BHUBANESWAR: A panel discussion on ‘Folk dances of Odisha- problems and preservation’ was organised at Utkal Rangamancha auditorium Odissi Research Centre in Jaydev Vihar here Thursday.
The discussion was led by four panelists – noted Odissi singer Sangeeta Gosain, renowed Odissi dancer Meera Das, popular Odissi soloist Rahul Acharya and folk dance researcher and choreographer Rabi Ratan Sahu. The discussion was on analysing the issues pertaining to folk dances of the state and steps to ensure their preservation.
Dance is one of the earliest recorded human activities of the world that is still surviving today. Starting with instinctive movements, as a reaction or psychic situations, via the first shaped and repeated rhythmic movements, men started to experience dance as a possible means of expression of individual and collective feelings.
Odissi dance is always considered as an integral part of our culture worldwide. The state of Odisha is as rich in its dance forms as it is in natural resources. Odisha is home to as many as 19 types dance forms. Sambalpuri, Odissi, Gotipua, Mahari, Chaiti Ghodanacha, Bagha Nacha, Chhau and Paika Nacha among others are some of the notable ones.
However, in the age of technological advancements, these rich dance forms are fading gradually. In ancient and medieval eras, folk dance one of the many sources of entertainment in rural areas. These points were elucidated in the panel discussion which was attended by students of various art, music and dance institutions of the city.
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