Mohiniattam Classical dance by Dr Deepti Omchery Bhalla

Students of various institutions of Dehradun , Mussoorie were treated to a rare lecture demonstration of Mohiniattam , a solo classical dance form of Kerala by Dr Deepti Omchery Bhalla . The concert series was made possible by SPIC MACAY ,the Society that has been active in Dehradun since the past 21 years , is the only organization in the country that endeavors to educate and bring the youth closer to their vast cultural heritage by bringing great maestros to teach and demonstrate their art forms. Deepti Omchery is a rare combination of singer, dancer, researcher and author, equally talented and accomplished in each.Recipient of the National Sangeet Natak Akademi Award by the President of India she is currently the Professor of Carnatic Classical Music at the Faculty of Music & Fine Arts, University of Delhi. She has performed in major dance festivals in India and abroad and has several publications to her credit.
During the lecture demonstrations that were held at various schools and colleges i.e. The Army School, Clement Town, Convent of Jesus and Mary, the IGFNA , she enthralled the students by the intricacies of this unique dance form. Pieces portraying the celestial dance of Lord Shiva, the emotive ' lullaby ' , the Tillana had the students in a trance . The accompanying musicians on the Mridang , Edaikka ( a unique rhythm instrument) and the flawless and powerful vocal support enhanced the performance even further .
The concerts were all interactive with Deeptiji making students and staff perform the Mohiniattam gestures with their hands and students were called on the stage to make an attempt to learn the intricacies of dance form . At the end of each lecture demonstration ,a question answer session helped in educating the youth even further . It was one of the most successful concert tours of 2008 in Ddun and Mussoorie .