Ballet troupe performs spirit of life

However, there were some pure dance sequences, like Prakriti, which depicted the inter-dependence of the forces of nature very evocatively, performed with rhythm and grace by the dancers.

Another pure dance sequence was the fisherman’s dance (based on the koli tribe of Maharashtra), bringing out the liveliness of the fisher-folk, who enjoy each moment of their life, despite their obvious hardships. And there was the Dance of Joy, a celebration of life, performed with sheer exuberance by the nimble dancers.

Mamata, who is the daughter of the legendary dancers from Bengal, Uday and Amala Shankar, follows their innovative style of dancing. “My ballets are based on my father’s style, it’s very contemporary, very modern and at the same time completely Indian, there are no western elements. It has the flavour of folk and classical. Although the ballet is a result of constant experimentation, we have not experimented with the classical styles, ” she avers.

Shankar, who is a popular actress of Bengali cinema is, however, a dancer first. She has trained in the Bharat Natyam, Kathakali and Manipuri genres of dance, because knowledge of classical style is imperative, according to her.“My aim is to allow free, uninhibited movement in the dance, to bring out the theme of the piece, and the troupe does not perform classical dance,” she says. Shankar is also well-remembered for her role opposite Mithun Chakraborty in the award-winning film, Mrigayya, directed by Mrinal Sen, in the mid-70s.

So here is one dancer keeping the tradition of contemporary dance alive in the country! And all for a good cause. SAMPARC, Social Action for Manpower Creation, organised the ballet in order to raise funds for a hostel for tribal children and a care centre for orphans.