Avani Bhavsar and Nimisha Thakkar, disciples of Jayashree Mohapatra of Noopur Dance Academy, presented their Manch Pravesh at the Lexington Heritage Museum on August 9, 2014. The two-hour program consisted of eight performances, including one solo each. The audience of about 300 people was enthralled on this beautiful Saturday afternoon.

Manch Pravesh is a culminating event for students of Odissi dance. Odissi is an Indian classical dance form from eastern India—the state of Orissa. Usually, after seven to ten years of dedication to the art of Odissi, students  receive the honor of performing in a Manch Pravesh as and when approved by the teacher. Avani and Nimisha’s teacher, Jayashree ji, determined last fall that the girls were ready for their Manch Pravesh and began the practices. Over the months, the weekly practices became twice weekly and then daily. Practicing for 10-12 hours per week for about six months, the trio of teacher and students had the routines nailed.

Avani’s solo performance was “Megh Pallavi.” Megh Pallavi is a pure-dance item in which a particular raga (musical melody) is emphasized through eye movements, graceful body postures and intricate footwork. The music of  Megh Pallavi is supposed to be like a flowering tree coming to life. The main structure of the piece is like the root and trunk of a tree. The dance then evolves in complexity into the branches, leaves and finally, the flowers. Nimisha’s solo was “Vakra Tunda.” Vakra Tunda is a prayer to Lord Ganesh, asking him to remove the obstacles in our lives so that we may live peacefully and harmoniously. This dance form emphasizes grace and balance.

The program was MC’d by Avani’s brother, Paavan, and Nimisha’s brother, Nikhil. Paavan, a recent graduate of Brown University, is a software engineer, and Nikhil is a rising senior at Burlington High School.

Avani and Nimisha have been learning Odissi dance from their teacher for seven years. Avani will be a freshman at University of Connecticut this Fall and Nimisha will be entering eighth grade at Marshall Simonds Middle School. Both Avani and Nimisha plan to be associated with Odissi dance through further education and assisting their teacher. Avani lives in Westford, MA, and Nimisha lives in Burlington, MA.

Jayashree ji has completed “Nritya Bhushan,” master’s degree in Odissi dance and has undertaken advanced studies in Odissi. She was awarded by Mr. Neelam Sanjeev Reddy, the former President of India, for her excellent performances. In July 2010, she received the much coveted “KALASHREE” Award presented by the Odiya Society of America for her outstanding contribution to “Odissi.” She presents heart touching Odissi performances all over the USA and Canada. Her expressive “Abhinaya” and charismatic “Pallavi” have captivated audiences everywhere for many years. Jayashree ji lives in Woburn, MA.

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