Infusing soul into dance
SARAT CHANDRA
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Meenakhi peformed under severe limitations and yet excelled.
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This is definitely one of the best time for classical Odissi dance, thanks to the number of artistes present in Orissa today. These artistes are talented men and women who are well-schooled in the style and have controlled dancing movements, accurate mudras, impeccable postures and an admirable sense of rhythm. Yet, there are not many who put their soul into their performances.
A few hurdles
On August 31, the performance by Meenakhi Behera clearly showed that she had infused her soul into the performance. The danseuse performed under several limitations that evening at the Jayadeva Bhaban in Bhubaneswar, the city municipal corporation was observing the local self-government day, and yet the artiste excelled.
A product of Bhubaneswar-based Utkal Sangeet Mohavidyalaya, where all the epoch-making Odissi dance gurus once taught, Meenakhi dances were choreographed by Minati Mishra, a renowned Odissi dancer who once was the principal of the that institute. The expressional piece, abhinaya, was based on an old song, dekhiba para asare prana sangini, describing the Radha-Krishna theme.
Here a love-struck gopi describes to her mates, who are equally awestruck, the immense charms of Lord Krishna that is enhanced by the his bejewelled persona. The sweet notes that he produces with his flute is equally captivating, but the name of Radha becomes distinct in the flowing notes.
Meenakhi's performance was superb: her facial expression, mudras and movements blended well to make adelectable harmony. She appeared grace personified with her soul radiating in her evocative performance.
The dancer's final item was based on a sloka that described the meditative aspect of Lord Shiva. Meenakhi performed this time as a part of Moksha, the final section of Odissi. And she appeared every bit immersed in the depth of her soul.
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