Natalie Raut of UK performs on the inaugural day of Odissi International in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday. Picture by Sanjib Mukherjee

Bhubaneswar, Dec. 19: Young Odissi artistes from across the globe performed on the first day of the third edition of the Odissi International at Rabindra Mandap here on Wednesday. Connoisseurs of dance were treated to an ensemble of solo recitals.

The four-day festival began with a performance by Natalie Raut from the UK. A disciple of Guru Ratikant and Sujata Mohapatra, Natalie presented the intricately composed Yugmadwanda Pallavi. Vrinda Rani from Russia portrayed Lord Shiv in Astasambhu, choreographed by the late Guru Debaprasad Das. She displayed complex postures, which demanded high acrobatic ability of the body.

New Delhi-based Odissi dancer Barkha Tanvir also dedicated a sequence to Lord Shiv’s nature. Arpita Pany from the city-based institute Suravi and Taisiya Shpulnikova from Russia also performed beautifully. Lopamudra Jena from Cuttack’s Gunjan Dance Academy performed an ashtapadi from Gita Govinda while Rashmi Ranjan Barik from Rudrakshya, Bhubaneswar, showcased a Mahakali suttee choreographed by his guru Bichitrananda Swain.

The first and second sessions of the festival are talent search segments for senior dancers between 21 and 30 and adolescent dancers aged between 11 and 20, respectively.

Child artistes from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, New Delhi and Calcutta performed.

The evening session featured well-groomed dancers such as Rajashri Prahraj from Srjan. She presented her recital with precision. USA based dancer Amanda Geroy’s recital was another attraction.

Prachi Hota (New Delhi), Sachiko Murakami (Japan), Elena Knyazeva (Russia), Manishika Baul (Singapore), Sudeshna Jena (Bhubaneswar), Eiko Shinohara (Japan) and Suprava Mishra with troupe (Gujarat) were among the other performers.

“I feel honoured to have received appreciation from senior dancers and gurus of Odissi. Dancing before them in itself is a matter of pride,” said dancer Amanda Geroy.

The festival will continue till December 22.