we are aware that classical dance in India has evolved as an expression of devotion to a higher being. Odissi, one of the seven Indian classical dance forms, nurtured in the famous shrines of Odisha retains elements of both mahari and gotipua dance, striking a distinctive balance between grace and power.
Aruna Mohanty, a noted Odissi dancer and senior disciple of guru Gangadhar Pradhan and winner of many awards, presented an Odissi dance show steeped in devotional fervour. The show was remarkable for its lyricality and fine interplay of music and rhythm.
The acclaimed dancerbegan her performance, for Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha with an invocatory piece in the raga Charukesi (Ek tal) and Mohanam (tripada tal), goddess Durga, as one with golden radience holding “shanka-chakra,” an embodiment of the female energy. The exposition presented her virtuosity at its best and in the creative elaboration “khamaz” pallavi, that followed next, with soft, and melodious music, the soft blossoming forth of music and dance by the group was a treat to watch.
The Ramayana (navarasa) , conveyed through an episode from Ramayana - depicting sringara rasa ( joy of love), veerarasa (chivalry), hasya rasa ( humour and laughter), bhayanaka (fear), Karuna rasa (compassion), adbhutha rasa ( wonderment), bibhasta ( disgust) and raudra rasa (wrath) illustrated her aesthetic sensitivity. Her capacity to communicate subtle nuances of feelings, created an immediate empathy with the audience.
The ending piece “ bande matharam,” a dance composition, a sincere tribute to our mother land, which depicted the diversity of Odisha — thebeauty, greenery, intricate sculptures, tribal and folk culture and above all, the artist. It ended with a multimedia presentation which was a homage to supreme divinity Lord Jagannath.
Beginning withcoastal Odisha, it showcased the immortal sculptures of Konarak, inspiring Odissi dance, maritime voyage, representing the trade links and the famous car festival of “Lord Jagannath” .
The programme, conceived by Aruna Mohanty, revealed her creativity in choreography and excellence in dance forms.
