This school celebrates International Dance Day with mesmerising Odissi performance

“Why are we learning about Odissi on this occasion? To understand the beauty of our heritage before we appreciate others.” With these inspiring words, Ms. Surabhi Joshi, Principal of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, set the tone for a vibrant cultural celebration on International Dance Day.

The school welcomed renowned Odissi danseuse Vidushi Kavita Dwibedi and her accompanying musicians under the aegis of SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth) for a captivating lecture-cum-demonstration on the classical dance form.

Addressing students from Classes 6 to 9 and special invitees from Apeejay Svran Global School, Sec 21-D, Faridabad and Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park, Ms. Joshi emphasised, “Each state of India has its own classical or folk art, and yet, we know so little about it. When was the last time you saw an Odissi dancer live, in full costume? Today is about connecting with our roots and celebrating what makes India culturally rich.” The Principal encouraged students to open their hearts to the experience and expressed hope that some would be inspired to carry this legacy forward.

A grand welcome: Culture meets tradition

The distinguished artist was welcomed with tilak and traditional rituals upon her arrival. Adorned in elegant classical attire, she was joined by her team of skilled accompanists:

Pradipta Maharana – Mardal

Suresh Sethi – Vocal

Siddhartha Dalbehera – Flute

Kalyani Behera – Manjira

Before the performance commenced, a deeply reverent atmosphere filled the auditorium. The teachers respectfully placed the deity at the venue, and performed ceremonial rituals with incense and garlands.

After everyone was settled in the auditorium, the school faculty, including Principal, Vice Principal Ms. Vandana Bansal, staff, and students, extended a ‘green welcome’ by presenting saplings to each guest – a symbolic gesture of respect and environmental responsibility. These thoughtful touches served as a bridge between art, nature, and community values.

A lamp-lighting ceremony followed, accompanied by the soft melodies of the school choir. The stage was tastefully decorated with long posters depicting dance silhouettes and Odissi motifs, transforming the space into a sanctum of tradition and grace.

Odissi Unveiled: The Artist Speaks

Before stepping into her first performance, Vidushi Kavita Dwibedi began by explaining the difference between folk and classical dance forms, laying the foundation for a deeper understanding of Odissi. Her words resonated with the audience, especially the students, who listened with rapt attention.

She described Odissi as a dance of devotion and geometry, tracing its origins to ancient temple traditions of Odisha. With rich anecdotes, she shared how the dance evolved from temple rituals performed by Maharis (female temple dancers) into a refined classical art. Her vibrant narration brought the attire, expressions, and symbolic formations of the dance to life – particularly the ‘chauka’ (square) and ‘tribhangi’ (triple bend), the essential postures that define Odissi.

The lecture also emphasised the storytelling nature of Odissi, where each movement conveys meaning, mood, and mythology. Kavita Ji pointed out how the dance is both spiritual and performative – a balance of bhava (expression) and rasa (emotional essence).

A symphony in motion: Dance performances that mesmerised

What followed was a series of soul-stirring dance presentations, each echoing stories from mythology and emotions from the heart:

Invocation to Lord Shiva: The opening act began with an offering of flowers to the deity, capturing Shiva’s essence as Nataraja – the cosmic dancer. Through powerful footwork and controlled energy, she portrayed Shiva’s roop. The performance instantly elevated the spiritual energy of the auditorium.

Battu Nritya: A pure dance composition that showcased Odissi’s connection with rhythm and instrumentation. Kavita Ji brought alive the sounds of mardal, flute, and manjira through intricate footwork, dynamic poses, and expressive mudras. She explained how each musical instrument plays a unique role in guiding the dancer’s tempo and energy.

Abhinaya on ‘Kaise Kahun Sakhi?’: This expressive piece explored prem ras (the emotion of love), portraying a young woman’s longing through poetic movement and nuanced expressions. The audience was visibly moved by the subtlety and grace with which longing and affection were communicated.

Krishna and Yashoda: A heartwarming performance on vatsalya ras (motherly love), which drew admiration for its emotional depth and delicate storytelling. With tender expressions and flowing movements, the dancer recreated the affectionate bond between little Krishna and his mother Yashoda.

Each performance not only enthralled the audience but also acted as a visual guide to understanding India’s layered cultural identity. Students and guests could be seen clapping enthusiastically, some even trying to imitate the hand gestures and postures in their seats.

Honour and gratitude

As the spellbinding session drew to a close, the school honoured Vidushi Kavita Dwibedi with a memento, presented jointly by the Principal and Vice Principal. Their gesture recognised not only her performance but her role as a cultural ambassador and educator.

In her vote of thanks, Ms. Vandana Bansal expressed heartfelt gratitude:“It is my privilege to thank Kavita Ji for bringing this cultural treasure to our students. Her dedication to Odissi is both moving and motivating. My heartfelt gratitude also goes to her accompanists, whose soulful music enhanced the experience.”

She also acknowledged the presence of students and educators from other Apeejay institutions and appreciated the efforts of the school’s Music and Dance Department for organising the event seamlessly. Her words served as a fitting conclusion to a morning filled with learning, grace, and cultural pride.

Reflecting on the session, Ms. Priyanka, the classical dance teacher at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, said, “Children today are forgetting our culture. SPIC MACAY’s initiative is helping bring it back to the youth.”

More than a performance – A cultural awakening

The celebration of International Dance Day at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, was more than just a performance. It was an awakening to India’s classical roots, a moment of artistic immersion, and a heartfelt tribute to the rhythms that bind generations.

As the students filed out, there was a lingering sense of wonder – a dance of thought, reflection, and newfound appreciation. Many were heard discussing the mudras and expressions they had just witnessed, eager to learn more or even try a few steps themselves.

Aradhya, a Class 7 student, shared, “I’ve learned Kathak for two years. Watching ma’am today was amazing – I’m just out of words.”

A student from Apeejay Svran Global School, Faridabad Gurnoor Kaur added, “It was a wonderful experience. We learned so much about Odissi and Indian culture. I do Kathak, Bhangra, and Gidda – dance has been part of my life since childhood.”

Each act captivated the audience and introduced students to India’s artistic heritage. Many were seen trying the mudras in their seats!

The event not only celebrated art but also sowed seeds of curiosity and reverence for Indian traditions among young minds. It succeeded in making classical dance accessible, relatable, and deeply meaningful.

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