers under the artistic direction of Dr. Marissa Nesbit, Professor of Dance at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Dr. Nesbit will create a new ensemble work featuring K–12 dancers, developed through a series of in-person rehearsals at Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts on the UNC Charlotte campus throughout Fall 2026 and Spring 2027. This unique creative process will provide young dancers with the opportunity to work alongside a nationally recognized choreographer in a collaborative university environment while exploring artistry, creativity, and ensemble performance.

The completed work will premiere as part of Odissi Odyssey 2027 (June 18-27 2026). If selected through the conference adjudication process, the ensemble will also have the opportunity to represent the project internationally at the daCi (Dance and the Child International) Conference in Malaysia, taking place July 15–20, 2027.

Participation offers students the chance to:

  • Collaborate in the creation of a new choreographic work.

  • Rehearse and perform in a university dance setting.

  • Work closely with UNC Charlotte faculty and the Odissi Odyssey artistic team.

  • Experience an international standard of youth dance collaboration.

  • Potentially perform on a global stage at the daCi International Conference in Malaysia.

Audition Date and Time: August 30 2026 1-3 pm EST

Rehearsal Schedule Date and Time: All Rehearsals are 1-3 pm EST

September 6, 13, 20; October 4, 18; November 1, 8,15; January 24, 31; February 7, 21, 28; March 21, 28; April, May, June (Rehearsal Dates TBD)   First Performance: Odissi Odyssey: June 18 - 27 2027 daCi (if selected): July 15-20 2027  

Fall 2026 Registration ($400): August 30 2026 (Link coming soon)

Spring 2027 Registration ($350): December 1 2027 (Link coming soon)

Additional information regarding auditions, rehearsal schedules, eligibility, and registration will be released in the coming months. UNC Charlotte will hold the rights to music composition, choreography, costumes, and any other artistic material. 

We look forward to welcoming young dancers on this exciting artistic journey as we build a new work that celebrates creativity, collaboration, and the power of dance across cultures.