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| (From top) Sarvani Yadavalli from New Delhi, Kazuko Yasunobu from Japan, Sampurna Baliarsingh from Puri perform at Cuttack Mahotsav. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das |
Cuttack, Jan. 9: Devotion drives an artiste to perform with intensity, feels kuchipudi dancer Sarvani Yadavalli.
The 25-year-old artiste from New Delhi received a huge applause when she performed on the fifth evening of the ongoing International Dance and Music Festival, also known as Cuttack Mahotsav, organised at the Heritage Hall of Ravenshaw University on Sunday.
Being a chemical engineer, Sarvani has been trying hard to promote the Indian classical dance by preserving its essence. The dancer presented Tarangam, a pure dance form, that depicted the mischiefs of Lord Krishna. Sobha Naidu choreographed the dance recital.
“There is a passion among the young artistes, who wish to take forward the legacy of our rich Indian music and dance, which is appreciated throughout the globe,” said Sarvani.
Apart from kuchipudi, a solo Odissi recital by Kazuko Yasunobu from Japan was another attraction on the occasion. Yasunobu performed a Saberi Pallavi which was composed by Kelucharan Mohapatra.
“I have been learning and performing Odissi for more than 20 years now. After learning the basics from guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, now, I am undergoing training from Ratikant and Sujata Mohapatra,” said Kazuko.
The traditional mahari had received rave response at the Cuttack Mahotsav.
Sampurna Baliarsingh from Puri presented a blend of devotion and passion of a servitor of Lord Jagannath. The dancer began with Sita Kamala Kucha, which was followed by Saja Kaja Nayan and Dekha go.
“After my initial Odissi training, I started to learn the traditional mahari dance from guru Rupashree Mohapatra. It gives me immense pleasure while I perform the recital which the devadasis used to perform inside Jagannath temple as a special service to the Lord,”said Baliarsingh.
“It is good to see that apart from staging other classical dance forms, the organisers of the festival have also given prominence to Odia tradition and culture. Mahari dance is one of our oldest traditions and the costume that the dancer wears is unique. We are glad to have staged mahari here,” said Kashinath Behera, a viewer.
The festival, organised by the Utkal Yuva Sanskrutik Sangha, will conclude on Tuesday evening. The venue will be Shahid Bhavan for rest of the performances.
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