International story dancer Zuleikha performs at Ravenshaw University. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, March 6: Like any other artist, Egyptian story dancer Zuleikha draws inspiration from nature and world lore. And that is why she strikes a chord with her audience.

Zuleikha seemed to be at her best even as she presented the romantic equation between mind and body during a concert held at Ravenshaw University yesterday. Her act was centred on Ioga, a young village girl from North America who simply could not resist the urge of looking at herself in the mirror all day long.

With her nimble movements, the international story dancer narrated the aspects of ‘emotions and ego’ and ‘happiness and sorrow’ of the young girl. Her dance recital was an amalgamation of various dance forms from around the world. For close to two hours, the artistes continued to weave magic with their unique way of storytelling. However, it was the narration on Mahatma Gandhi that was the centre of attraction.

“My first Indian guru was Ali Akbar and I borrowed the element of devotion from India. The country has a rich civilisation. Mahatma Gandhi is an icon who is still remembered for his struggle and principle of non-violence. Through the piece, I wanted to pay homage to the great personality,” the artiste said adding, “It was great to perform before a live audience at Ravenshaw University — an audience that has so much wisdom.”

Zuleikha has developed a unique dance form based on contemporary and traditional music and movement that she learnt after intensive training under master teachers of healing and movement in eastern and western traditions. They include American avant-garde dance, Indian Kathak, classical music of Afghanistan and Balinese and Japanese dance. A performer and teacher in the art of movement and story, Zuleikha inspires awareness of body and health.

“Nature is divine and inspiring for all of us. Since childhood I have been trying to adopt various dance forms from across the world. I have studied various aspects of human character and try to portray them by telling a story through dance,” said Zuleikha.

The audience was also full of praise for her. “This was the first time that many of us got the opportunity to see this unique and fascinating dance form,” said a student. Vice-chancellor of the university, Devdas Chhotray, who was also present during the performance, said: “It was a great show indeed. The exceptional quality about the artiste is that she blends a number of dance forms to build a style of her own.”