Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

Orissa folk artistes steal the show

Photo: K.R. Deepak

In sync: Artistes presenting Sambalpuri dance at a programme held in the city on Sunday. —

VISAKHAPATNAM: Groups from Orissa presented the vibrant Sambalpuri and Chhau traditional folk dance at the cultural night organised by the Utkal Sanskrutik Samaj on Sunday.

Artistes from the Swarnachuda Chhau Institute of Nilgiri from Orissa presented the ‘paika’ dance or the dance by soldiers, a vigorous and energetic Chhau dance.

This traditional dance form originated in the mock fights of the Oriya paikas (warriors) who fought rhythmically to the accompaniment of indigenous music instruments.

This was followed by a colourful Sambalpuri dance performance by artistes of Sanskrutika of Padampur in Orissa.

The performance depicted the transition of a village girl into a newly-wed woman. The traditional dancers had their own flavour as they gave a live song and dance performance.

The group artistes showcased various facets of Oriya culture through the traditional dance forms. The post harvest festival of ‘Nuakhai’ was finely put forth through a Sambalpuri dance performance.

Chhau dancers presented the traditional buffalo fight of ‘Jodi Ranga Panda’, a sport patronised by small kings and tribal leaders.

Earlier, performances of classical Odissi dance and a devotional Oriya group dance were presented that was choreographed by Arati Haldar, Sulagna Panigrahi and Pranati Mishra.

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