Sujata Mohapatra

 Sujata Mohapatra has been regarded as the appropriated prototype of 'beauty and poise'. She was inducted to this art form in her childhood. Since her childhood she has shown an intrinsic love for dance. Sujata Mohapatra was born and raised into a wealthy family that was enriched with an artistic environment. This kind of environment nurtured her creativity and brought out her inborn artistic style.

Born into a rich cultural background, she grew up in an artistic environment that delicately nourished her creativity and brought out her innate interest in dance. An artistic environment at home and encouraging parents gave Sujata the impetus to learn Odissi.She has completed more than eighteen years of training under the guidance of her Guru and simultaneously been trained by her husband Guru Ratikant Mohapatra at Srjan. She has also done a valuable stint at the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre.

Sujata Mohapatra apart from performing dance also in an active manner involved in teaching Odissi. She holds the position of principle of the premier institution of dance, Srijan (Odissi Nrityabhasa), founded by his father -in-law. 'Lithesome movements, awesome stamina and large radiant eyes' are the attributes of this outstanding performer. Experiencing her spellbound execution of Odissi dance, her audiences got awestruck. Her dance reflects the unagitated grace, vividness of expression and technical flawlessness that are considered to be the 'unbending adherence to Guruji's style' from her part. Sujata Mohapatra is actively involved in teaching Odissi. She is the Principal of 'Srjan' (Odissi Nrityabasa), a prime Odissi Dance Institution founded by MGuru Kelucharan Mohapatra She holds a master's degree in Oriya Literature from Utkal University, and has done research work at the Odissi Research Centre, Bhubaneshwar.In July 2011, she opened an Odissi Institute - Guru Keerti Srjan, in her hometown, Balasore.

Ms. Mohapatra has a compelling and arresting stage presence, with an exhilarating combination of intensity and spontaneity, and her dance is noteworthy for its grace, depth of expression and technical perfection. Widely travelled over the world as a soloist and a leading member of the Srjan Dance Troupe, she also runs this dance school along with her husband Ratikant Mohapatra, who is also a leading Odissi dancer, choreographer, and musician. Ms. Mohapatra often conducts workshops in the major centres of Odissi teaching across India and the world. Her significant performances have been at the Konark Dance Festival, Mukteshwar Dance Festival, Khajauraho Dance Festival, etc.

 

Folk Dances of Himachal Pradesh

 Dance and Music form an inseparable aspect from the lives of people in Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Pradesh is an Indian state which is known for its vibrant colors of both the people and their culture. Variant folk dances are performed on every auspicious occasion and festival. The performances draw a high influence from the mythological epics of the Mahabharata and Ramayana. The folk music also displays identity and tribal culture of the people. It is based mainly on affection, separation, seasons and gallantry. Men and women get decked up in their traditional attires and dance to glory.

Some of the popular folk dances are listed below

Dangi:- Dangi folk dance is based on one of the oldest folklore of Himachal Pradesh. The dance is performed during the harvest season. It has two themes one is love and another is business. The love-based theme folklore is about a very brave and handsome kind who fell in love with a common girl. It was not common for kings to fall in love with commoners so it was a big deal.

Mala Dance:- Kayang Mala is a dance form in which dancers form a garland-like pattern by weaving each other's arms and becoming beads of the garland. Every performer is well dressed and heavily decorated with jewellery. Before commencing the dance, they are supposed to drink Chhang, which is a local drink. Kayang Mala is one of the most popular traditional dances in Himachal Pradesh

Dalshone and Cholamba Dances:- These dance forms originated from the Ropa valley. In this dance form, there are patterns formed by the performers which look like coiled serpents. The Cholamba is performed generally whenever a tiger is killed. The skin of dead animal is stuffed and a gold ornament is put in its nose. The remains of dead is rotated after that and the people dance around it.

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