Gotipua Dance Performance by Konark Natya Mandap, Orissa was successfully conducted at Amrita School of Engineering, Amritapuri campus on 30th November, 2015. This event was co-organized by Samskriti, the cultural wing of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri Campus and SPIC MACAY, the Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth.
Gotipua is a traditional dance form in praise of Lord Jagannath or Lord Krishna in the state of Orissa, India. It is the precursor of Odissi classical dance. It has been performed in Orissa for centuries by young boys. “Gotipua” in Oriya literally means “single boy”, but the dance is performed in group. This dance form is not an easy one to master, as it requires rigorous training and regular practice. The boys are recruited to learn the dance at a very young age and undergo training until their adolescence.
The evening’s performers were from the famous Konark Natya Mandap trained by Guru Birabar Sahoo in Puri. Eight young performers, of ages ranging from five to ten, danced with such grace and beauty in feminine dressing that it was difficult for audience to recognize they were boys. They kept their hair long and wove flowers through it to look natural like girls. They also used face make-up including Kajal, Bindi and decorative patterns with sandalwood paste.
The whole performance was largely enjoyed by the audience, especially the last two dances. when the dancers formed complicated human pyramids by twisting their bodies into stunning forms. Their flawless movements and postures captivated everyone’s eyes. The venue was filled with delighted applause and heart-felt amusement.
SEE ALSO:
SPIC MACAY – Gotipua Dance
