Solo dance fest kicks off

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Feb 21: A 7-day Manipur solo dance festival "Okchari Yenningtha" began today at the auditorium of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipuri Dance Academy (JNMDA) at Khoyathong, Imphal .
The inaugural function of the festival being organised by JNMDA was graced by Dr Ratan Thiyam, founder director, Chorus Repertory Theatre, Shamushang; Dr Rita Swami Choudhary, secretary, Ssangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi; Th Chaotombi Singh, SNA awardee and retd senior choreographer, JNMDA Imphal and P Bilash Singh, Director, JNMDA, Imphal as presidium members.
Addressing the occasion, Dr Ratan Thiyam said that a well known artiste used to practice 6-8 hours daily for 10-15 years and practice even more at the time of festival.
"For an artiste, there is no end until and unless he/she reaches the top position."  he added
Saying that Meitei Jagoi remained static for a long time due to lack of resources, he urged all concerned to step forward and uplift the dance form.
As a part of the function, Manipuri solo dances - Mahirel Shidaba by Th Tolen Meitei; Samoda Damodar by RK Roshali; Guoranga Roop Barnan by S Lianda Devi; Rajarshi Bhagyachandra by Okram Sonali and Kuru Yadu Nandana by E Joshirani were presented.
Altogether 34 young dancers from 24 different cultural institutions will participate  in the “Okchari Yeningtha Festival. The festival will continue till the 28th of this month.