Artistes present an array of performances at Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, May 24: An array of dance festivals gave enthusiasts in the city an opportunity to witness a number of exquisite performances by eminent artistes.

Held last week, the dance concerts featured some captivating recitals.

Nrutyashala’s annual function held on May 20 showcased recitals by young artistes of the dance school performing the Mangalacharan and some sequences in sthayee and abhinaya fields of Odissi dance.

A dance drama Kaincha was also featured at the festival. Choreographed by Ashok Ghoshal, also the director of the institute, the dance drama was executed by the senior disciples of Nrutyashala.

The most fascinating performances were seen during Kalashram’s annual festival Guru Dakshina. Much awaited for featuring thrilling performances by physically challenged dancers from all over the country, the fifth edition of the festival met the high expectations associated with it. The two-day festival included performances by one of the senior most gurus, Guru Durga Charan Ranbir, as well as breathtaking recitals by blind dancers from ‘Articulate’ of Bangalore and semi-classical dance by Kamlesh Patel from Baroda.

On the first evening, dedicating his performance to the revered Guru Debaprasad Das, Ranbir attracted the audiences attention with his intricate Mangalacharan. Following this was an effortless duet by young but prolific dancers, Rahul Acharya and Sonali Mohapatra. Jyoti Rout from USA mesmerised the viewers with an immaculate abhinaya in Odissi. The blind dancers from Articulate were inspiring with their synchronisation and flawless movements despite their visual challenges. They performed Bharatnatyam starting with a Ganesh Vandana.

Like every year, it was dancer Nityananda Das from Kalashram whose solo performance on Pangu langayate giri moved the viewers to tears. With his brilliant movements and remarkable expressions, the dancer, who has been performing on one leg since an accident few years ago, earned a wave of applause and appreciation from the crowd.

Similarly, polio-afflicted dancer Kamalesh Patel was inspirational with his performance on thali as well as a patriotic item. The dancer, whose performances in a recent reality show were appreciated, danced only with his hands and left the audience in awe.

“The performances were inspirational and touching. The dancers should be congratulated for their brilliant efforts and courage to have achieved so much despite all odds,” said Subhendu Patnaik, a viewer. The event concluded on May 22.

Few miles away from the city in Sakhigopal, veteran mardal player Guru Banamali Moharana and dancer Puspita Mishra from Kalingayana Touryatrikam left the audience spellbound at the annual festival of Satyabadi Sangeet Mahavidyalaya during the weekend.