Different dance forms come to fore at Nritya Vahini event

The three-day international cultural exchange dance festival, ‘Nritya Vahini’, organised by Sri Padmavati Mahila Viswa Vidyalayam (SPMVV), provided a platform for dancers of global repute, classical dance enthusiasts, and researchers to study the intricate commonalities, as well as the diverse features of dance forms representing various nations.

Conducted under the aegis of the varsity’s Centre for International Relations, the programme titled ‘A confluence of global dance traditions and unity through art’ began on Thursday, with the Vice-Chancellor (V-C) V. Uma lighting the lamp. Ms. Uma emphasised the spiritual and cultural significance of dance forms in India, which trace their divine origin to Lord Shiva.

Reputed dance academic H.K. Sheela Sridhar (Karnataka Kalashree) from University of Mysore, in her keynote address, highlighted that the global dance festival promoted cultural exchange by bringing together different dance traditions. She also spoke on the necessity of preserving and reviving dance heritage, even while encouraging new forms of choreography.

Thailand’s revered classical dance-drama, ‘Khon’, considered a fusion of mythology, movement and music, was performed by students from Thailand. The UNESCO-recognised art form brings the epic Ramakien (Thai version of Ramayana) to life through elaborate masks, ornate costumes and stylised choreography performed to the rhythm of a live ‘Piphat’ (traditional Thai orchestra).

Similarly, students from Sri Lanka performed the Kandyan dance (from the hilly area of Kandy), which traces its roots to the Kohomba Kankariya, an ancient purification ceremony invoking divine protection and healing.

Students from various Indian States are set to perform Kathak, Garba and Bharatanatyam. Joint collaborative sessions are also on the anvil to study the common thematic features and dance movements in the art forms.

Registrar N. Rajani and Dean (International Affairs) P. Vijayalakshmi spoke at the event, which is being organised by Assistant Professor (Dance) U. Himabindu.