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DATE
11 FEB 2012, SAT
TIME
7.30pm
(2h 30mins, including 15min intermission)
(2h 30mins, including 15min intermission)
VENUE
Recital Studio
PRICE
$50
Concessions: 10% discount for students, NSF & senior citizens. 20% discount for children (age 6 - 12 yrs).
Concessions: 10% discount for students, NSF & senior citizens. 20% discount for children (age 6 - 12 yrs).
SYNOPSIS
ALAMBANA or the “realization of spiritual love” is a unique venture in Odissi to capture the essence of rediscovering the inner being and connecting to our spirit. Eminent International Odissi dancer Shri Rahul Acharya and his student Manishikha Baul walk this path of spiritual awakening by harking back to the basics of the Natyashastra, the definitive ancient text on Indian Performing Arts. The Natyashastra mentions Odissi or Odramagadhi as the most ancient form of Indian Classical Dance. Rahul’s vision is to rediscover the exact antiquated technique of Odramagadhi and bring it to the forefront. ALAMBANA, part of this endeavour, is one such experiment showcased exclusively in Singapore.
Rahul, at 29, is treasured for his mastery over the technical aspects of this dance form and his expression of sublime emotions. Thus, he is often considered a divine dancer. In 2009, Rahul was the first male Odissi dancer to be honoured with the Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar award by the Government of India. He is part of UNESCO’s International Dance Council and a member of the World Movement for Indian Fine Arts, Italy. As an international performing artist and an empanelled artist of the Indian Council for Cultural Relationships, Rahul has travelled throughout USA, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Russia, Japan, the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia extensively as well as participated in most celebrated national dance festivals of India like the Khajurao, Konark, Ananya and Mukteshwar. He conducts workshops and lecture demonstrations extensively over the world to share his joy of dance.
Manishikha, a dancer who has resided in Singapore for the past one year, accidentally crossed paths with Rahul in 2010. This chance encounter rejuvenated her passion for Odissi and she started training with Rahul ever since. The two are radically different in their beliefs and ways of life. However, the magical power of Odissi unites them in a dynamic team. This production is the first rendition of the journey they have embarked upon together.
