Bhubaneswar, Oct. 25: The India International Dance Festival kicked off at Bhanja Kala Mandap here today.

Japanese Odissi dancer Sachiko Murakami's presentation of Manini was the major attraction on the first day. From portraying fleeting emotions to fascinating body movements, her performance delighted the audience.

Osaka-born Sachiko was introduced to classical ballet at the age of six. "The intensity of emotions in Odissi inspired me to take it up. Meeting artistes from various parts of the globe was an enriching experience," she said.

Performances by four-year-old Odissi exponent Srinika Purohit from Bangalore and a duet recital by Kuchipudi dancers from Vizag, Tejashri and Bhagyashri, were also appreciated.

Dance styles from tribal, folk, classical and contemporary forms, including Chhau, Gotipua, Kuchipudi, Jhumar, Ojapali, will be presented at the festival.

Dancers and researchers from Argentina, Japan, France, Israel, Oman, USA and Hong Kong, apart from India, will perform here.

The festival would also include seminars, film screenings, exhibitions of books and photographs based on various aspects of dance. The artistes will be taken on a visit to several cultural institutions.

Hosted by Samskritiki, the festival aims to unite dancers based in various parts of the country and abroad and encourage them to discover the cultural roots of the dance tradition.