The 5th edition of two-day Nrutyadham's Ancient Dance Festival concluded on Saturday evening. Several dancers and dance groups from across the country participated in the grand event.
On the occasion Odishi music maestro Dr Shyamamani Devi was awarded Nrutyadham Samman.In an effort to keep people in touch with exotic legacy of body language on rhythm innovated by ancient Gurus, the show was organised at the Utkal Rangamanch of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Research Centre, Bhubaneswar. The genre-defying ancient-themed event was soul-stirring for the audience with dancing stars from across the country conjuring up stories, sweet and serene, with their taps and tunes.
Unfurling with Mangalacharan, a floral offering to the Lord Jagannath in dance and Ardhanariswar performed by Guru Sujata Mohapatra, the foremost dance pageant was inaugurated by Culture and Tourism Minister Jyotiprakash Panigrahi joining as chief guest.
On the dais were Rajya Sabha MP Padmavibhushan Dr Raghunath Mohapatra, Tourism Director Sachin R Jadav, Guru Professor Ramahari Das, Guru Dr Snehaprava Samantaray, Guru Durgacharan Ranbir, Guru Dr Sangita Gosain, Doordarshan Kendra Director Dipty Mishra, Guru Sujata Mohapatra as guests of honour. Secretary, Nrutyadham, Dr Subhashree Pattanaik was also present.
The twin performances delivered by Guru Dr Subhashree Patnaik with beats and notes of Odishi on both days were sheer treat for eyes of viewers.
Flirtation of Radha and Sri Krishna was the theme that she portrayed on the canvas of her fluently flexible body and vibrantly expressive face. Choreographed by Guru Durga Charan Ranbir, the score of the dance was composed on lines from the connoisseur Kabichandra Kali Charana Pattanaik. And the performance of the story of the courtship of Radha and Krishna based on the song of Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja under guidance of Guru Durga Charan Ranbir, by her on the second day, was also equally majestic. The artistic innovation and the depth of emotion that she added to her taps and gestures could mesmerize all.
Nrutyayan Odishi group dance, Bindyabasini, Dr R Sreekanta Kuchipudi group dance from Srikakulam, Atanu and Pranab Das Bharatnatyam duet from Kolkatta, Tarit Sarkar Kathak dance from Jamshedpur also participated in the event.