Odissi' of movement

Odissi dance is an epitome of fluid grace, lyrical beauty, sculptural sensuality and deep spirituality with curvaceous movements, sculptured poses and impeccable rhythm. Complemented by soulful music, this lyrical display casts a spell on spectators. This dance performance that will be held in the city promises an enchanting evening for all art lovers as noted young Odissi dancer, Madhulita Mohapatra and her acclaimed troupe, Nrityantar Dance Ensemble will bring to the stage the beauty and elegance of Odissi dance.

Her journey as a dancer began, “Just over eight years ago I moved to Bengaluru from Odisha. I was born at Bhawanipatna in Kalahandi district in the Western part of Odisha. The region is known for its lively and colourful tribal and folk art forms, Sambalpuri folk dance being so popular worldwide. Since childhood, I was mad about dancing. I have been performing this folk art form all over India since I was a kid,” explains Madhulita.

As for the show itself, it promises to bring Odissi dance alive, “The event promises an enchanting evening for all art lovers as my troupe and I will bring onto the stage the beauty and elegance of Odissi dance. Our close to one-and-half hour recital will include an invocatory dance titled Shivam Dhimahi in praise of Lord Shiva. I’ll also present choreography, a Pallavi based on Raga Janasammohini,” she adds.

All her troupe members call Madhulita, didi (elder sister) as a form of respect for their teacher and mentor.

One of the dancers who has been training under Madhulita for years, Paridhi Joshi, was attracted to this art form because of its sculpturesque beauty and lyrical movements. She says, “I was fortunate to have found Madhulita Didi and since then, there has been no looking back. With a heart of gold, she encourages and supports her students and ensures perfection is achieved. We have put together some new choreography which is surely going to keep the audience engaged and wanting more! The pieces will bring out both the Nritta and Abhinaya aspects of classical dance. We are looking forward to the festival, and hope to share and spread the joy of Odissi with the Bengalurean audience.”

The dancers in the troupe come from all walks of life and include people from Odisha, Bengaluru and Singapore. Sahana R. Maiya, a 32-year-old dancer with Nrityantar explains, “It took us over a month of practice to put together this piece; we had continuous rehearsals daily. Not many people are into cultural dance forms, and are shifting towards more Bollywood and Western. So, we definitely want more people to come and watch our show as it will be super encouraging for us.”