Orissa Dance Academy is led and nurtured by Aruna Mohanty, one of the finest Odissi dancers of the country. Beginning as a talented young student. Aruna matured into a skilled solo dancer and versatile choreographer. Her repertoire include the dance ballet "Shrusti O Pralay", "varsha Abhisara","kanchi Abhijan","Vande Mataram", "Asta Nayika","Nabarasa" and "Krishna Leelamruta". She is also a former member of the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi and recipient of many awards and accolades, including the Mahari Award, Sanjukta Panigrahi Memorial National Award and Nritya Nirupama title by the Asia Society of America.