A visually mesmerising treat for dance lovers

Showcasing the different classical dance forms – Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam and Odissi – the first edition of Nritya Darpan was organised by Suramya, an Institution of Performing Arts, at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The highlight of this festival was Simhanandini Natyam, a Kuchipudi performance by Meenu Thakur. Meenu has been trained in this unique 'Natyam' by Guru Voleti Rangamani, the daughter of Guru C R Acharya. In Simhanandini, the dancer sketches a lion, the 'Simhavahanam' or the mount of the Mother Goddess Durga, while dancing on a white cloth spread over red coloured powder. Meenu deftly sketched the 'Simhavahana' as the audience was left spellbound by her speed and skill.

Purnashree Raut, eminent Odissi exponent from Raipur, who has devoted her life to the propagation of Odissi, was flawless in her performance based on Jayadeva's Geet Govindam. The Bharatanatyam performance by danseuse Rashmi Aggarwal, who represents the younger generation of dancers, was appreciated. Rashmi performed a Javali and a Bhajan.

Vani Madhav and disciples performed Bhajami Vindyavasini in Odissi style. Vani was energetic and well supported by the accompanying dancers.

The occasion was graced by Arun Goel, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Rishi Vashisht, Director, CCRT, and other eminent classical dance Gurus like Prathibha Prahlad, Ranjana Gauhar, Jayalakshmi Eshwar and Nalini-Kamalini.