Prateeksha Kashi performs kuchipudi at the Laxman Garnaik Smruti Antarjatika Nrutya Sangeet Samaroha 2012. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, March 2: A solo kuchipudi recital by Prateeksha Kashi, disciple of the well-known guru Vyjayanti Kashi, was the biggest attraction on the concluding day of the third Laxman Garnaik Smruti Antarjatika Nrutya Sangeet Samaroha 2012.

The dance festival was held on the premises of the National Music Association here.

Prateeksha, who is from Bangalore, charmed the audience with her fine movements, impressive control of postures and command over abhinaya, or expressional dance, that was visible in her performance.

The dancer began with Pahi Pahi Jagan Mohan Krishna, a tarangam from Krishna Leela, which revolved around the life of the Lord. The dance item written by Narayan Teertha depicted the two main episodes — Kalinaga mardana and Vishwa roop darshana.

Later, the dancer, who is also a computer science engineer, performed Mahisasur Mardini as a tribute to Goddess Durga.

“I have been performing kuchipudi under the guidance of my mother Vyjayanti Kashi since I was five years old. I love performing in various parts of the country. Mahisasur Mardini is particularly close to my heart as I am a strong believer in the female shakti form of divinity,” said Prateeksha.

A gotipua dance recital by the artistes of Nilakanteswar Gurukul Dance Academy, Puri, was the other attraction on the occasion.

Nine boys of the group showcased Panchadeva Stuti, a traditional Ganesh Vandana, which was followed by abhinaya chanda. Later, they performed Bandha Nrutya based on ek taal, jati and jhulataal.

“Our effort has been to preserve the rich traditional of gotipua dance, which is one of the most difficult and oldest dance forms in the state,” said guru Gautam Das.

According to Das, Bandha Nrutya is a dance with acrobatic poses and movements. It involves difficult and intricate postures wherein the artistes climb atop others to form human pyramids while performing.

An Odissi duet by Jyoti Ranjan Das and Rashmi Rekha Pradhan was also presented yesterday.

“All the dance items staged were high in standard. But the gotipua dance was the best as it is one of the most difficult dances to perform,” said Sagarika Swain, a viewer.

The three-day cultural extravaganza that began on February 28 had featured many other classical dance forms.