Bhubaneswar, April 18: Dancers from the all over the world will congregate at the first International Dance Congress, a one-of-its-kind event in the country, in Bhubaneswar in June. The event will feature exponents of eight Indian classical dance forms and many young artistes from the world over.

Organised by Devdasi Nrutya Mandir and supported by the state tourism department, the dance congress will be held from June 20 to 22.

Different segments in the event will offer a forum for interaction and debate for the dancers while also letting enthusiasts watch some exclusive performances during the three-day festival.

Among the leading exponents of various dance forms who are to be felicitated at the congress are Rani Karnna (Kathak), Kalavati Devi (Manipuri), Girija Chandran (Mohiniattam),Vyjayanti Kashi (Kuchipudi), Priyambada Mohanty Hejmadi (Odissi), Durga Charan Ranbir (Odissi), Sheela Unnikirishnan (Bharatnatyam), T.S. Vasunni (Kathakali), Anita Sharma (Sattriya) and Rupashree Mohapatra (Mahari).

These dancers will be conferred the titles of ‘Nrutya Vidwan’ and ‘Nrutya Vidushi’.

Many senior dancers would also be awarded honours at the festival, said organiser Jagabandhu Jena.

“There are many kinds of dance congress held across the globe. But there has never been an international dance congress held in India. This is the first, and the best part is that we will be able to felicitate legendary names from different dance forms on one stage,” said Jena.

Artistes from Mexico, the USA, Italy, Germany, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Canada and India will be taking part in the event. Apart from Indian classical dances, the International Dance Congress will also showcase Western classical, folk and martial dance forms.

“This event will include seminars, talent hunts, performances and award presentations. Dancers, gurus, choreographers, scholars and students will attend the congress,” said Jena.