Cuttack, Aug. 8: Odissi dance institute, Gunjan Dance Academy, in the city that is run by danseuse Meera Das is set to conquer hearts of aficionados in the Fiji islands.

The artistes of the institute have come up with innovative compositions for the event that is being organised by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).

“We will be performing in different cities of the country on the occasion of their 40th Independence Day celebrations. Since 60 per cent of the citizens there had forefathers who migrated from India, they have always been associated with Indian culture and dance forms. Hence we have come up with special compositions,” said Das, a disciple of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra and Guru Gangadhar Pradhan.

The ensemble of choreographies that the troupe will be performing includes an improvised version of Das’ earlier composition Vande Mataram, a solo pallavi by Das – Sakhi Re followed by Kirwani pallavi.

They will also showcase Nrutta, a sequence that depicts the Gandharva dancers and choreography on Dashavatara or the 10 forms of Lord Vishnu. Shanti Mantra is another piece created especially for the tour.

A group of 12 members of Gunjan, including dancers and musicians, will be touring Fiji from August 11 to 29.