Eclectic mix of classical and contemporary

With an aim to bring together established and upcoming talents, gurus and students on the same platform,  Sadhya –a unit of performing arts recently celebrated World Dance Day by organising two-day event No Boundaries-IV in association with Sangeet Natak Akademi and Indian Habitat Centre.

The event conceptualised by Santosh Nair saw a mix of solo, duo, trio and group performances with the blend of classical and contemporary dance forms.

The festival opened with the Nataraj and Mayurbhanj Chhau by Colombia-based Caroline Prada, disciple of Janme Joy Saibabu. Sanjib Bhattacharya, disciple of Bipin Sinha performed Manipuri dance and Vrinda Chadha Odissi.

Disciples of Santosh Nair, Rishi and Neha Sharma presented a contemporary dance act.

Kathakali by Vishnupriya Marar, disciple of Evoor Rajendran Pillai and Kathak by Amit Khimchi, disciple of Rajendra Gangani left the audience awestruck as the two dancers showcased their brilliant footwork.

The ardent fans of different dance genres also enjoyed duet/trio dance forms in Odissi by Guru Ranjana Gauhar’s students, Kathak by disciples of Guru Rajendra Gangani-Piyush Chauhan and Preeti Sharma, Bharatanatyam by disciples of Guru Jayalakshmi Eshwar, Mohiniyattam by disciples of Guru Jayprabha Menon and many more.

The day ended with a Bharata-natyam performance by Ganapati Tanam, disciple of Saroja Viadyanathan.

The second day was once again a treat for dance lovers. The programme started with a Manipuri recital by Sanjib Bhattacharya and Group followed by Odissi dance performance by disciples of Ranjana Gauhar.

Bhavini Misra-Urshila Dance Company presented a contemporary act. Mehar Malik of India’s Got Talent fame presented belly dance.

The festival also included performances on international dance forms. Students of Delhi Dance Theatre group presented jazz, ballet and contemporary acts. Charlie, Popinticko and Sandeep did mind-blowing stunts in their hip-hop act.

On the occasion Santosh Nair said, "World Dance Day, presents an eclectic mix of traditional, classical and contemporary dance styles, performed together by various dance companies under one roof, as a token of love and appreciation to all passionate followers of the art called Dance.

After the successful completion of this year, we are looking forward to more participation from artistes and funders next year.”

Padmabhushan Saroja Vaidyanathan, who has been a part of the festival since its inception said, “Way back in 2011 we started with three-four dance companies and one venue, but today it is doing tremendously well.”