Dance Jathre 2008 - a celebration of dance  
- Shanti Mullick, Bangalore 

November 4, 2008 
 
Dance Jathre, the two-day dance fair held at Chitrakala Parishad, Bangalore on October 4 and 5, 2008, an effort to bring performing artistes of all genres from classical to contemporary on a common platform, was quite a success. It was a perfect occasion for performing artists as well as dance connoisseurs in appreciating the essence of various classical dance forms of the country. Those organising the event, Shambhavi School of Dance, the volunteers, and Vyjayanthi Kashi in particular, deserve accolades for their efforts in making the event such a success.  

The venue Chitrakala Parishad provided a perfect ambience for the event. I chanced upon this visit to the Jathre, found so many informative materials on classical dances at one place, books, write-ups, CDs, ornaments, costumes, information on dance courses and schools etc. For a dance enthusiast like me, these two days were perhaps the best times of my life. Because of my other engagements, I could only see evening performances and missed out all other interesting events during the day. There were open try-out sessions, dance competitions and workshops on dance which I wish I had attended. For me it was a great feeling to be surrounded by so many people whose love of dance was so apparent that it became infectious. During the jathre, I had the opportunity to interact with many dancers and dance lovers like me. We discussed our love for dance, scopes and concerns in the field. 

Two evenings of beautiful dancing, and performances in Bharatanatyam, Mohiniattam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Odissi and contemporary, were a lavish feast for the eyes. Some of the performances and dancers were amazing. The contemporary presentation 'Rhythm of Ocean,' a touching peace ballet by John Devraj and group, an interesting Odissi duet item dedicated to Konark Temple with one pretty good dancer in it, and performances by Deepak Mazumdar and Gopika Verma were impressive and delightful.  

It was wonderful to see so much talent at the fair with varying abilities working so well with each other. I'm sure Dance Jathre had a great effect on them, their skills, confidence and knowledge of dance. For me, it was a wonderful experience to witness such an event, so many dance forms, amazing dancers, and great performances.