Confluence of dance forms at Sangam

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BHUBANESWAR: Odissi and Kathak performances were the highlights of an event organised at Rabindra Mandap Wednesday. The event, 13th of a series titled Sangam – confluence of dance forms –, saw a convergence of fresh and quality choreographic compositions in diverse dance styles. Since 2005, it has been a practice to hold this festival every year this month with two dance groups in two different forms appearing on the same platform to present recent and innovative choreographic works. While Odissi has been a constant at this platform, the other classical styles have been presented by turn. Renowned exponents of Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam, Manipuri and contemporary dance forms have alternately shared the stage with their new and innovative choreographies each year at this annual event. “For me, it has been a wonderful journey, an occasion each year, and it’s an exciting challenge creating a new group and a production to be premiered at the festival. Soon after the first edition, it became almost a ritual to start thinking about a new subject to compose for the next edition, and to draw inspiration for it from different and unexpected quar
ters,” says Ileana Citaristi, choreographer. Odissi dance form is performed by eminent dancers like Minati Mohaatra, Anindita Parida, Mousumi Mohapatra, Upasana Mohanty, Anjana Menon, Sagarika Mohanty and others. Poetry recital is done by Devdas Chhotray and music given by Annada Prasanna Pattnaik and Sachidananda Das. Kathak dance was presented by Nalini Kamalini and group, while music and choreography were offered by Guru Jitendra Maharaj. “Sangam is a confluence of different dance forms, every year. Two dance forms come together on one platform. This year, apart from Odissi by Art Vision, we chose Kathak dance by Nalini Kamalini and group from New Delhi and disciples of renowned Katha Maestro Guru Jitendra Maharaj of Varanasi Gharana for the city audience,” said Ileana.