Conversation so far:
Was Odissi an acceptable form of dancing during the Medieval Era?
Historical evidence, states Alexandra Carter, shows that Odissi Maharis (Hindu temple dancers) and dance halls architecture (nata-mandap) were in vogue at least by the 9th century CE.
Was Odissi popular form of dancing during the Medieval Era?
Kapila Vatsyayan suggests that Odissi was admired or at least well known in distant parts of India, far from Odisha in the medieval era.
Was there a popular Odissi dancer in this Medieval Era?
The Buddhist icons, for example, are depicted as dancing gods and goddesses, with Haruka, Vajravarahi, and Marichi in Odissi-like postures
Is there anything significant about Odissi dancing in the Medieval era?
Actual sculptures that have survived into the modern era and panel reliefs in Odia temples, dated to be from the 10th to 14th century, show Odissi dance.

Question: Was Odissi a good source of income for the performers?
Self-contained rewrite: Was Odissi a good source of income for the performers?