Sep 08, 2012
The Shakti Bhakti Ensemble of Revital Carroll, Shauna Taylor, Cheryl Thompson and Carmela Woll mesmerized the audiences with outstanding exhibition of Odissi Dance. Their performances illustrates that culture is without borders. Odissi originates from the state of Orissa in eastern India, and is one amongst eight classical dance forms of India. The delicate body movement and eloquent expressions of all performers was a treat for the eyes. The essence of Odissi reflects in the deftness of gestures with the hands or shall we say mudras, and Revital Carroll has complete mastery over them, with her expressive eyes and fluency of body movement she is an embodiment of beauty. So were the other performers Shauna Taylor, Cheryl Thompson and Carmela Woll, each with their soulful expression exhibited richness and natural emotion, with exemplary footwork and divine grace. The ethnic elegance of the bright costumes and jewelry had Orissa written all over them. The intricacies of draping a saree in a traditional manner for stage performances of this nature requires finesse and all performers though not of Indian origin were at ease, never at any point in time making it appear that they were aliens to a clothing tradition that was not their own. The essence of Odissi music was soothing to the ears, and with the outstanding performances by the Shakti Bhakti Ensemble, it was a memorable evening.