Tapasaya Foundation, in collaboration with Lightsense Art Foundation, was delighted to announce the “RENAISSANCE” dance festival, which graced the prestigious Triveni Auditorium on April 12. Festival directors Milind Srivastav and Ajay Bhatt were eager to unveil their vision and mission behind this cultural extravaganza.
The “RENAISSANCE” dance festival aimed to foster a deeper appreciation of art and culture within society, particularly uplifting underprivileged individuals possessing remarkable talent but lacking avenues to showcase their artistry. This festival served as a platform to empower budding artists and provided them with the opportunity to display their dance prowess and dedication.
The festival’s lineup promised a captivating fusion of traditional and contemporary dance performances. Dr Pallavi Lohani enchanted the audience with her Kathak performance, epitomizing the essence of Devi Durga. Renowned Kathak artists such as Himani Gautam, Gaurav Javda, and Deepak Javda, guided by Dr Rekha Mehra, presented a mesmerizing “Taraana,” showcasing the intricate techniques of the Kathak dance form.
Acclaimed Odissi dancer Sushant Maharana showcased the rich cultural heritage of Odissi through his performance titled “Dashavatar.” Additionally, Sangeeta Mohanty captivated the audience with her rendition of “Devi Stuti” through the graceful movements of Odissi dance.
The festival also featured a captivating Chhau dance performance by Mayurbhanjh Chhau artists Abhishek and Anurag, presenting a duet performance on “Geeta Updesh” from the epic Mahabharata. Nikhil Pal, another talented Chhau dancer, presented a traditional dance item titled “Dandi,” narrating the journey of a boy into manhood and his path to becoming a celibate saint.
Collaborating organizations such as Urvashi Dance Music Art and Cultural Society and Amoli were pivotal in ensuring the success of the festival, contributing to its vision of celebrating and preserving the diverse tapestry of Indian art and culture.
“RENAISSANCE” was a celebration of talent, diversity, and inclusivity, showcasing the beauty and depth of Indian classical dance forms while providing a platform for emerging artists to shine.