‘Anvesana: Reflections in solitude’ featured intriguing themes in myriad styles

Four exponents of four dance styles perform thought-provoking pieces at the Anvesana festival

It was a joy to watch stalwarts of four Indian classical dance styles, Bijayini Satpathy (Odissi), Methil Devika (Mohiniyattam), Rama Vaidyanathan (Bharatanatyam), and Aditi Mangaldas (Kathak) at ‘Anvesana: Reflections in Solitude’, a digital dance festival. “It is fascinating to look into the minds of a creator. Does a physical lockdown mean a lockdown of spirit and creativity?” asked Lata Pada, artistic director, Sampradaya Dance Creations, Canada, which organised the festival. While providing opportunities for young artistes with virtual projects such as the one based on Maya Angelou’s autobiography, A Caged Bird Sings, and ‘Danceconnects’, which invited videos from dancers across the globe, Lata conceived ‘Anvesana’ for senior artistes, who have had forced periods of solitude in the absence of performances and tours. The dance festival was supported by the Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, City of Mississauga, and Department of Canadian Heritage.