Kirtee Abhipsha whose maiden stage performance enthralled hundreds of spectators wants to become a doctor and learn Odissi with due diligence
Six-year-old Kirtee Abhipsha has performed in around 230 stage shows in a little over three years. Kirtee, a Class I student of Kendriya Vidyalaya at Choudwar in Cuttack, lives with her maternal aunt, as her parents are based in Orilo. At a young age she has taken training in Odissi, folk and modern dances. In 2013, she delivered her first stage performance in which she got a standing ovation.
Kirtee in Odissi attire resembles a cute doll. Asked about her feelings at the moment she received a roaring cheer from the audience after her first stage performance, she said: “Initially, I was nervous but once I got into the rhythm of the act I forgot everything and started enjoying my dance. I received a standing ovation which encouraged me greatly.”
Dwelling on her fascination for the art form and how she started dancing Kirtee said: “I remember I started dancing at a tender age. I was always hooked to dancing and noticing my interest and dedication my guardians enrolled me in a dance institute. That’s how my journey began.”
The six-year-old doesn’t have a second to waste as all her time is spent on different activities. She wakes up at 5 in the morning and goes for a walk with her aunt. On the way she memorises the chapters her teachers have asked her to. After coming back home she freshens up and practices two dance numbers before preparing herself for school. After returning from school she takes an hour’s nap and spends some time after that with her friends.
Kirtee’s aunt Swapna Nayak said her niece is a devotee of Lord Jagannath. “Abhipsha is a great devotee of Lord Jagannath, so much so that she calls herself a child of Lord Jagannath. Recently, she performed on Bahuda Yatra and was very excited. She stands out for her incredible self-confidence, amazing grace and spontaneity that make her dance so special. She never looks tired or forced to dance, even if she has to do back-to-back performances.”
Swapna who refers to Kirtee as a small wonder said the Class I student is a perfectionist and responsible child who manages her school and extra-curricular activities well. Her teachers support her a lot.
A number of reality shows have grabbed the attention of audiences and many parents are eager that their children participate in these shows. Swapna said: “We want her to take part in reality shows, as they are a platform for talented kids to come under the spotlight. However, she is too young and we will prod her to participate only after a certain age.”
Kirtee excels in fine arts as well as academics. She has participated in a couple of modelling contests and advertisements in the past. The lasso of many talents wants to become a doctor but wants to pursue Odissi too.
Kirtee, the apple of her parents’ eyes, is a greenbelt and has bagged prizes in many inter-school karate competitions.
Abhipsha, lovingly called Angel by her parents, is friendly in nature. She loves to watch ‘Nupur’, a reality show, in her free time.
Achievements
Kala Rana Puraskar, Sambalpur- 2014
Nila Shila Samman, Bhubaeswar-2015
Ama Odisha award, Cuttack- 2016
Devadasi award, Cuttack- 2016
Shabiha Nur Khatoon