Bhubaneswar: In a first, Odisha’s cultural capital, Bhubaneswar witnessed its first-ever ticketed classical dance performance, ‘Pravritti’, presented by ‘Samakalpa’—an initiative by two passionate dancers, Arpita Pany and Sonali Mohanty.
The event, held at Utkal Rangamanch, marked a significant departure from the city’s long-standing tradition of free-entry classical dance shows. With classical performances held almost every other day in the city, the concept of charging for a classical recital is a rarity.
Theatre groups have occasionally flirted with the idea, but this marks the first bold step by classical dancers, heralding a new era of valuing the arts.
The who’s who of the classical arts fraternity graced the event, including luminaries like Guru Dr Ratikant Mohapatra, Guru Pranati Mohanty, Guru Sikata Das, Guru Dr Pitambar Biswal, Guru, Meera Das, Pandit Nityanand Mishra, Guru Bharat Charan Giri, Guru Sujata Mohapatra and Dr Shyamhari Chakra.
Their presence not only lent gravitas to the event but also signified strong support for this pioneering initiative.
The evening opened with an evocative Odissi performance by Rudraprasad Swain, who brought alive the soul of Mayadhar Mansingh’s poem in ‘Varsa Viraha’, portraying a lover pining in separation. Swain’s choreography, paired with music by Guru Sukant Kumar Kundu, rhythm by Guru Bijay Kumar Barik and ukuta by Guru Dhaneswar Swain instantly struck an emotional chord with the audience.
He followed it up with ‘Abhimanyu’” a gripping retelling from the Mahabharata, capturing the tragic heroism of Arjuna and Subhadra’s son. The narrative, brought to life through Swain’s powerful abhinaya, was supported by music composed by Rupak Kumar Parida, rhythm by Guru Bijay Kumar Barik and script by Er. Srinibas Ghatuary.
A promising dancer, Rudraprasad was Initiated into Gotipua dance at a tender age of 5, and proved himself to be a child prodigy. Subsequently he took up Odissi Dance under the tutelage of the legend,Padmashree Guru Sri Gangadhar Pradhan at Orissa Dance Academy. He was further refined into a versatile and dynamic dancer under the guidance of Padmashree Guru Smt. Aruna Mohanty.
A recipient of Senior National Scholarship from the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, a graded artiste of Doordarshan and an empanelled artiste of Spic Macay as well as Routes 2 Roots, Rudraprasad has performed at various prestigious festivals in India and abroad.
Currently, he runs his own institute of Odissi Dance in Bhubaneswar, ‘Sanchari’.
Next to enthrall the audience was celebrated Bharatanatyam exponent Harinie Jeevitha, who has been setting stages alight since her arangetram in 2006.
A disciple of Dr. Sheela Unnikrishnan, Harinie’s recital was a seamless blend of technique and emotion. She began with ‘Varadarajam Upasmahe’, a devotional piece steeped in the grandeur of Brahmotsavam rituals at Varadaraja temple, Kanchipuram, followed by the dramatic ‘Varnam’, the mythological ‘Gajendra Moksham’, and a spirited ‘Thillana’.
Her nuanced abhinaya and effortless precision drew admiration from connoisseurs and casual spectators alike.
Having her Arangetram in 2006, Harinie has had the opportunity to perform for esteemed Sabhas such as The Music Academy, Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, Narada Gana etc. An A grade artiste of Doordarshan, Harinie has presented about 70 solo Bharathanatyam performances so far, with performing all over India and in Norway, Singapore, Muscat, Canada, Sydney, Melbourne and Sri Lanka.
‘Pravritti’ is more than just a performance—it’s a mission. Conceptualized to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, the festival aims to draw younger audiences into the classical fold.
By fusing creativity with traditional roots, Arpita and Sonali seek to make classical dance both relatable and revered in contemporary society.
Dr Mrutyunjay Rath was the anchor of the evening.
Arpita is a software professional; by passion, a nationally recognized Odissi dancer with over two decades of experience. A disciple of Guru Dr. Pitambar Biswal, she is a scholarship holder from the Ministry of Culture and the CCRT, and a critical favorite in the dance community.
Sonali, equally devoted to the craft, is currently training under Guru Smt. Madhulita Mohapatra at the renowned Nrityantar Academy in Bengaluru. Having started her journey at age 7 in Cuttack, she has learned under illustrious gurus like Bharat Charan Giri and Meera Das. A “B” graded artist of Doordarshan and a Master’s degree holder in Performing Arts from Sri Sri University, Sonali is also a key member of the Nrityantar Ensemble.
Together, Arpita and Sonali are charting a bold new course for classical dance—one that respects the past, embraces the present, and dances confidently into the future.
