A listening body is a dance-theatre experience based on January’s thoughts and questions in and around Odissi. Informed by a practice that spans 30 years, and more recently empowered by a virtual mentorship with (Odissi exponent) Bijayini Satpathy, January has deepened her relationship with Odissi by actively listening and responding to her body, mind and environment. This work peels away the commodified and exoticised layers of Odissi to reveal a relationship that is personal, vulnerable and respectful, enabling agency for both audience and performer to be equal partners in the experience.