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 Mamta Raut Dance Festival - Vijay Shankar e-mail: vijaydance@gmail.com Photos courtesy: Madhumita Raut December 19, 2024 Mamta Raut Dance Festival was held in New Delhi on 29th and 30th November 2024. The festival, curated by Odissi exponent Madhumita Raut in loving memory of her mother Mamta Raut, late wife of Guru Mayadhar Raut, the doyen of Odissi dance, was a treat for the rasikas. The unique feature in this year's festival was that this year the focus was on presenting male dancers. The first evening opened with an invocation by the disciples of Madhumita Raut. It was followed by scintillating performances by Santanu Chakraborty, Shekhar Suman Majhi and Utkarsh Shankar Mishra. Bharatanatyam dancer Santanu Chakraborty presented Shiva Panchakshara Stotra. A power-house of abhinaya, Santanu gave a befitting start to the evening. His performance, a mesmerizing display of facial expressions, captivated the audience. It aptly displayed his emotional depth and his understanding of the hymn. The item was elaborately choreographed by Guru V. Krishnamoorthi.  Santanu Chakraborty  Shekhar Suman Majhi  Utkarsh Shankar Mishra Kathak dancer Utkarsh Shankar Mishra presented Ardhang, a composition based on Ardhanarishwar, composed by Pandit Birju Maharaj; sargam, set in raga Kalawati, showcasing an intricate blend of various jaatis including Tishra, Khand and Mishra set in three different rhythmic cycles - Ektaal, Jhaptaal and Taal Dhamar. This brilliant masterpiece has been composed by Pandit Birju Maharaj. The choreography for both the pieces has been meticulously structured under the guidance of his guru Dr. Raksha Singh. Utkarsh's entire presentation was a mesmerizing expression of his dedication to Kathak. The second day began with an invocation by Apoorva Das, disciple of Madhumita Raut. The evening further showcased spectacular Manipuri, Bharatanatyam and Odissi presentations by Chetna Wahengbamm, Marie Elangovan and Srimant Mishra respectively.  Apoorva Das  Chetna Wahengbamm  Marie Elangovan Marie Elangovan presented a scintillating Bharatanatyam recital. The moment she came on stage, the atmosphere was charged with profound beauty and grace. Marie commenced her Bharatanatyam presentation with "Aaj Ae Shyam Mohana," a soulful composition of Maharaja Swati Thirunal depicting Lord Krishna who performs the Rasleela with the gopis. In ragam Pahadi set to Misrachapu talam, the item was choreographed by Marie herself. Marie next presented "Madhura Madura Meenakshi," a composition dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, the presiding deity of Meenakshi Amman Temple of Madurai, composed by Swami Dayananda Saraswati. In ragam Bageshri set to adi Tishra Nadai talam, the choreography was by Marie Elangovan. The presentation reflected Marie's technical brilliance and emotional depth.  Srimant Mishra The festival concluded with an Odissi recital by Srimant Mishra. He presented an Odia abhinaya "Nachanti Range Shri Hari...", based on raga Arabi and tala Ektali, choreographed by Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, music composed by Pandit Bhubaneswar Mishra and dance direction by Guru Muktilata Pal. A dynamic dancer with flawless footwork, Srimant captivated the audience with his vibrant and energetic performance. Mamta Raut Dance Festival was organized by Jayantika, a non-profit organization to promote art and culture. This festival celebrates the works of classical dance Gurus and their promising students. It showcases the talent of the upcoming dancers alongside the dance presentations of the well-known dance exponents. It was curated by Odissi exponent Madhumita Raut, the inheritor and proponent of her illustrious father Guru Mayadhar Raut's dance legacy.  Vijay Shankar is a Kuchipudi and Kathakali exponent, teacher, bilingual journalist, arts critic and actor. |
