Bhubaneswar, June 6: The audience rose to their feet, applauding wildly as Harihar Deo took a bow.
The orthopaedically challenged youngster's (Harihar does not have arms) semi-classical dance performance had everything to capture the audience's attention.
The dancer was performing at Guru Dakshina, a three-day dance festival that started on June 1. The event hosted by Kalashrama under the aegis of Odissi dancer Nityanand Das, who doesn't have one leg, saw differently-abled artistes sharing the stage with young and veteran dancers.
A writer, choreographer, comedian and actor, the multi-talented 29-year-old Deo also runs a dancing school.
"The aim of my life is not to let my disability come in the way of my passion. I want to train more differently-abled children and provide them platforms to perform so that they can do the same," he said.
A winner of several awards, the choreographer has also proved his mettle in reality shows such as Dance India Dance and Dance Premier League.
One of the other highlights of the event was a performance by a group of five visually-challenged Bharatnatyam dancers from Bangalore. They staged four pieces dedicated to Lord Shiv and Ganesh. The performance showed their grit and determination. Coupled with graceful movements and facial expressions, the dancers won the hearts of all.
For the audience, the performances were emotionally fulfilling. "It was great to see mainstream and differently-abled sharing the stage. Such occasions pave the way for an inclusive society," said Archana Patnaik, a member of the audience.
Connoisseurs were left awestruck with striking renditions by Laudi dance group from Bhadrak and Gotipua presentation by artistes from Bhubaneswar. A Mohiniyattam production by Kamaleshuri from Kerala was a delightful treat to the eyes.
There were other events too that kept the dance enthusiasts busy. The 14th edition of the Ekamra Nrutya Mahotsav hosted by city-based organisation featured classical performances by artistes from Odisha and Hyderabad. As part of the fest, the Suravi Samman was conferred on Odissi exponent Guru Manoranjan Pradhan.
In another development, eminent singer Shyamamani Devi received the Sangeet Sudhakar Balakrushna Das Samman for this year. The award was presented on the occasion of 94th anniversary of Balakrushna Das at a concert at the Jayadev Bhavan.
Last year, veteran singer Arati Mukherjee had received the award. At the event, 20 eminent singers from the state paid tributes to the artiste. The Sangeet Sudhakar Balakrushna Das Foundation and the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre hosted the programme.
