CICD to host virtual classical dance competition

In a bid to keep the spirits of performing artistes across the country alive amidst the pandemic, the Centre for Indian Classical Dance (CICD) will be hosting a virtual classical dance competition starting Saturday, organisers announced in a statement.

The four-day competition — ''Dance of India@75'', will be streamed on OTT platforms, TV channels and several social media platforms, it said.

It will cover eight Indian classical dance forms including Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, Sattriya and Kathakali, across themes like ''Atmanirbhar Bharat'', ''Viswaguru Bharat'' and ''Unsung Heroes of India''.

''It is high time that we overcome the distressing shock of the pandemic and try to develop a new mode of presentation for the performing arts. It is also very important to explore new avenues for performances which give stable livelihood to the artist, but at the same time it is also important to retain the originality and classical nature of our art forms specially the dances,'' said veteran danseuse Sonal Mansingh, founder, CICD.

“Dance of India@75” is an opportunity for the struggling artists to make a comeback and exhibit their art on the virtual platform, she added.

According to the organisers, all aspects of a physical dance competition, including registrations, participation, as well as the judging process, will be transformed into a virtual experience.

The competition will be held in collaboration with Almond Virtex -- a leading virtual event platform.

''We are extremely happy to be the technology partner of CICD and supporting the artists’ community in these unprecedented times. We are supporting CICD with a unique digital medium to introduce the new normal of performing arts and thereby motivating the artists.

“With our platform and CICD's monetary support, the artists will be able to sustain themselves during this crisis caused by the pandemic,'' said Abhinav Jain, co-founder and CEO, Almond Solutions.