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Bhubaneswar, July 22: Odissi is certainly a way of life in Orissa. It’s not just a dance form. It defines the cultural identity of the coastal state. Orissa has also been home to some exceptional Odissi dancers. It is undoubtedly one of the most important classical dance forms in the state. In an Oriya household, girls and boys learning Odissi is a common affair. But, things have changed now. Today, there are dancers who chose to take the path less trodden. Consequently, other classical dance forms like Kathak and Bharatnatyam are also getting popular in the state. This transition was well-reflected at the ongoing India International Dance Festival (IIDF) at Bhanja Kala Madap. Several Oriya dancers are performing other classical dance forms on the stage. Bharatnatyam dance has picked up momentum in the state. A Rourkela-based dance group mesmerised the audience
with their scintillating solo and group Bharatanatyam performances. Dancer Rashmita Rani Lakra is one of the new age Oriya Bharatnatyam stars.
“Initially, I learnt Odissi. I learnt it for a month. However, I got attracted to Bharatnatyam soon. My parents insisted that I should continue learning Odissi. But, I was
keen on learning Bharatnatyam. So, I searched for a Guru in Rourkela and I found one, luckily!
I wanted to do something different,” Lakra said. “I feel Bharatnatyam is more aggressive than Odissi. Thus, I got attracted to its fast rhythm. There are many dancers who want to learn other dance forms. But, they suffer due to lack of opportunities,” she added. If Lakra opted for Bharatnatyam, Poonam Nayak found Kathak to be more interesting than Odissi. She performed at IIDF, Friday. “I like the whole concept of Kathak. We
can compose our own music. The bells in my anklet ring and produce music on stage, even if there is no music in the background,” Nayak said. Unfortunately, it is hard to find a Guru for the other dance forms in the land of Odissi. “There are many dancers, who want to learn other dance forms. But, the lack of scope forces them to stick to only one dance form. When I was studying in Orissa, I saw my friends learning only Odissi,” she added. “There is no doubt that Odissi is a great classical dance form. But, I feel that there is no harm in exploring other options. Parents should encourage their kids to learn and try something new. I am lucky that my parents encouraged me to try a different thing. I have also learnt Salsa, Zumba and other dance forms,” she added. Laxminarayan Jena is another young male Kathak dancer from Orissa, who is gaining popularity in the country.
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