IMAGINE some of the most exquisite temple carvings of India from the temple of Khujaraho in Eastern Orissa state, not the erotic ones mind, but the beautiful dancers who frame the temple columns.
Then imagine these delicate figures coming alive. This is the Indian classical dance form of Odissi, rarely performed in Hong Kong.
Akin to the much better known Bharat Natyam style of classical temple dances from Tamil Nadu, it has all the grace and drama of Bharat Natyam but with fewer lines and angles.
Odissi is more fluid and lyrical. It is as finely chiselled as the sculptures it brings to life.
For those who have enjoyed Bharat Natyam, here is an opportunity to see both Bharat Natyam and Odissi and savour the difference between the two. Hong Kong's Vrindaban Academy of Indian Classical Music and Dance will present Sacred Dances and Music of India in a recital by Anandi Ramchandran who has been teaching both styles at Vrindaban's Schools in Heung Fa Chuen and Discovery Bay.
In the three years that Vrindaban has been in Hong Kong, classes in Indian dance have become so popular there is a waiting list to get in.