Dances from Manipur
The show had finally begun. Dancers dressed in colourful Manipuri costumes left the spectators enthralled. Dancers, ranging from a teen to a middle aged person, performed to their heart's desire and had the people asking for more. The famous Manipuri dancer Kalavati Devi was seen amongst her trainees, sitting and voicing out both happy and painful stories, which were being expressed through the obscure yet graceful art form.
Kalavati Devi is a rare combination of a dancer, singer, mridangam player, choreographer and scholar. She is at present the Director of Manipuri Nartanalay, one of the premier institutions of Manipuri dance in India and is also a senior lecturer of dance at Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Ancient myths were coming back to life with the dancers' movements and footwork. A beautiful description of young Lord Krishna was shown, trying hard to get to his mother's larder and steal the dahi or yogurt. Everyone, undoubtedly, could imagine his smile, thoughts and feel Krishna's innocence through the dancer's expressions. A couple of dancers performed the part of two brothers playing with a ball in the garden, where the candid and simple fun of the children could be seen in the dancers' steps and facial expressions.
A khol is commonly seen being used in Manipuri dances. There was no stopping the viewers' claps and shouts of encores, once an experienced Manipuri performer conquered the stage with his graceful jumps and leaps, along with playing the khol. The sitar, violin, harmonium, tabla and flute accompanied the dances.
The stage was designed with the simple pieces of cloths in black and white, where shades of the moon and tree leaves quivering in the breeze would be seen. A traditional Manipuri umbrella was set in a corner of the stage, adding to its splendour and charm.