The 6th Nritya Milan dance festival organized by Odissi Natya Sala, New Delhi on 21 December at the Stein Auditorium showcased a wide variety of India classical dance as well experimental dance. The evening started off with a Odissi choreography by Anita Babu and performed by her senior disciples titled Jyotirgamaya on the topic of menstrual hygiene and the taboo around it which was well appreciated by the audience. The choreography by Anita Babu showed influence of her legendary Guru Padmashree late Gangadhar Pradhan and was very effective in communicating the message. This was followed by Kathak performance by Vidushi Vidha Lal and her team and it was quite evident from the performance as to why Vidha Lal is considered one of the best young Kathak dancer.
The next performance was by the Shreeswati Dance Company founded by the young duo of Shree Ram Sankhla and Swati Shisodia who presented SARVESHWARAYA – an Indian multi style dance production on Shiva. It was a very innovative blend of Mayurbhanj Chhau and Kathak with lot of acrobatic moves which enthralled the audience. The festival ended with Guru Balakrishna Marar’s team of dancers from Vishnupriya Natyala presenting an unique piece titled Shivihom which revolves around Lord Shiva in different art forms. It was an amalgamation of Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi and fold which was very colorful and vibrant.
Overall the selection of artists by Anita Babu was well thought of and the audience were enthralled by watching the 4 unique performances. The guests of honor at the event were Amarendra Khatua (ex DG ICCR), Padmashree Geeta Mahalik, Gitanjali Lal and Santosh Nair. Anita Babu founded Odissi Natya Sala in Delhi in 1999 and since then has established itself as the leading Odissi dance school in Delhi/NCR.
