Brilliant Odissi dance debut performance by the sizzling siblings was presented by two talented dancers, Diya and Risa D'souza on Sunday 27th November at St Andrews auditorium, Bandra.

Diya and Risa are the daughters of Raul and Mitali D'souza, accomplished classical dancers. While Raul is trained Bharata Natyam dancer, Mitali is trained Odissi dancer, being the disciple of Guru Jhelum Paranjape. The programme was organised by Nirtyavan dance academy, headed by accomplished Odissi exponent and mentor, Mitali D'souza.

It was amazing to watch the two young dancers, Diya and Risa, dancing in perfect harmony of movements with effortless ease and proficiency creating a lasting impression on the packed audience; The duo commenced the performance with invocation and the traditional Mangalacharan, as the dancers moved and danced with stylistic elegance and precision, reflecting in the training they have received over the years from their beloved mother and mentor, Guru Mitali Raul. The Batu dance is another number in which the dancers bring alive the sculpturesque poses playing musical instruments like the Veena,Mardala and Cymbals.

The Saveri Pallavi is a beautiful pure dance item that explores the varied typical characteristic movements that are inclusive of "chauka""bhangis" and 'tribhangis." This dance is particularly noteworthy for its musicality forming a fine synthesis of music,melody and rhythm. It was quite exciting as the dancers performed with fine juxta positions of varied movements supplementary and complementary to each other, revealing their mastery over the technique of Odissi. 

In the section of expressional dance, the duo revealed "Madhura bhava bhakti" in poet Upendra Bhanja's composition establishing the divine relationship between Radha and Krishna. Abhinaya becomes more intense with Vatsalya rasa in the Odiya composition 'Brajaka Chora" incorporating the sacred bond of mother and her child. It was sheer delight to watch the dancers in the joyous dance of Lord Krishna - "Nachente Range Shri Hari".

The highlight of the evening was the interpretation of Poet Rabindranth Tagore's 'Ekla Chalo"(be not afraid to walk alone) choreographed in style by the young enterprising dancers Diya and Risa. The programme concluded with the grand Moksha that symbolises the merging of the human soul with the divine soul.. 

The dancers were thrilled to receive a standing ovation for their brilliant presentation. They received fine musical support from Jateen Sahu for vocals, Ramprasad and Rohan Dahale for Mardala,Sitar by Aparna Deodhar, flute by Vijay Tambe and Manjira by Guru Mitali Raul. The chief guest was Mrs Mildred Lobo, principal of SM Shetty International School, Powai and guest of honour were Guru Jhelum Paranjape, Guru Deepak Mazumdar and Guru Vijay Shanker.

By Guru Vijay Shanker