Odissi plays a major role in the subcontinental dance. The genre entices a wide section of classical dance devotees and owes its popularity to feature films, dance dramas and theatre. A recent treat for dance aficionados in Dhaka was an evening of Odissi, organised on September 1 by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and The High Commission of India. The venue: National Museum auditorium.

The evening featured a performance by Indian Odissi dancer Chandana Raul and her troupe. Her solo presentation captured the full magnificence of Lord Shiva. The dance synchronisation was accompanied by the flute, tabla, dhol and violin. Classical music plays a significant role in Odissi.

The quintessence of Odissi as a dance form lies in its sculpturesque quality. It has two broad divisions; Nritta -- the pure dance without literary elements and Nritya -- the dance of expressions in which poetry and body movement fuse to create visual motifs through symbolic hand gestures and facial expressions. The concept of Hindu iconography is fully exploited in this dance form.

Chandana Raul was initiated into dance at the tender age of nine by Guru Bira Kishore Nayak. Her devotion, perseverance and commitment has made her one of the finest Odissi dancers of her generation. Moulded by the sculptured manifestations of this form of dance, she uses graceful movements and beautiful postures, captivating expression and scintillating style, which creates a visual phenomenon. Apart from her technical virtuosity, she displays a unique skill and stunning versatility while depicting varied emotions and excels in the Abhinaya aspect of dance.

Chandana Raul received Junior Fellowship from the Ministry of Human Resources Development, Government of India and various other awards. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Odissi dance from Utkal University, Bhubaneswar.