Spectacular performance of gauriya nritya by Ratchel Priyanka Paris captivated a teeming audience at the Studio Theatre Hall of
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Thursday.
The programme was organised by Nrityanchal to formally conclude a week-long workshop on gauriya dance, attended by 80 students of Nrityanchal and conducted by Ratchel Priyanka Paris.Gauriya, also known as Gaur, is one of the classical dance genres that originated in the ancient Bengal. Dr Mahu Mukherjee is credited to revive the dance form in the later half of last century.
A talented student of Mahua Mukherjee, Ratchel Priyanka Paris is one of the leading artistes of the dance form in Bangladesh. Before performing on Thursday, Priyanka introduced the dance form to the audience as a mesmerising classical genre like the other genres of bharatnatyam and kathak.
Priyanka began her performance with an alapchari, which is like a beginning of the total composition. Her performances also included pieces called kalinamaboli, ardhanarishwar and putna bodh. Through a composition of four dances, the beautiful dancer portrayed different stories. In the putna bodh composition, the dancer enacted the story of ogre Putna who was ordered to kill young Krishna, but eventually, gets killed by Krishna.
It was easy for the audience who knew the story to interpret the meaning of the piece and every expression of the dancer. But those who did not know the story had the pleasure of watching the marvelous dancer carry on her charming performance.
Besides her solo presentation, Priyanka presented a group recital titled Ganesh bandana. The 80 young dancers from the workshop performed in the piece with Priyanka. The young artistes also earned acclaim for their performance from the audience and shared their joy with New Age.
‘I have taken lessons on bharatnatyam and kathhak already. This was my first lesson on gauriya dance. I really enjoyed the workshop and the performance,’ said Chameli Shirin, a student of Nrityanchal.
‘Gauriya dance, despite being originated from this region, is not much practised in our country. I enjoyed working with the young students who showed more enthusiasm than I expected,’ said a delighted Ratchel Priyanka Paris.
The audience at the hall also expressed their pleasure. ‘It was wonderful. Priyanka captivated us through her performance,’ said Rintu Kumar Das, who enjoyed the evening with his friends.
-With New Age input
