The students aspiring to learn traditional dances are being trained at their best skills at Utkal Bhavan. Other than several Indian traditional dances, a workshop on Chhau dance is being organized for theatre aspirants.
Under various forms, the Shiva Tandava, Dhwaja Tamal Folk and War dance are the prominent ones being taught in the workshop. The aspirants are being trained under a ‘production based workshop’ organized by Kirti Ballet and performing arts group, Bhopal.
As many as 20 theatre aspirants have participated in the workshop. Expert Shivsaran Mohanto is teaching the aspirants Mayurbhanj Chhau dance. The Mayurbhanj Chhau dance is performed in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha.
While informing about the dance, he said, “I have been trained in chhau dance under Guru Shishya convention a lot many times and keeping the essence of the tradition I am teaching the participants in Bhopal, with the same elegancy.”
Informing about the Chhau dance, he said that the Mayurbhanj Chhau dance is practiced without masks. Besides, the themes for chhau dance include local legends, folklore and other abstract themes.
The Mayurbhanj chhau has highly evolved techniques of its own for which it differenciates itself from other forms of dance. The martial arts technique in Mayurbhanj Chhau makes it even more impactful.
Currently, the participants are learning rhythm, body movements and lyrics of Mayurbhanj Chhau music. Besides, steps of martial arts, war dance and Shiva Tandava are also taught. The entire performance is being prepared for the upcoming Shanti Bardhan Theatre Fest which will be held at Shaheed Bhavan auditorium. The ballet performance will be presented on April 8.