Bengal Foundation has arranged ‘Understanding Classical Dance’, a monthly series of lecture and demonstration programmes that was curated and presented by celebrated artist, choreographer and educator, Sharmila Banerjee. The fourth programme in this series took place at Daily Star-Bengal Arts Precinct on Wednesday on 18 March at 7.00pm. The subject of this session was Odissi Dance.

The performers were Benazir Salam, Jasim Uddin, Sudeshna Swayamprabha, Nabiha Tahsin Ahona, Afia Ibnat Halim, Tasmia Mashiat Raya, Ira Bala, and Marsia Shyama Sarker.

Pakhawaj accompanist was renowned Tabla and Pakhawaj player, Swarup Hossain. In this session, Benazir Salam assisted Banerjee in conducting the programme.  

Programme includes Jaganath Bandana, demonstration of basic elements of Odissi dance, Margam, Mangalacharana, Batu Nritya, Pallavi, Abhinaya, and Moksha.

The performers followed the style of Guru Pankajcharan Das and Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra.

The presentation included narrations on the roots, evolution and historical development of Odissi dance along with audio visual presentations. Brief glimpses of performances by legendary Odissi dancers was shown as well.

The Odissi tradition existed in three schools: Mahari, Nartaki, and Gotipua.

Renowned classical dancer and choreographer Sharmila Banerjee is currently head of dance department at Chhayanaut and she runs her own private school of dance Nritya Nandan.