The vibrant spirit of Indian classical dance came alive at Bryan Brown Theatre, Bankstown, on 5 September 2026, as Nrityashree Odissi Dance Academy, founded and directed by Debashree Das, presented its annual event, “Basant Raag 2.”
An Auspicious Beginning
The evening commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony by distinguished dignitaries and guests, marking an auspicious beginning to the celebration of Indian art and culture.
Dance Without an Age Limit
One of the most beautiful aspects of the evening was the diversity of the performers. From children as young as four years old to students in their sixties, Nrityashree dancers came together on one stage and performed with immense joy, grace and enthusiasm. Their performances reflected months of dedication, practice and their shared love for Odissi.
The program showcased a range of Odissi performances by Nrityashree students, celebrating the beauty, expression and storytelling traditions of the classical dance form. It was particularly special to see different generations performing together and demonstrating that the joy of dance has no age limit.
Celebrating India’s Classical Dance Traditions
The evening was further enriched by guest performances from Mayura Dance Academy and Kalankan Dance Academy, whose talented students presented beautiful classical dance performances, adding to the celebration of India’s diverse artistic traditions.
Honouring Courage and Compassion
A particularly meaningful part of the evening was the felicitation of Rahemath Pasha by Nrityashree, acknowledging his reported courage and assistance to injured people during the Bondi Beach attack. The recognition reflected the academy’s desire to honour compassion, courage and service within the wider community.
A Heartfelt Gesture of Love
Another deeply touching moment came when one of Debashree’s students presented her with a beautiful saree as a heartfelt gesture of love and gratitude. The unexpected gift left Debashree deeply moved. For her, it was more than a saree—it represented the affection, respect and beautiful bond that she shares with her students.
More Than an Annual Dance Event
For Debashree, Basant Raag 2 was much more than an annual dance event. It was a celebration of her students—their dedication, passion, growth and love for dance. Months of rehearsals and preparation culminated in an evening where every dancer had the opportunity to shine.
The Special Bond Between Guru and Students
Debashree believes that the true success of a guru is reflected in the love, respect and dedication of her students. The bond between a teacher and students grows through learning, discipline, encouragement and a shared passion for the art.
Promoting Odissi in Australia
As Founder and Creative Director of Nrityashree Odissi Dance Academy, Debashree continues her journey of promoting Odissi in Australia and creating opportunities for people of all ages to learn, perform and connect with India’s rich cultural heritage.
A Celebration Made Possible by Many
The success of the evening was made possible through the dedication of the students, support of their families, guest performers, dignitaries, sponsors and everyone who worked behind the scenes.
