Bhubaneswar, April 5: Mumbai, the city that is always in a rush, seems to have taken a breather in Odissi dance. After a weeklong Odissi workshop, the participants are all set to witness Odissi performances by eminent artistes.

Last week, artiste Pallavi Das Mohanty hosted a workshop on the basics of Odissi dance at Aamad in Andheri (West), Mumbai. Pallavi, granddaughter of Pankaj Charan Das, aims at popularising his compositions among dancers across the country. Pallavi trained 10 persons at the workshop who belonged to various age groups and walks of life.

Ananya, a 30-year-old executive producer, who has trained in Odissi dance since childhood, chose to tune her skills at Pallavi's workshop.

Actress Ishita Sharma, who starred in the film Loins of Punjab Presents, also picked a few mudras and bhangis at the workshop. A trained Kathak dancer, Sharma was keen on learning the art of the Pankaj Das gharana of Odissi dance.

"It is not always that we get to upgrade ourselves in dancing from such well-trained artistes in Mumbai and that too in Odissi dance. This workshop has been a wonderful experience," Sharma said.

Pallavi was overwhelmed with the enthusiasm. She plans to host another edition very soon in Mumbai. "Dance lovers from various fields were keen on learning the nuances of Odissi dance. Even non-dancers such as Yash Raj Films writer Ishita Moitra gave it a try at my workshop. This time, I only taught Guru bandana in Mangalacharan (invocatory piece) and Sthayi. These were my grandfather's lessons. The next workshop will be more elaborate," Pallavi said.

A grand concert is coming up to pay tribute to another legend Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. This will also help the participants witness the art of Odissi dance. Anusaran, the event, is to be hosted on April 10. It will include duets. Illanea Citaristi will perform with Upasana Mohanty. Ratikant Mohapatra will take the stage with Rajshri Prahraj from Bhubaneswar and Mumbai-based artistes Debi Basu with Anu Narayan. Daksha Mashruwala will dance with Namrata Gupta.

Veteran Jhelum Paranjape will perform with Rupali Kadam.

The event is to be held at Kalaangan amphitheatre in the city.