Twilight Rhythms

Not too long ago, the corporate giant known as ITC, having already developed an identity as a high profile patron of classical music, decided to add classical dance to the performing arts it sponsors on the stage. In the Capital, this interest has manifested in the shape of an annual dance festival. The second such festival, billed as Twilight Rhythms, look place recently in the glamorous setting of the Nandiya Gardens of the Maurya Hotel, owned by ITC's Wellcome Group. It spanned three evenings and attracted a large audience, of whom many probably would not merit the description of regular or serious dancewatchers. Considering that the people in the audience represented a motley mix, their attentiveness was noteworthy. When a dance show is followed by a feast for the stomach served in the sumptuous manner of a five star hostelry, for a lot of people the evening seems to be a bit more rewarding. In any case, for the sponsor, die combination of the roles of art patron and host yields the highest publicity dividend. But one had to be lucky enough to find a seat in the front or middle section to enjoy the show.