16th September 2023, Dehradun: Dehradun was graced with a spectacular Odissi dance performance by the acclaimed artist Kavita Dwibedi under the aegis of SPIC MACAY. The program took place at Bajaj Institute of Learning and IMS Unison University today. She was accompanied by Shri Prashant Kumar Mangaraj on Mardal, Shri Suresh Kumar Sethi on Vocal, and Shri Gopinath Swain on Violin. Kavita left the audience spellbound with her traditional and innovative approach to the captivating Odissi dance form from Orissa.
During her circuit, Kavita Dwibedi also performed at Guru Nanak Fifth Centenary School, Mussoorie, and Mussoorie International School on 15th September. Kavita’s performance commenced with a divine invocation, ‘Shiv Vandana Om Namaha Shivaya,’ setting a spiritual tone. She then demonstrated the intricate pure techniques of Odissi Dance with ‘Batty,’ accentuating the temple sculptures of Konark and explaining the fundamental stances of Odissi, such as chauka and Tribhangi. The performance continued with an emotive presentation on Navaras, where she portrayed the mother’s boundless love and affection towards her child through ‘Vatsalaya Ras.’ The audience was elated as she delivered a soulful Odia song, ‘Kahin Gale Murali Phoonka,’ vividly narrating the divine leelas of Lord Krishna, including ‘dahi makhan chori’ and ‘vastra chori.’
Kavita’s dance spoke a universal language of beauty, emotion, and expression that transcended words. The children not only felt the feelings but also understood the very essence of the songs through her mesmerizing performance.
During her performances, she also presented ‘Pallavi’ based on Rag Shankarabharan, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of Ektali, showcasing the pure technique of Odissi Dance. Her performances concluded with an emotional expression of Navaras, as she skillfully portrayed a heartfelt dialogue between two friends, exploring different ways of addressing the first meeting with her beloved God. Her performance was beautifully complemented by the Hindi song ‘Kahin Kaise Sakhi Mohe Laaj Lage.
She during the occasion said, “I’m deeply moved by the experience, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to SPIC MACAY for their invaluable work in connecting artists to their cultural roots. My performance in Bajaj was an emotional journey, and these talented children taught me as much as I hope I inspired them through our interaction.”
Kavita Dwibedi, a renowned name in the world of Odissi dance, has garnered international acclaim for her dedication and artistry. She has captivated audiences across the globe with her mesmerizing performances. Notable among her international tours was the Indian Council For Cultural Relations (ICCR) sponsored performance tour in 1997, celebrating India’s 50th anniversary of independence, which took her to countries such as Denmark, the U.K., Italy, Sweden, Finland, and Ireland. Her exceptional talent has earned her prestigious awards and recognitions, including the Junior Fellowship and National Scholarship from the Department of Culture, Ministry of Human Resources Development, Government of India, Singar Mani Award 1992, Sanatan Nritya Puraskar 1994, and many more.
Appreciating her performance, one of the students said, “Kavita’s performance was nothing short of enchanting. Her grace and mastery of Odissi dance left me in awe, and I could feel a deep connection with the rich cultural heritage she brought to life on stage.”
