The 4th Indo European Dance Festival (IEDF), 2013 was held from 21st to 25th February in New Delhi.

Odissi, also known as Orissi is one of the eight classical dance forms of India. It originates from the state of Odisha, in eastern India. It is the oldest surviving dance form of India on the basis of archaeological evidences. The classic treatise of Indian dance, Natya Shastra, refers to it as Odra-Magadhi. 1st century BCE bas-reliefs in the hills of Udaygiri (near Bhubaneshwar) testify to its antiquity. It was suppressed under the British Raj, but has been reconstructed since India gained independence. It is particularly distinguished from other classical Indian dance forms by the importance it places upon the Tribhangi (literally: three parts break), the independent movement of head, chest and pelvis and upon the basic square stance known as Chauka or Chouka that symbolizes Lord Jagannath. This dance is characterized by various Bhangas (Stance), which involves stamping of the foot and striking various postures as seen in Indian sculptures. The common Bhangas are Bhanga, Abanga, Atibhanga and Tribhanga.

The Indo European Dance Festival is an exhilarating platform of culture and knowledge exchange in India, combining workshop training and stage performances by artistes from India and Europe. Nrityashree Alaknanda envisioned and organised the 1st Indo European Dance festival, in 2010, with a vision to introduce Classical Court Dance styles of the world and strengthen cultural exchange of dance styles forming a magnificent mélange.The success story of IEDF was repeated in 2011 and 2012, and today, it is already into its fourth year of successful run. With each passing year the Festival is tirelessly expanding its horizons, growing in its magnitude and reach, and finding a special place in hearts of Indian audience.

Buoyed by the overwhelming response of the audience, Nrityashree Alaknanda now brings the 4th Indo European Dance Festival (IEDF), 2013. The festival focuses on global harmony and friendship, bringing the artists from all over the globe to create a pulse of joy, love and peace. IEDF 2013 will be showcasing Baroque Dance from Poland, Renaissance dance from France, Flamenco dance from Spain, Russian Folk Dance, and richcultural heritage of our country represented through Kathak Dance. All the dance styles have journeyed through the court period to enrich its art style.

Source: http://indiakathak.in/ & Wikipedia

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