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| Photo courtesy: Leelangika |
Shakti – a performance depicting feminine power by the Muscat-based Kathak
dance group, Leelangika, was presented at the Auditorium of the Oman Convention
and Exhibition Centre on 23rd November to a full house.
Although
a classical Indian dance form, Kathak has moved away from temples and courts and
has blossomed in national and international arenas.
At
Leelangika, dedicated pupils are guided by their dance guru, Jhumpa
Chakraborty, who was recently awarded the title of Natya Sharadi for her
contribution to the field of dance. Jhumpa is also a member of the
International Council of Dance which is a part of UNESCO. Leelangika’s
performers have also excelled in their presentations overseas. Earlier this
year, at the Dance World Cup held in Canada, Leelangika’s young disciples along
with their guru, won several medals and also the Crystal Trophy for highest
score in three categories.
The
evening began as the guest of honour, Prof Dr Issam El Mallah, who teaches
Ethnomusicology at the University of Munich and is also an Adviser to the Board
of Directors for Programming and Events at the Royal Opera House in Muscat,
lighted the auspicious lamp. He lauded the efforts of the communities who
strive to preserve their cultural arts and encouraged the young generation of
dancers.
A
presentation of international certification was then made to some students of
Leelangika from the International Dance Council.
In
the present social schema in which women all over the world are realizing the
true potential and power of their individual and collective voices, Shakti,
which means Strength, comes as a timely inspiration for young women of the new
generation.
Each
dance module in Shakti was meticulously composed by Jhumpa and skillfully
taught to her disciples who brought her noble efforts to fruition. The
performers were – Anika, Diya, Dishita,
Jahnabi , Juana , Suhana , Sinchan , Rupsa, Anna, Ananya, Anushka, Forum, Kena,
Purvi, Rutuja, Sangamitra, Aditi Guru, Aviva, Manvi, Mitali, Maheeka, Sehar , Shaivi
, Shreya , Vyatiba , Aditi Bahuguna, Zanam, Shrabosti, Sasha, Geetika,
Anushaily, Dona, Mahua, Preeti, Rashmi, Vidya, and Dilna.
The
first part of the programme included an invocation to the divine. The Guru
Vandana, an energetic rendition by Aditi Guru, set the pace for the evening. It
was followed by Saraswati Vandana in which the youngest dancers in the group
brought forth tiny lamps balanced carefully in their cupped hands. These lamps
lined the outer edge of the podium for the rest of the evening invoking
guidance from Goddess Saraswati through the performances that unfolded.
Next,
young dancers in batches, depending on the number of years they had practiced,
presented Kathak Nritya in three variations – Teental with 16 beats, Jhaptal
with 10 beats, and Dhamar with 14 beats. The undulating folds of silken
hemlines in shades of red and gold mesmerized the audience as they kept time
with the intensive footwork and chakkars or spins.
The
final part of the programme had vibrant themes related to feminine power,
catchy musical scores and a variety of ethnic costumes. A tribute to the
motherland, Vande Mataram, had a theme of blue, white, saffron, and green
costumes, and was rendered by Jhumpa and her senior disciples.
Drawing
inspiration from Nature, solo, duet and group dances explored the theme of
strength through elements of Nature – rain, clouds, thunder, and sunlight. They also brought to life mythological
stories of Mother Goddesses – Ganga, Parvati, Kali, and Durga. The stories of Radha-
Krishna, and those of nayikas who adorn themselves and wait for their beloved,
displayed the distinctively feminine strength and belief in the power of love.
Vibrant fusion music saw young performers dance to ‘Jiya re jiya’ – a highlight
of the evening that brought an infectious happiness to the audience.
The
evening ended with a dramatic presentation on the strength of the female
victims of today’s society who fight back those who harass them. As the
protagonist of the story, Shrabosti exhibited her brilliant acting skills
coupled with the grace of this dance form. The show came to a close as Jhumpa,
one of the participants, gave a hand to help the girls who had collapsed after
fighting their oppressors, and led them into a bright new world where Shakti –
the feminine power reigned supreme and the future held hope.
(Parts of this report were published in the
Muscat Daily and The Times of Oman)
