Pracheet Dhange from Pune performs a solo Odissi act at the Odissi International festival in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Dec. 19: Odissi artistes from all over the world have assembled in the city to celebrate spirit of the dance form at a five-day festival at Bhanja Kala Mandap.

Fourth edition of the Odissi International that kick-started on Wednesday opened with some fascinating performances.

The wonder kid of Odissi from Malaysia, 16-year-old Nritta Ganeshi Manoharan, staged the opening act.

The young dancer showcased some pure dance steps to the audience. Russia-based dancer Tissia Spulnikova also gave an impressive performance, while Malabika Jena, a disciple of Meera Das, was another highlight of the evening. Artistes from Japan and Poland also presented some recitals.

“I am extremely happy to have been the first Polish dancer to take part in this prestigious festival, which is indeed for and by Odissi dancers. We have all joined hands to make the event a success and really feel it belongs to all of us,” said the dancer from Poland Sabina S. Sen, the daughter of a Bengali father and Polish mother.

In the first session during the morning, the event saw about 20 children and teenaged dancers present their solo acts in the children’s talent search segment for the Odissi Pratibha title. The dancers were from Odisha, Bengal, Maharashtra and Delhi.

Hosted by cultural group, Samskriti, since 2010, the number of participating countries in the Odissi International has been increasing. This year artistes from as many as 15 countries are taking part in the get-together of Odissi’s global fraternity.

“We are glad that all the stalwarts of Odissi dance from Odisha and outside will be staging their dance items in the festival,” said director of the festival Shyamahari Chakra.

The star performers include big names such as Guru Pankaj Charan Das’ leading disciple and veteran danseuse Ratna Roy, who left all enchanted with her abhinaya today evening, dance guru Aruna Mohanty, Kelucharan Mohapatra’s disciple and famous dancer Sujata Mohapatra, young but established male dancer Rahul Acharya as well as the most senior performer in Odissi, Minati Mishra.

Close to 250 participants will be seen staging solos, duets and group dances this year. In the talent search segment, over 100 youngsters will present their best during the five days.

“Our participants take care of their own travel and accommodation fares. Also, they all pool in funds for the stage, food and any other logistics involved in conducting the festival. This makes our festival a unique get-together and a festive occasion in the real sense,” said Chakra.

The Odissi International for 2013 will continue till December 22 like every year.