Russian dance troupe thrills audiences with its moves

Energetic performers from the Orchid troupe from the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don showcased a snapshot of their country’s dance forms at 22nd Russian Dance Festival organised by the Russian House Chennai in collaboration with Indo-Russian Cultural and Friendship Society at National College on Monday

Energetic performers from the Orchid troupe from the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don showcased a snapshot of their country’s dance forms at 22nd Russian Dance Festival organised by the Russian House Chennai in collaboration with Indo-Russian Cultural and Friendship Society at National College on Monday.

A. Sivathanu Pillai, scientist, founder chief executive officer and managing director, BrahMos Aerospace, inaugurated the programme. P. Thangappan, secretary-general of the society; and V. Vasudevan, managing director, Sangu Chakra Hotels, were present.

Mr. Pillai recalled the special relationship between Russia and India and their collaboration in aerospace ventures that had led to the development of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. Cultural exchanges between the two nations had helped foster friendly relations, he said.

As the festival began, artistes presented an array of performances covering ballet, folk, gypsy, acrobatics, gymnastics, and tap dance. Their contemporary ballet act set to music composer Ilaiyaraja’s Poove Sempoove (rendered by K.J. Jesudas in the 1988 Tamil film Solla Thudikkuthu Manasu) brought the house down with many in the audience singing along to encourage the dancers.

The Russian Dance Festival will be on tour across Tamil Nadu until February 3.