Founded in 1975 by Guru Gangadhar Pradhan, a Padmashree Awardee, Orissa Dance Academy is an institution engaged in teaching and promoting Odissi dance, music and related art forms. It has played a prominent role in popularizing and propagating Odissi in India and abroad. The artistes of ODA has performed in major festivals in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and South East Asia and received rave reviews.
The organization is now led and nurtured by Aruna Mohanty, one of the finest dancers and choreographers in the field of Odissi. Her unique skill and versatility make her the recipient of many awards and accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from Outlook Magazine, Bharat Bhavan Award, Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the 4th highest civilian award PADMASHREE.