Bhubaneswar, May 26: A two-day dance festival, Nrutyanjali, has witnessed artistes performing Odissi, apart from solo as well as group shows.
The festival, hosted by Debadasi, a city-based organisation, concluded at Rabindra Mandap today.
On the inaugural day, the dancers presented a dance drama that portrayed the love story between Radha and Krishna. Choreographed by the institute's founder, Rojalin Mohapatra, the composition witnessed around 35 dancers from the institute matching steps with each other. The dance number involved intricate footwork that was synchronised well by the artistes.
Another highlight of the evening was a Sambalpuri recital, in which the artistes donning ethnic attires presented rhythmic recitals that were accompanied with vibrant traditional music.
Young dancers from the institute presented a number of Odissi recitals such as Basant Pallavi and Mangalacharan. With their graceful movements and rhythmic twirls in the air, the dancers showcased immense confidence.
On the concluding evening, artistes from the Aradhana Dance Academy gave an impressive display of Gotipua, the traditional art form that originated in Puri. The artistes showcased their command over the art form with swift feet movements and lively gesture. The acrobatics that accompanied the recitals left the audience fascinated.
Puja Jena from the Odissi Dance Academy presented a solo show, while Tapan Kumar Sahoo from the Utkal Sangeet Mahavidlaya staged recitals from all segments of the dance form. A duet performance by Susmita Biswal and Bidyangi Pattnaik from the academy also stood out.
Promoting a better environment, the organisers presented saplings to the guests instead of flower bouquets. "We have started this initiative to promote green gifts to the invitees. This gives a positive message to the audience and grooms the upcoming artistes on the small contributions that they could make for the society," said Mohapatra.
The audience also enjoyed the performances. "The dancers were dressed quite beautifully. The expressions of the young dancers were quite appealing," said Anuradha Mohanty, a 25-year-old engineering student.
