El Dorado - The Golden One - Ballet Brilliance in the Heart of Mumbai

Unveiling an unprecedented spectacle for our Mumbai audiences!

Witness the enchanting odyssey of a beautiful girl who goes in search of happiness upon the last message of her dead mother.

A mesmerizing ballet written-directed by Architect-Artist Anita Kulkarni.
The immersive performance, guided by Hindustani fusion music, is beautifully choreographed by Odissi Exponent Daksha Mashruwala. 

Set against the backdrop of original paintings, bespoke costumes and masterful lighting theatrics, the grand stage of the architectural marvel of The Royal Opera House sets the perfect scene for this supremely artistic production. 
Join us for a music-dance-paintings-poetry confluence in a sensory art encounter called El Dorado - The Golden One! 

Historical context of Odissi

Odissi, the oldest of India's classical dance forms, boasts a rich history that traces its origins back to the temples of Odisha, a state located in eastern India. Recognized as one of the eight classical dance forms of India, Odissi is celebrated worldwide for its lyricism, sensuality, and emphasis on bhakti bhava (devotional expression). The Natyashastra, an ancient Indian text on performing arts, provides evidence of Odissi's existence dating back centuries. The journey of Odissi from the temple to the stage began in the 20th century. In the 1950s, efforts were made to revive and popularize this ancient art form, which had faced a decline during colonial rule. Cuttack and Konark in eastern Odisha are at the nucleus of the story of Odissi. Cuttack became an important center for training and performance, while Konark's famous Sun Temple inspired many dancers due to its intricate carvings depicting various dance poses. Today, Odissi continues to evolve while staying rooted in its traditional elements. It is taught and performed by dedicated artists worldwide who strive to preserve its heritage while exploring new artistic expressions.

Significant features of Odissi

The intricate use of mudras, or hand gestures, is one of the prominent aspects of Odissi dance. These mudras are similar to those used in Bharatnatyam. In Odissi, 63 different mudras are used to convey various meanings and emotions. Derived from ancient classical texts, these mudras are classified into three categories: Asamyukta Hasta (single-handed gestures), Samyukta Hasta (double-handed gestures), and Nrutya Hasta (gestures specifically used in pure dance sequences). The lower body in Odissi remains mostly stationary while the torso moves around gracefully. It is during the Nritya section, which focuses on expressive storytelling through movements, that hand movements play a crucial role in conveying emotions. The dance form consists of various elements such as Mangalacharan (invocation), Batu Nritya (dance with sticks), Pallavi (pure dance sequences showcasing technical brilliance), Tharijham (rhythmic footwork), and Mokshya (a culminating piece representing liberation).

Daksha Mashruwala - Odissi Exponent & Director of Kaishiki Nrityabhasha

Daksha Mashruwala is a world-renowned Odissi dancer who also received training in Bharatnatyam under Smt. Mrinalini Sarabhai at Darpana. These formative years laid the foundation for a lifetime of deeper understanding of aesthetics and form as she delved into classical dance. She devoted herself to intense training and received guidance from the legendary maestro Padmavibhushan, the Late Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, starting in 1988, immersing herself in the intricacies of Odissi.

She has choreographed many innovative items in the Odissi style, such as 'Janani Vasundhara,' a ballet on the Vasant or Spring Season; 'An Idea Named Meera,' a duo with Mallika Sarabhai; Understanding the Cosmos through 'Panchamahabhuta'; 'Premabhakti,' a dance ballet; and 'Srikrishna Parijatam,' a dance ballet featuring four classical dance styles. She has been honored with several prestigious awards, namely the Uday Shankar Choreography Award, the Girnar Award from Brihad Mumbai Gujarati Samaj, and the Nalanda Kanam Nartana Purskar from Nalanda Institute, Mumbai."

Mumbai Festival 2024

The Mumbai Festival 2024, scheduled from January 20 to January 28, will offer a diverse array of events. From the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival and the Mumbai Marathon to Happy Streets, Yoga by the Bay, Aarogyam Kidzathon, and Mumbai Walks among others. Avid Learning and The Royal Opera House, Mumbai partner with the grand Mumbai Festival 2024, promising a delectable blend of various performing arts genres such as music, dance and culture, embracing the festival theme, "Everyone’s Invited". We continue to spread the message of supporting the arts and investing in the cultural life of our communities, enriching the experience of the residents, and celebrating the unique identity of the Maximum City – Aamchi Mumbai!