Spandan dancers perform salsa and (right) Pupul Bhuyan and other models walk the ramp at Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, July 15: Dance, music and fashion show lit up the Rabindra Mandap auditorium at a cultural event titled Spandan on Monday here.

The colourful event began with a duo displaying splendid Salsa moves. The repertoire had movements such as cross body lead, open break, Copa style and Valentino.

The steps were choreographed on popular Bollywood tracks. The audience enjoyed watching the fast-paced twists and turns. This was followed by a number of contemporary and folk dance performances. Later, a budding singer of the state, Amrita Panda, crooned her way into the hearts of her listeners. She lent her mellifluous voice to many Odia and Hindi tracks.

The highlight of the event was a fashion parade where young male and female models scorched the ramp.

Odia actress Pupul Bhuyan, who looked gorgeous in a little blue dress, led the team. The female models displayed western wear ranging from skirts, jump suits, palazzo pants to designer evening gowns. The male models came dressed in both casual and formal wear.

“Bhubaneswar must make a fashion statement of its own. For that, more and more people have to shun their inhibitions and wear what they want while keeping in mind that they are comfortable too. Also, the need of the hour is to keep an eye on the latest trends around the globe,” said Bhuyan, who was last seen in the flick Kaunri Kanya.

Since the event was for a charitable purpose, a lot of kids from the city-based Jeevan Jyoti orphanage got the chance to exhibit their talent. They danced on a patriotic number and enchanted the viewers with their performance. The programme was organised by a city-based private event management company. “The show was vibrant with different kinds of performances under the same roof. Moreover Rabindra Mandap is known for staging classical acts. So, watching a fashion show here was a welcome change,” said Bikram Sahoo, an IT professional.