Odissi performance spellbinds Jaipur audience

Renowned dancer, choreographer and teacher of Indian classical dance, Sharmila Biswas and Odissi Vision & Movement Centre from Kolkata presented their production ‘Shrishti Pralay’ at the Rajasthan International Centre. The performance served as a special curtain raiser for the inaugural Jaipur Dance Conclave, scheduled for November 22nd and 23rd at RIC. A celebrated name in the Odissi tradition, Sharmila Biswas is known for her deeply researched, concept-driven works that bring alive mythological themes through movement and music. Shrishti Pralay (Creation and Dissolution) was no exception — an evocative journey through rhythm, mythology and the cosmic cycle of life.

The first segment, Srishti Tatva, drew inspiration from Jayadeva’s Dashavatar, exploring the idea of creation through the ten incarnations of Vishnu. The choreography interwove traditional Odissi vocabulary with rich visual imagery and rhythmic complexity, portraying the eternal balance of creation and preservation. In the second segment, Dhwani-Pratidhwani, the narrative shifted from the classical to the folk, celebrating the primal energy of rhythm itself. Drawing from the vibrant traditions of rural India, the presentation depicted how music and movement originated from Lord Shiva — the cosmic dancer.

As the thunderous beats of the Danda drummers filled the hall and storytellers wove tales of Shiva, the space seemed to come alive with sacred energy. The performance explored myths of Shiva’s ecstatic dance — the moment when his waistband of bells broke open, scattering the knowledge of rhythm across the earth. It reflected how humans, in discovering this divine sound, learned the pulse of music itself. Through Dhwani-Pratidhwani, Biswas and her ensemble seamlessly transitioned from unrestrained folk drumming to the structured grace of classical rhythm, symbolizing the eternal dialogue between spontaneity and form — between chaos and creation. The audience was visibly moved by the energy, precision, and emotive power of the presentation, which concluded to a standing ovation.

Marking its inaugural edition, the two-day festival will feature an exciting lineup of performances, workshops, and discussions, bringing together eminent dancers, choreographers, and cultural practitioners from across India. Conceptualised and curated by Amrita Lahiri and Manjot Chawla, JDC is an initiative of Artspots. The dance conclave aims to foster awareness and appreciation of India’s rich and diverse dance heritage among Jaipur audiences.