Art and literature form the very base of any culture. India has a rich repository of classical music comprising instrumental, vocal and dance forms. As an ongoing endeavour to educate students on the revered classical dance forms, it is an annual feature at Global Indian International School (GIIS) Noida to host cultural programmes in collaboration with SPIC MACAY - a cultural organization that promotes Indian cultural heritage and art to youth of the country.

By initiating such events has definitely brought first-hand experience of the diverse and colourful Indian heritage as many well-known and renowned artists from all over the world come to share their experiences and expertise with students all over India, showcasing brilliant recital by maestros. GIIS students have had the opportunity in the past to witness brilliant performances like Bharat Natyam  by Smt. Rama Vaidyanathan and Manipuri dance by Padmasree Guru Singhajit Singh and Danseuse Smt. Charu Sija Mathur and her troupe.

Once again, to mark the beginning of Academic Session 2016-17, GIIS NOIDA along with SPIC MACAY organized a performance by Ms. Sharon Lowen an exponent of Odissi.

The event started with lighting of the lamp by the Guest performer, Ms. Sharon Lowen, Nandita Dasgupta - Principal GIIS Noida, Ms. Rachna Jain - Pre-Primary Coordinator and Ms. Manisha Bhagee -Primary Coordinator. The choir group of GIIS Noida sang the ‘Saraswati Vandna’, evoking the power of the Goddess of knowledge.

Danseur Ms. Sharon introduced the various steps and facts related to Odissi dance. She familiarised the audience to simple details like wearing silver jewellery by Odissi dancers, the interpretation of various poses and the role of traditional instruments in Odissi dance performance.

She performed the ‘Mangla Charan’, a stance from the Odissi dance form. As she danced and narrated instances, the audience was completely enthralled by her dance postures, expressions and grace. The next dance was an episode on ‘Krishna and Radha’ depicting an incident of Radha gathering flowers for prayer and Lord Krishna teasing her and thus delaying her return, and eventually mesmerizing her with his holy presence. The troupe of dancers supported her with finesse and graceful dancing. Students, parents, teachers and other staff members; the entire GIIS family was spell-bound by her magical performance that connected the art of dancing to the almighty.

She ended the performance by connecting the audience to actual dancing and invited students and teachers to learn a few basic steps. They enjoyed the short lesson from Ms. Lowen and were in complete awe. They couldn’t stop themselves from asking questions on Odissi dance and her inspiration to take on dancing.

Performing Arts being an important aspect of Personality Development, at GIIS, students are provided with a platform to observe, participate and showcase various art forms. The Odissi recital by Ms. Sharon Lowen and her troupe was an exclusive sneak peek for students into India’s culture and heritage.