The unique Bhramara Festival of Dance (BFOD) being organised for the first time at Mumbai's Royal Opera House on 19th and 20th January, 2019 is all set to create a new cultural landmark because of the remarkably different way in which India's classical dance genres are being presented.
Tripti Arya, Managing Trustee of Arya Group Foundation, which is organising the festival said the prime focus for this festival is to built interest and with the intent of rediscovering and reimagining Indian classical art forms especially for youth. This second-generation business entrepreneur and director of Jindal SAW Limited who is also training in Kuchipudi under the guidance of Guru Srirama Chandramurthy Mahankali, said: “Classical dance forms of India hold infinite power and beauty, deep knowledge and inspiration emanating from these genres needs to be shared, experienced and enjoyed by young minds,” and added, “With BFOD we aim to see classical dance enjoy a place of pride as mainstream entertainment, undo its 'niche' stereotyping, give artistes a stage worthy of their talent and effort,and give audiences a transformative experience.”
At BFOD, classical dance will be presented with a high production value, followed by 30 minutes breath-taking performances in Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Mayurbhanj Chhau, Kathakali by six young, dynamic artistes from across the world, including India. It will also see several pop-up cafes and outdoor performances (Kalari Payattu, Bagh Naach) along with food stalls and music. “Conceptualised as a live show, BFOD hopes to attract the young crowd in an interactive and accessible way. Through this communicative show the younger crowd will be able to connect their mind, body and soul to classical dances and understand the discipline, patience and etiquettes required by the genres which becomes a way of life for exponents,” Arya further informed and said:“Morevoer there will also be workshops in dance conducted on both days of the festival.”
Arya it will be recalled has successfully been executing the Barbil Art Project, an artistic platform where renowned artistes and student volunteers from across India come to Barbil, Odisha for a residency workshop; interact with the local community, understand the culture and exhibit skills and creations.
Among the performance that will be looked forward to are Leela, an Odissi performance by Arushi Mudgal and troupe which will present select tales featuring the two heroes of Indian mythology - Krishna and Ram. Well-known Odissi exponent Mudgal said: “BFOD is a great initiative to bring the richness of Indian art forms to the youth of the country in an engaging manner that everyone can relate to, even those not an art connoisseurs. I'm very excited about premiering my new production called Leela at the festival.”
Son Of The Wind, a tour-de-force kathak dance drama by Leela Dance Collective will bring to life the hidden hero at the heart of the epic, Ramayan - Hanuman. Seibi Lee from the collective, who is herself an accomplished Kathak exponent said she was thrilled to be a part of BFOD which is honouring the rich Indian Classical dance tradition. “It gives me great pleasure to bring an all-female cast from diverse backgrounds together for the India premiere of Son of the Wind. We at Leela are proud to be carrying forward the vision and legacy of the legendary Kathak Guru Pt Chitresh Das,” she said.
A Kathakali performance Radha Madhavam by Sadanam Balakrishnan and troupe will showcase the only traditional play about Rasaleela (the divine love between Lord Krishna and the gopikas) in this form.
The festival will also see a Bharatnatyam performance by Parshwanath Upadhye, Sanjeevani, which tells the tale of Hanuman from his childhood, to his journey to meet Lord Ram until him burning down Lanka to rescue Sita. “In this era of an overflow of information and entertainment, BFOD brings the art lover's bee-like mind, to the evergreen fragrance of classical art forms which touch the soul,” said Upadhye who underlined how honoured he felt to be part of what he called “a milestone festival in the classical world.”
Tarangini, a Kuchipudi recital by Avijit Das and troupe will show case tharangam, one of the most popular pieces from the Kuchipudi repertoire, which highlights acrobatic dexterity. The dancers present the story of Kalinga Mardhanam, the subduing of a multi-headed serpent by Lord Krishna. Das said in a mega-diverse country rich in cultures festivals promote diversity, they bring voices, increase creativity and offer opportunities for civic pride. “BFOD is such a festival. I feeling honoured and privileged to be part of it.”
Gurukul Chhau Dance Sangam will present Ramayan in Mayurbhanj Chhau style where scenes from Valmiki's Ramayan will be depicted through colourful and energetic dancing in this unique genre. Rajesh Sai Babu the well-known Mayurbhanj chhau exponent said he was deeply grateful for the opportunity to be a part of BFOD. “To present Mayurbhanj Chhau, and leave its traces in people's hearts here, makes us all extremely proud. It is truly a humbling experience to share the stage with such stalwarts of India's performing arts.”
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 "Sneak peek at the festival")
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