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 Pune's dance fraternity comes together in a grand showcase- Nrupa Somane-mail: nrupas@gmail.com Photos courtesy: SNSS April 27, 2026 Shastriya Nritya Samwardhan Sanstha (SNSS), founded in 2019 by eminent Gurus Shama Bhate, Maneesha Sathe and Sucheta Bhide Chapekar, has played a monumental role in Pune's emergence as a cultural hub for Indian classical dance forms. Over the years since its inception, SNSS has been instrumental in promoting and protecting the rich heritage of classical dance in Pune. Pune boasts of an extensive line-up of artistes across forms. Efforts by SNSS in organising dance festivals, collaborative productions and other events over the years have created an environment ripe for artistic enrichment.  The Pta. Rohini Bhate Nritya Mahotsav, named in honour of the legendary Kathak exponent Guru Rohini Bhate is one such initiative. On the 28th and 29th of March, SNSS along with the Cultural Department of Government of Maharashtra, in collaboration with Yuva Surajya Pratishthan organised this grand two-day dance festival. The festival brought together over 750 dancers from 34 Pune-based dance institutions. Now in its 4th year, the festival was a spectacular showcase featuring Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi and Sattriya.  Special performance of Vande Mataram A special performance, mentored by Guru Shama Bhate, commemorating '150 years of Vande Mataram' was presented by artistes from Nadroop (Kathak), Kalavardhini (Bharatanatyam) and Akanksha Odissi Nrityalaya (Odissi), representing the community of Pune dancers in a spirit of unity and collective expression. The festival was replete with remarkable performances, marked by technical clarity and artistic exposition - a treat for the audience. The grace and discipline of the gurus was evident in each student's performance, reflecting their distinct artistic personalities.  Nilima Adhye and senior students of Nrityabharati Nrityabharati Kathak Dance Academy, torchbearers of the Rohini Bhate gharana of Kathak, performed a composition written, composed and choreographed by their Guru titled "Bhole Shiv". If one reflects on the thought behind the composition - the choice of words, the chosen raga (Bairagi Bhairav), the choreography - one can get a taste of the genius that was Guru Rohini Bhate. Under the mentorship of director Neelima Adhye, senior students of Guru Rohini Bhate performed this serene, chant-like composition. Soft, tempered and graceful, they lived up to their Guru's legacy.  Nadroop Nadroop put forth a meticulous presentation, marked by precision and sharpness, under the guidance of Guru Shama Bhate, also a student of Guru Rohini Bhate. The young dancers presented a Chaturang, exploring patterns with clarity and control. Their performance reflected a strong grounding in technique while retaining a quiet confidence that allowed the choreography to speak for itself.  Maneesha Nrityalaya Another well-known Kathak institute in Pune, founded by Guru Maneesha Sathe, is Maneesha Nrityalaya whose presentation titled "Sargam" was elegant and tasteful, much like its Guru. The dancers were well synchronised, flawlessly executing their choreography. Seven colours representing the seven swaras, woven into a garland of six ragas—the 'Sargam' was a fine example of the grace and agility of Kathak.  Arundhati Patwardhan and students of Kalavardhini Just as Pune's dance heritage owes its origins to Guru Rohini Bhate's pathbreaking decisions, the Bharatanatyam dance scene in Pune certainly owes much to the pioneering spirit of Dr Sucheta Bhide-Chapekar. Her institute Kalavardhini's presentation "Abhaya: The Durga Within", led by her daughter Arundhati Patwardhan (Chairperson, SNSS), embodied this very spirit. Setting aside reductive interpretations of gods as mere idols to be worshipped, this Devi composition recognised and celebrated the strength of the divine feminine reflected in each of us. Colour-coded in reds and blacks, the choreography was brisk and energetic, yet retained a sense of soft fluidity, beautifully marrying the theme, intent and interpretation of the piece.  Tejaswini Sathe & Tanz Kathak Academy Cementing Pune's position in the world of dance with their performances, and leading and executing the various initiatives by SNSS, the next generation of dancers are not far behind. Tejaswini Sathe, student and daughter-in-law of Guru Maneesha Sathe, shone in her modern interpretation of "Trivat" along with her students of Tanz Kathak Academy. The group of dancers, moving as one, presented a musically and visually harmonious composition, which proved to be quite the crowd pleaser.  Leena Ketkar and Ketki Shah with students Leena Ketkar and Ketki Shah, students of Guru Shama Bhate, presented Malhar Chaturang. The choreography brought to life the season of rains, with a kavitt of an Abhisarika depicting the longing to meet her beloved. The dancers made apt use of tatkaar to create an illusion of the downpour, enhancing the evocative quality of the piece.  Rasika Gumaste and Akanksha Odissi Nrityalaya Akanksha Odissi Nrityalaya, under Rasika Gumaste's direction, presented a traditional Patadeep Pallavi, embodying grace and beauty. Originally choreographed by Guru Ratikant Mohapatra, Gumaste and her students presented it in their own unique style, highlighting the strengths of their tradition. Another aesthetic and meticulous presentation was by students of Prajakta Raj, who performed a Tarana, on the whole exuding a sense of refinement and musical sensitivity. The dancers with excellent coordination and clarity in execution, allowed the structure of the composition to come through effectively. A similarly well-executed presentation was noted by students of Suchitra Date (Vice-Chairperson, SNSS). Uniform and tasteful, the students of Nritya Prerana presented a Tillana with commendable synchronisation and clarity. Their neat formations and consistent energy complemented the piece well, keeping the presentation cohesive and clear. Smita Mahajan's institute Artitude presented 'Haripriya,' a composition written, composed and choreographed by Mahajan herself. A student of Dr. Sucheta Chapekar and known for her Marathi compositions, this piece underscores how Pune is carving a space of its own, with its own unique voice.  Roopak Nrityalaya Presenting an unusual choice in the otherwise predictable lineup was Manjiri Karulkar, whose Roopak Nrityalaya moved beyond the familiar to effectively bring to life V.D. Savarkar's Shastra Geet (an ode to weapons), offering a bold thematic departure. The use of apt costumes and linear movement vocabulary supported the thematic intent, lending the piece a distinct visual character.  Neha Muthiyan and Sonal Pendse with students The Devi's varied aspects were depicted in many compositions over those two evenings. Kathak artist Smriti Raj and her students presented a Durga stuti, describing her various rupas, while the Kalaketu school of Bharatanatyam presented a Mahakali keertanam. Neha Muthiyan and Sonal Pendse, students of Guru Shambhavi Dandekar, presented Devi Dhrupad, blurring the lines between nritta and sahitya, effectively highlighting the strengths of Kathak. While Nrutyasmi School of Kathak and Nrityavedh Kathak Nritya Sanstha both showcased Goddess Saraswati gracefully in a Vandana, Madhuri Apte's depiction of the various imagery and iconography associated with Goddess Saraswati was especially beautifully executed. Kalasakta presented a unique Trimata Kautvam. If female power was centre stage in the choice of compositions, her masculine counterpart Shiva was not far behind. Swati Datar's Swarada Nritya Sanstha performed a traditional Natesha Kautuvam. Choreographically rooted in the classical format, the performance stood out for its technical clarity and execution. Another technically strong and graceful presentation was put forth by Maneesha Abhay and her Sukruti Kathak Dance Academy, with the Shiva Panchakshara Stotra. The ease and grace showcased brought out the beauty of the words, the choreography seamlessly blending with the composition. Nrutyasharda Kathak Kala Mandir, Nrityati Nrityalaya, Moksha School of Dance, as well as students of Sukanya Kulkarni and Sunita Jamdade, presented beautiful compositions highlighting various aspects of Shiva. Other notable performances were put forth by Aakruti Nrutyalaya and Snehalalit Kala Kendra. Suvarna Bag's students performed a lively Tillana while Shilpa Datar and troupe presented a Jhula, bringing out the lyrical beauty of the composition. Mita Pathak's Hanuman Chalisa, Archana Patwardhan's Trivat, Nrutyanjali Nrutya Sanstha's Tillana and Nilima Deshpande's Narayana Stotra were well regarded.  Devika Borthakur and students Gayatri Ambekar's Nrityapriya Kuchipudi Dance Academy depicted a lively Krishna and his antics through "Neela Megha Shareera" Tarangam, capturing both playfulness and technical finesse. Devika Borthakur's Ramayana presentation by students of Adi School of Dance in the Sattriya style was an energetic yet graceful feature.  Geeta Chandran The festival also featured performances by Geeta Chandran and Dr Piyal Bhattacharya. Geeta Chandran and artistes of her institute Natya Vriksha, New Delhi, presented "Pravahati", exploring innovations within the traditions and vocabulary of Bharatanatyam. Her Tridhara Alarippu, Sakhiswaram and Raas were well appreciated by the audience.  Chidakash Kalalay Dr Piyal Bhattacharya and Chidakash Kalalay put forth 'Bhanak', a classical presentation rooted in Natya Shastra's Uparupaka tradition. While staying true to heritage practices of Sanskrit theatre, including costumes and instruments, the piece remained accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences. Akash Mallick and Rudraroop Mukhopadhyay were exceptional. As envisioned by SNSS, the Pta. Rohini Bhate Nritya Mahotsav, as one of the organisation's many initiatives, provided a prestigious platform to a large community of dancers. It was heartening to see the expansive lawns filled to capacity with an appreciative and learned audience. The festival concluded on a high note, upholding various dance traditions, celebrating artistic excellence, and reaffirming Pune's role as a significant cultural and educational centre.  Nrupa Soman is a Pune/Delhi based dancer, dance researcher and anchor of classical dance and music festivals. |
