Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, April 11: The 5th Annual Cultural Programme Katha, a dance programme comprising dance recitals in the Kathak style of classical dance organised by Kathak Dance Academy, enthralled visitors to the Soochana Bhawan here Saturday.
Around 56 Kathak dancers from the academy performed various styles of Kathak recitals which included Tritaal, Ek Taal, Tarana, Shiv Vandana, Saraswati Vandana, Jhaap Taal, Thumri, Rupak Taal and Banshi Bata which left the audience asking for encores.
The dance items were characterised by their adherence to various rhythmic patterns, perfection in the quick spins or chakkara, and the footwork that is so typical of Kathak. Apart from dance on pure raag and taal, the groups also performed on Hindi songs and semi-classical songs which received huge applause from the audience. Veteran artiste from the Lucknow gharana of Kathak Jhuma Mukherjee, who is the founder of the Kathak Dance Academy, has been imparting training to the artistes for the last few years.
Legendary actor and former minister of state Prasant Nanda attended the programme as chief guest along with noted Odissi dancer Meera Das. Eminent Odissi dancers from the city and other notable personalities from the field of other dance forms also attended the event.
“There are many dance institutes that teach Odissi dance but it is a good thing that a dance institute that is meant exclusively for Kathak dance has been established in the city. It will be a great opportunity for young students who want to learn the dance form apart from Odissi”, said Sabita Sahoo, who had come to watch the programme.
