Bhubaneswar: A rich tapestry of Odissi dance unfolded at Bhanjakala Mandap as Dhrubatara Dance Academy, founded by Odissi dancers Guru Dusmanta Maharana and Guru Tagari Gain, celebrated its 12th Annual Function on Friday with captivating performances.
The evening got off to an auspicious start with the auspicious lighting the lamp ceremony attended by dignitaries including renowned eminent Odissi dance guru and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award recipient Guru Dr. Snehaprava Samantaray, celebrated Mardala maestro and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award recipient Guru Dhaneswar Swain and noted Odissi dance guru, educationist and recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award Guru Smt. Muktilata Pal. The institution’s president Prof. Dr. Viyatprajna Acharya, secretary Dusmanta Maharana and director Tagari Gain were also present on the dais.
The spotlight was then shifted to the felicitation ceremony. This year’s ‘Dhrubatara Samman’ was conferred on Guru Snehaprava Samantaray and Guru Dhaneswar Swain, in recognition of their outstanding contribution to Odissi dance and music.
The guests heaped praise on the academy for leaving no stone unturned in nurturing young talent and preserving Odisha’s priceless cultural heritage and wished it continued success in its journey of promoting classical arts.
The cultural segment commenced with an auspicious note with ‘Shiva Panchakam’, choreographed by Guru Gangadhar Pradhan presented by ten well-trained artistes of the institution under the direction by Guru Dusmanta Maharana and Tagari Gain, setting the tone for an enchanting evening.
Then eight junior artistes of the institution gracefully presented ‘Sakhi Go’, choreographed by Guru Dusmanta Kumar Maharana with music composed by Guru Nimakanta Routray. The piece won appreciative applause from the audience.
12 tiny tots then captivated the audience with their powerful performance of ‘Mani Bimane’.
Then 11 senior dancers raised the bar further with a spellbinding presentation of ‘Shankarabharana Pallavi’, the iconic choreography of Padma Vibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. Their performance was followed by ‘Ki Sobha Go Kunje’, presented by eight dancers, whose grace, synchronisation and expressive storytelling held the audience spellbound.
Another highlight of the evening was the pure dance item ‘Sthai’ presented by seven dancers. Their impeccable coordination and effective use of stage space made the item enjoyable.
Adding vibrant colours to the cultural extravaganza were the lively Sambalpuri folk dance ‘Ame Sambalpuria Phula Re’, followed by semi-classical and contemporary dance presentations, each receiving wide round of applause from art lovers.
All the performances were directed by Guru Dusmanta Maharana and Tagari Gain, and Seshadeva Ojha was the emcee of the evening.
Guru Maharana and guru Gain, disciples of Guru Kanduri Charan Behera, Guru Prof Nabakishore Mishra, Guru Leena Nanda, Guru Kumkum Mohanty and Guru Muktilata Pal, established Dhrubatara Dance Academy in 2014. Since then the institution has been working tirelessly to promote Odissi dance and Odisha’s rich cultural heritage through organizing festival, regular performances, workshops and structured training programmes.
Recognised performers of Doordarshan, both founders have nurtured the academy into a vibrant platform for aspiring dancers. Over the years, the academy has emerged as a platform for aspiring dancers under dedicated guidance of its founders, thanks to their unwavering efforts.
The successful celebration of the 12th Annual Function once again underlined Dhrubatara Dance Academy’s commitment to preserving and propagating the timeless legacy of Odissi, promising that this classical art form continues to flourish for generations to come.
