Performers were from The Rudrakshya Institute of Art and Dance.
By The American Bazaar Staff
WASHINGTON, DC: The Metro Washington, DC, Chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO-Metro DC) sponsored a ‘Yoga in Dance’ program in Rockville, MD, last month.
Classical dance in India has traditionally been viewed as a form of Yoga. Yoga is intense sadhana, or spiritual discipline, which demands complete physical and mental concentration for the practitioner. These dance forms are rooted in spirituality, the ultimate goal being mokshya, or spiritual liberation for the performer and the audience alike. When examining a traditional Odissi repertoire, one can see the process through which the artists achieve their ultimate goal of spiritual liberation.
Ten members (five male dancers, three female dancers, Guru Bichitrananda Swain and Jaydev Das) of The Rudrakshya Institute of Art and Dance, Orissa performed Indian classical dances in Odissi style for over two hours presenting seven different items, according to a press release. These items included: Mangalacharan, Chandrika Kamodi, Mohan Murali Chhailo, Taal Tarang, Shiva Panchal, Samudita Madane Abhinaya, and Mokshya.
Dr. Renuka Misra, GOPIO International Coordinator, presented bouquets to the troupe members. The program was organized by Pratap Das, president of the Indian Performing Arts Promotions (IPAP). The APAP was established by members of the GOPIO-Metro DC in 1996 to promote performing arts activities in the Metropolitan Washington area.