It was an occasion to remember—for about 10 small children who made their debut on the dance stage a day before the Independence day at the Chancery Pavillion on Residency road.
The occasion was the launch of the junior performing unit of Nritarutya Dance Trust and, according to choreographer Mayuri Upadhya, these children studying in different schools are aspiring dancers and they regularly did rehearsals for nearly two to three hours after attending classes.
They presented two exclusive items for a select gathering on a makeshift stage near the hotel’s swimming pool. These items were choreographed by Mayuri and Rima Kallingal, both established dancers of Nritarutya. “They have also learnt nuances of stage presentation apart from different dance techniques,” says Mayuri.
The children, with colourful costumes,  performed two theme-based dance pieces.
They began with a traditional theme on lord Krishna. The Govinda, depicted Krishna's different avatars and his playful antics. The choreography was contemporary, based on Bharatanatyam and martial arts techniques.
The second composition, named Panchatantra, is a dance adaptation of a story from Panchatantra tales. The story is  of a foolish rabbit who thinks the sky is falling on him. It spreads the panic among others too. Finally, the king of the jungle, the Lion himself gets to know and resolves the chaos among his subjects. This composition was also based on Bharatnatyam techniques and contemporary movements.
The children are in the age group of 9 to 13 and the occasion also marked the 7th anniversary of Nritarutya.