While the monsoon season is supposed to be slack as far as the performing arts scenario is concerned, it is really encouraging to learn that there are organisations like the Sam Ved Society for the Performing Arts that regularly organises the Raindrops dance festival during the monsoon season, every year, which is not an easy task, for which the credit goes to the team of Sam Ved led by renonwned Kathak exponent Uma Dogra. The three-day festival was held at the mini P.L Deshpande auditorium.
While Bhopal based accomplished kathak danseuse Anuradha Singh was the most impressive dancer of the festival, another dancer who won tremendous acclaim for his performance was the Odissi dancer Rahul Acharya. The festival commenced with the Kathak performance by the disicples of Guru Uma Dogra, it was interesting to watch youngsters dancing with lot of enthusiasm and sincerity, executing the rhythmic footwork precisely. Sanchaita's Odissi was pleasing for its lyrical quality and expressions.
New Delhi-based Richa Gupta's Kathak performance was noteworthy for its professional touch.
Hithaishy Dhanan's Kuchipudi was impressive for its structural quality and the command over expressions. Bangalore based Hithaishy has learnt from eminent mentors like Smt. Choodamani Rao, Smt. Radha Sridhar, Smt. Gopika Varma, Smt. Vyjyanti Kashi and Smt. Uma Muralikrishna.
Bhubaneshwar based Rahul Acharya commenced his Oddissi performance with ‘Sthayi’ (stability) which incoporates typical Odissi rhythmic patterns while maintaining the stability of harmony. Slim and trim Rahul is a Sanskrit scholar and his style is inspired by Guru Deba Prasad Das. Besides the ashtapadi Priye Charusheele, Rahul rendered a powerful interpretation of Shankaracharya's Shivaastakam.Through his dance he revealed the grandeur and magnificence of Lord Shiva.