DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
JAMMU, Nov 25
Nrityanjali A premier Classical Dance Academy of Jammu presented a mesmerizing Evening of Classical Dances at Nritya Utsav 23, today 25 November 23, at Abhinav Theatre Jammu in its Annual Day Function.A well designed and choreographed captivating Nritya Utsav ’23 showcased the rich heritage of classical dance tradition of India and also highlighted the talent of youth of Jammu and need for their proper training under the mentorship of a Guru in Guru Shishya Parampara.
The evening commenced with a soulful Ganesh Vandana composed and vocally presented by Rajkumar Kumar Behrupia, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of Pakhawaj by Guru Parshotam Kumar, Tabla by Vijay Kumar, and Sitar by Dr.Anjul Mittal. Renowned, Kathak Guru & choreographer, Dr.Priya Dutta, orchestrated a captivating performance featuring talented dancers Shivam Shukla and Aanandita Dutt. The live Kathak performance by the sub-junior and junior groups of Nrityanjali showcased a myriad of classical dance elements, including Nritya Hastak, Tukra, Tora, Paran, Kavit, Gat, and Tihais. Participants in this segment included Adya Dhamanodiya, Aarvi Mahajan, Agamya Billowria, Arya Billowria, Jyoti Kumari, Kangana Kachroo, Mishita Bhushan, Aaradhya Mahajan, Aadya Sharma, Maithili, Naamya Mangotra, Pranvi Sanga, Raaga Sharma, Ridhi Sharma & Ridhul. Following this, the audience was treated to a soul-stirring Sufi dance, conceptualized and choreographed by Dr.Priya Dutta, featuring Aanandita Dutt, Sumukhi, Sonakshi Singh, and Priyal Kachroo. The intermediate group of Nrityanjali presented a traditional Kathak performance, featuring expressions of Aamad, Uthan, Tora, Tukra, Paran, Kavita, and Tehais by Swara Sharma, Sonakshi Singh, Sumukhi, Aadeesha Kapoor, Aadhya Kapoor, Priyal Kachroo, Spriha Sharma, Ojasvi Gupta, were among the accomplished participants. The senior group showcased the cultural kathak fusion with Famous Dogri songs of Lata Mangeshkar. Performance leaving the audience captivated.
The fusion seamlessly blended traditional elements with contemporary flair, showcasing the versatility of the dancers, including Shivani Kapoor, Ankita Yadav, Sonia Devi, Manu Saini, Simpy Devi & Preeti Langeh.
Adding a touch of Bollywood to the evening, the students presented a Kathak performance on popular songs, accompanied by expressive storytelling. Noteworthy performance were given by Nidhi kumari, Kanchan Bharti, and Srishty, with additional Padhant & was choreographed by Dr.Priya Dutta. The grand finale featured a breathtaking Kathak subsonic performance by 17 talented students, showcasing the culmination of their dedication and training.
Earlier Distinguished guests, including the Chief Guest, Vivekanand Rai IRS Director Tourism Jammu, Guest of Honour, Zabeer Ahmad Director CSIR-IIIM, Special Guest Founder Chairperson Maharaja Hari Singh Foundation Dr. Kuwrani Ritu Singh and Prof Lalit Mangotra, who was preside over the function lightened the traditional lamp accompanied by Director Rangyug Deepak Kumar and Honorary Director Nrityanjali Dr Priya Dutta . Both the directors presented planted pots to the distinguished guests.
The welcome address was delivered by Deepak Kumar Director Rangyug which was followed by the projection of a Documentary based on the different activities and performances given throughout the year 2022 to 2023.
All the distinguished guests expressed their admiration for the performances.
They highlighted the event as the dawn of a new era for Kathak dance in Jammu. The evening concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Dr.Priya Dutta.
The function concluded with the distribution of Participation Certificates by the Distinguish guest to all the participants. The proceedings of the event were ably conducted by Sh. Rajkumar Behrupia.
Nritya Utsav 23 was witnessed by a large number of audience including dignitaries, members of civil society of Jammu, artists and the parents of all the participants. Nrityanjali- A Classical Dance Academy continues to inspire and promote the rich cultural heritage of classical dance kathak, marking Nritya Utsav 23 as a significant milestone in the realm of artistic excellence.
