Geetgovinda, an immortal creation of Jaydeva, is a favourite subject for classical dancers. Kelucharan Mahapatra, the maestro of Odissi dance, presented a magnificent piece based on the long back which dancers and dance-lovers still remember today.

Utsav 2006, a two-day dance and music festival presented by Kalashram, an institution of Pt Birju Maharaj at Rabindra Sadan on April 13 and 14, commenced with the dance-drama Geetgovinda in kathak style. Birju Maharaj enthralled the audience in his solo repertoire on the second day of the programme with his usual grace and captivating bolparhant. Abstract rhythmic syllables like tihai, tukra took a concrete shape through his story-telling style. Gaits of peacock, elephant and many more were treats to watch. Sabir Khan’s tabla helped him through out his ingenious presentation in different paces of teental. The dance-drama displayed a colourful illustration of Radha-Krishna-Gopi episodes with well-synchronised group choreography.

The inaugural Bedanudhharate lacked finesse and maturity. The production invoked the entire canvas of kathak with bold footwork, gentle glides and quick chakkars. Saswati Sen as Radha and Luna Poddar as Chandrabali ably brought out different hues of the characters.