Natalie Raut. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, Dec. 21: She is an all-rounder with multitasking skills. The poise and charm of London-based Natalie Raut during her Odissi recitals have gained attention of dance exponents in Bhubaneswar.

From being a medical student at Cambridge University to a soprano soloist, pianist, flautist and even a dancer with training in ballet, tap dance and Indian classical dances such as Bharatnatyam and Kathak, this Odia youngster in her early 20s finds time for all activities she loves. But of all that she does, Odissi draws Natalie most.

“I was lucky to have found Odissi classes in London where there weren’t schools imparting training till a few years ago. My mother, Usha Rani Raut, was herself trained in Odissi. I first started training in ballet and then Bharatnatyam and Kathak from the age of four at Bharati Vidya Bhavan there. In 2000, the renowned Madhavi Mudgal was there for a summer camp and I joined,” says Natalie, who is in town for the Odissi International Dance Festival.

“I was 11, but the beauty of the dance form stunned me and it has been my first love ever since. Though I am trained in various forms of music and dances, the curves, sensuousness and expressional fabric of Odissi and its music is simply magical,” says Natalie, who still attends the annual summer camp for Odissi in London. She has also been visiting Bhubaneswar during summers for the past 11 years to be groomed by ace dancers Sujata Mohapatra and Ratikant Mohapatra.

Though Natalie gets a chance to perform across England and even USA at least once a month, her favourite stage is Odisha, she feels.

“Being an Odia, I feel proud to perform Odissi before connoisseurs in UK or USA since they love the music and movements of the dance and are also fascinated with the costumes. Yet, I would love to come here more often to perform amid dancers and audience, who understand the emotions behind the compositions,” she says.

Finding time for various arts and her academics is challenging, but that keeps her on her feet all the time, feels Natalie.

“I find great joy in various activities I am passionate about. Finding time is not difficult when you love what you do, and in fact, it keeps me busy with good things,” she signs off.