The idea of forming ‘West Bengal Dance Group Federation’ germinated in the minds of eminent dancers residing in the city more than two decades ago resulting in dancers of every genre joining hands in 1993. Its main aim is to preserve, propagate and promote dance and its associated arts. From time to time they hold performances to throw light on the country’s rich cultural heritage like the Nritya Natya festival showcasing choreographic works of veterans and new entrants. Besides these they put their best foot forward in their presentation named “Stars Of Tomorrow”.
This year among the many performers there were two male dancers, who perhaps could nurture themselves as world class dancers. Kuchipudi dancer Raktim Chanda who has trained in both Tanjore and Kalakshetra styles by Anita Mullick and Sujata Ramalingam respectively in Bharatanatyam later to learn the Vempatti Chinna Satyam style of Kuchipudi under Sreemayi Vempatti. She presented two of Guru Chinna Satyam’s pieces—a Jatiswaram in Atana ragam and Adi talam showing his clear understanding of nritta through both jathis inter-mingled with swara patterns and Shiva Stuti which included both Shiva’s description and his power. The audience practically ate from the palm of his hand with his beautiful expressive eye movements and the opening of his hand like blossoming flowers. His perfect postures reminiscent of our ancient temple sculptures was fluid poetry. He is poised for a great future.
Upcoming Kathak dancer from Bangladesh S.M. Hasan Istiaque amazed and impressed the audience in paying his obeisance to Shiva with his Panchakshara Stotram “Namo Shivaya”. Kathaka Ranjini Bhattacharya conducted and guided his recital not only by repeating bol padhants, but also literally leading him by the hand in all other minute details. A Kathaka proves his mettle with the perfect rendition of Teen taal, in which he excelled in showing the stamp of his mentor Ashimbandhu Bhattacharya. A Kavit piece in Vasanta raga about Krishna playing with colours —“Krishna Kaniya Khelate Hori Sangay Liya Brij Ka Sab Nari,” created rasa in the minds of the rasikas, who left the hall humming the beautiful tune.
Suitably costumed in typically Manipuri style, dancer Debangana Chakraborty groomed by Sruti Bandopadhyay performed Dasavatar choreographed by Guru Bipin Singh. After which she did a piece where she was the khandita nayika. Possessed with great presence, she started off in a happy mood gradually became despondent, when Shyam did not appear. She reprimanded Madhava with the astapadi “Yahi Madhava Yahi Kesava” showcasing anger mixed with pain.
Then we saw Anusmita Bhattacharya, Roshni Ghosh and Srijoni Ghosh — disciples of Sujata Ramalingan schooled in Kalakshetra style of Bharatanatyam. They rounded off with a Jaganmohini ragam Varnam, “Tahe Maheswari” and tillana in Sindhu Bhairavi ragam. The trio has potential, but need practice and guidance.
