Masako Ono.

BIOGRAPHY

After learning modern dance and hip-hop in Tokyo, Masako Ono took up Odissi at the Indian dance institution Nrityagram in 1996. Along with Odissi, she learned Yoga and Pilates. She also attended workshops of Flamenco, Contemporary Dance, African Dance, Chhau, and Kalaripayattu.

For her dedication and hard work, Masako won a scholarship from Nrityagram, and in 1998, became a residential student. After completing basic training, Masako left Nrityagram and for intensive training in Orissa under the legendary Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, Guru Ramani Ranjan Jena, Guru Bichitrananda Swain, and Guru Naba Kishore Mishra.

Since 2001 Masako is based at Bhubaneswar as a professional Odissi dancer and Yoga teacher. She has been collaborating with different dancers, musicians and art makers from India and abroad. These collaborations refined her choreographic skills and deepened her understanding of the tantric approach to Odissi dance. She is now working on her own choreography pieces that are a blend of tantra, yoga and classical Indian dance.

Masako gives performances as a soloist, contemporary dance and Odissi dance. She also conducts workshops and gives lecture demonstrations in India and abroad.