New Delhi: The timeless grace of Odissi dance will take centre stage in the national capital on November 20 as Nrityashilp Guru Surendra Nath Jena Odissi Dance Foundation is all set to host its fifth edition of ‘International Odissi Dance Festival’ at Triveni Kala Sangam, Tansen Marg, from 6.30 pm onwards.
Promising an evening steeped in artistic brilliance, cultural heritage and devotion to the classical dance form, this year’s festival will bring together practitioners of the distinctive Odissi style pioneered by the late Guru Surendra Nath Jena from India and abroad.
They will offer their heartfelt shraddhanjali to late Guru Surendra Nath Jena while several artistes will perform some of the guru’s best choreographies as a fitting tribute to the maestro.
The attraction of the evening will be two international performers, Mellisa Sproul Singh (Parvati) from USA and Amrik Heyer from Kenya. Their participation promises to make the evening a vibrant celebration of Odissi’s growing global footprint.
One of the highlights of the evening will be the presentation of ‘Style Ambassador Award’ to the foundation’s best student.
Established in 2008 by Guru Pratibha Jena Singh, the Nrityashilp Guru Surendra Nath Jena Odissi Dance Foundation is dedicated to carrying forward the legacy of Guru Surendra Nath Jena by disseminating, educating and promoting his distinctive style of Odissi dance.
Based in New Delhi and managed by Acharya Raudri Singh Jena, the foundation has been instrumental in preserving, documenting and popularising this unique dance tradition. Over the years, it has carved out a niche for itself as a prestigious institution and nurtured numerous performing artistes and provided a platform for the exchange of artistic ideas through festivals, workshops and dance events.
The festival’s fifth edition promises to be more than just a showcase of classical dance. It will be a heartfelt celebration of a guru’s enduring legacy and the dedication of his disciples.
