Nritya Dhara: Festival to keep classical dance alive

The seventh edition of Nritya Dhara, a classical dance festival, was recently organized at the ICCR Auditorium, Azad Bhavan, New Delhi. The festival showcased four classical dance forms; Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kathak, and Kuchipudi. Despite the lack of numbers in the audience, the dancers put in their best efforts in propagating classical dance.

Rashmi Aggarwal's Bharatanatyam performance on the traditional piece 'Taan Varna' was well-etched and deftly choreographed. Rashmi must be credited for her innovative treatment of the piece. Odissi danseuse Sarita Mishra depicted the five elements of life. This was followed by a Kathak display by danseuse Sangita Chatterjee, whose pirouettes and swift movements drew applause from the audience.

Established Kuchipudi exponent Meenu Thakur mesmerized the audience with an assemblage from the Kuchipudi dance drama Bhamakalapam. She essayed both the roles of Satyabhama, the consort of Lord Krishna and Madhavi, with ease.

The concluding performance 'Tarangam' in which Thakur balanced herself on the rim of a brass plate, was a delightful spectacle, and the highlight of the festival. The festival was graced by renowned Gurus Padma Bhushan Saroja Vaidyanathan, Sharon Lowen, Pandit Jai Kishen Maharaj, among others.