BHUBANESWAR: In an attempt to spot hidden talents at the grass-root level, city-based cultural institution Devdasi Nrutya Mandir has decided to launch an annual State-level Odissi dance competition among young dancers in April this year.

Institution secretary Jagabandhu Jena said that the competition would be organised in the city in the third week of April after the school examinations are over.

The competition would be held in three groups, he said and added that four best winners of each group would be awarded cash prizes while each competitor would be issued certificate of participation.

Toppers

Toppers of each group would also be offered an opportunity to perform in the annual national Devdasi dance festival being held in Bhubaneswar, Jena said.

``While there has been a phenomenal growth in number of aspiring Odissi dancers in the State, there is hardly any adequate platform for them to showcase their talent. As a result there is a growing frustration among them. It will be our attempt to spot the talents and nourish them by providing them proper platforms,'' Jena added.

Efforts were on to give scholarships to poor and talented dancers, he said.

Application forms for the competition will be available at the Orissa Modern Art Gallery in Forest Park here from February 1.

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