The dancing delight
One of the performances at the NCPA’s 50th anniversary celebrations included an ode to classical dance, which had a show by Odissi dancers Sujata Mohapatra and Nimitta. Apart from being an excellent performer, Mohapatra is also actively involved in teaching Odissi. Presently, she is the principal of Srjan, an Odissi dance institution founded by Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra.
Talking about her performance, Mohapatra says, “My performance was a traditional item taught by my father-in-law and teacher, Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, along with my team of live musicians. I performed the first dance, Odissi Mangalacharan, then I continued to dance on Pallavi and Ashtapadi and at last, Peshak Ramayana. As
NCPA completes 50 years, I feel honoured to be performing here as I have fond memories with it.”
A distinguished practitioner of Odissi, Mohapatra made her initial foray into the dancing arena as a child. Remembering her childhood days, she says, “I started learning dance when I was four. My mom was a music teacher, who used to teach me. She was my first guru, her name was Kumudini Mahanti. My parents wanted me to become an artiste and a dancer. They encouraged me and enrolled me in all cultural programmes at school and more. After completing my training in dance, my focus shifted to education. Later, with time, I realised that dance is something I am extremely passionate about and I want to make a career out of it.”
Mohapatra says that people often focus on just the physical training, while being mentally fit is equally important. “I try to rehearse every day. Apart from that, I love to do yoga and puja, and it all adds up to my growth in dance. The growth has to be mental as well and not just physical. Because we need to have a high level of concentration for a long performance. The mind and body, both should be healthy for a good performance,” she adds.
On asking what advice she has for the young talents, she says, “Sadhana is very important and it has to be permanent. A career in dance is a slow and steady process. So, be patient and don’t expect fast results. There is no short-cut to becoming a successful dancer. There is a tradition and lineage to these dance forms and they need to be followed with certain discipline.”