Bhubaneswar, Dec. 25: The five-day Odissi International festival witnessed performancers by dancers from across the globe.
Many dancers who took part in the event that came to an end yesterday at Bhanja Kala Mandap in the city will also take part in the International Odissi dance festival that will begin in the city tomorrow.
The Odissi International festival, hosted by cultural organisation Samskritiki, featured top dancers from all over the country and with senior and upcoming dancers from 12 other countries. From prominent names such as Minati Mishra, Sujata Mohapatra to first-time performers such as Salome Annen from Switzerland, who has also become the first Odissi artiste of African origin, dance enthusiasts witnessed nearly 300 artistes and take on classic compositions.
"This was my first ever performance on stage and I am thrilled that I got a chance to perform in Odisha," said Salome.
While five-year-old Shrinika Purohit opened the event, 77-year-old Minati Mishra performed the valedictory item. The styles of almost all major gurus and famous Odissi institutions across the globe were represented at the event.
"Each participating artiste came forward to make the event a success since this festival is dedicated to the dance form itself and is an effort to unite the fraternity," said festival director Shyamhari Chakra.
The department of tourism and culture also announced another festival for Odissi dancers from all over the world called International Odissi from December 26. The five-day festival will feature artistes from the US, Japan, Poland and 10 Indian states. Like the Odissi International festival, the upcoming event would also feature solo, duet and group performances. The festival is being organised through the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre at Rabindra Mandap.
"The festival would feature many young dancers to give them exposure. Also, eminent artistes such as Ranjana Gauhar and Jhelum Paranjape will perform," said research centre chief executive Jagannath Kuanr.
