In an effort to popularise the classical art form, a three-day Odissi dance festival will be held here from January 26 with the spotlight on budding talent.
A leading exponent of Odissi, Aloka Kanungo, Director of Shinjan Nrityalaya, which is organising the festival, told PTI that "our present generation is more inclined towards a lucrative profession without any job satisfaction rather than a passion for which they are naturally gifted".
To motivate budding proponents of the classical art form, there will be solo, duet and group perfomances by young, outstanding dancers, she said.
Girls between the age group of 10 and 11 years of the Shinjan Nrityalaya perfoming troupe will also captivate the audience with their rendition, Kanungo said.
The festival will showcase solo dances by veteran dancer Sharon Lowen, Sujata Mohapatra and Rahul Acharya.
Young dancers like Kaberi Sen, Baishali Kolay and Sriparna Bose will also present solo items while duet by Kalyani Phagre and Vaishlai Phagre will enthrall the audience.
Apart from Shinjan Nrityalaya, Kumkum Mohanty and troupe and Meera Das and troupe will also perform, Kanungo said.
