Bhubaneswar, Sept. 15: Choreographies on two classical dance forms performed have drawn art lovers in the city.

Last evening, senior dancers of Odissi and Kathak showcased their excellent choreographies at the Sangam dance concert at Rabindra Mandap.

Every year, the Sangam festival, hosted by Odissi dancer Ileana Citaristi's dance school, Art Vision, brings Odissi and many other classical dance styles together. In its 11th year, the festival saw group choreographies of Odissi and Kathak. While Ileana and her disciples presented Odissi, Nandini K. Mehta and K. Murali Mohan performed Kathak.

Ileana, along with her disciple and well-known Odissi dancer Saswat Joshi, presented a dance ballet Chitrangada, based on the mythical tale of romance and war between Arjun and Manipuri warrior princess Chitrangada. The mighty princess, who wins the war against Arjun, has to transform herself into a beautiful damsel to win his heart.

Dancer Saswat said he had started his career on stage with this festival and the same dance choreography.

"Around 11 years ago, it was the Sangam festival where I started performing on stage and launched my choreography career. The revival of those good old times and dancing with my guru on the same item after 11 years were like a dream come true for me. I played Arjun's role and Ileana madam played Chitrangada," Saswat said.

Many contemporary movements and elements of folk dances were brought into the Odissi sequence that was exclusively Ileana's composition. Her another composition was a pure dance item titled Maya Darpan that also included the non-traditional elements.

The Kathak presentation was also based on mythology, along with another pure dance item. The fine art lovers were glad to watch two different classical forms on the same stage.

"The concept is very interesting, and the festival always gives us a chance to witness a classical form apart from Odissi. The story of Chitrangada is absolutely gripping. When it is depicted through Odissi, it becomes more attractive and is a treat to the eyes. The entire presentation was simply beautiful," said Rima Mohapatra, a member of the audience.

Ileana said Sangam itself meant a confluence and the festival was a platform where two different classical dance forms met.

"It not only helps art lovers watch the similar and different elements in various dance forms, but also lets us dancers interact," said Ileana.