Latvian Odissi danseuse enchants audience in Chandigarh

A graduate in psychology, Madina holds Indian art forms in high esteem. She has also learnt Kathak from guru Tirah Ajmani from Padmashri Shovana Narayan school.

Odissi danseuse Prema Madina from Riga in Latvia presented a delightful recital at Kosers Auditorium, Pracheen Kala Kendra, in Sector 71 on Friday.

Prema Madina performing classical dance at an auditorium in Mohali. (HT Photo)

The disciple of Guru Kavita Dwibedi commenced the performance with traditional ‘Mangalacharan’ (homage to Lord Jagannath), followed by a Shiv vandana, a ‘pallavi’ on Raga Hansadhawani and ‘abhinaya’ on the song ‘yahi madahva yahi keshava’.

She concluded with ‘Moksha’ a pure ‘nritta’. Her crisp footwork, poses and postures captivated the audience.

“I am watching Indian movies and dancing on Bollywood songs since the age of five. India is my spiritual home and I want to come here again and again,” said Madina, adding, “Ever since I started learning Odissi, it is transforming my soul.”

A graduate in psychology, Madina holds Indian art forms in high esteem. She has also learnt Kathak from guru Tirah Ajmani from Padmashri Shovana Narayan school. She also runs Nataraj Dance Academy at the University of Latvia. Kendra registrar and veteran Kathak exponent, Shobha Koser, honoured the artiste.