A theatre group is using an ancient ballet form, a spectacular mix of mythology, the Kamasutra -- an ancient text on eroticism -- and science to spread awareness on HIV/AIDS.

Titled "Nidan" or solution, the nearly two-hour performance had dozens of performers presenting dance projecting ancient wisdom about safe sex to a packed house in the national capital.

Renowned dancer, Rekha Mehra and her team staged the musical dance drama which was performed at Kamani Auditorium and was organised by 'Urvashi Dance Music Art and Cultural Society' in association with 'Jaagruti', 'Water' and 'Sarthak'.

The main objective was to create awareness on AIDS, a global serious threat to the mankind.  The dance highlighted the positive aspects of an internal expression of love and sex.  It also depicted the need to prevent and control AIDS.

"AIDS problem is increasing day by day which prompted us to spread this message to the public at large.  This is the first time in India when we are showing this ballot on AIDS.  Through cultural programmes one can communicate the message directly to the masses, who are fascinated by their feelings.  It basically spreads through sexual relations so we are giving a message to prevent or stop AIDS through dance performances.  The whole ballot is on dance," said Rekha Mehra, dance director.

"Apart from the dance performances, we also showed some audio- visual scenes," said Shashi Dharan Nair, a choreographer

This programme had a mixed opinion where some spectators believed organizers could have focussed more on the subject but some thought that it was worth watching and solved the purpose.

"It is very nice way of spreading awareness regarding AIDS.  We had been attending seminars, debates on it but this is very different in style and entertaining as well," said Rachita, a spectator.

Home to the world's second largest HIV population, India has over

5. 1 million people living with HIV/AIDS and experts say the number could quadruple by 2010.

The World Bank, last year, warned the disease would become the single largest cause of death in world's second most populous country unless there was a change in treatment policy and progress on prevention.

Nafisa Ali, a leading social activist, said such events were crucial for HIV/AIDS awareness, as few would ever dare to attend workshops or seminars on the disease for fear of being branded and isolated as HIV victims.

"If you tell people to come and we are going to talk about AIDS nobody is going to come.  But if you call them for a dance performance and then you do it through culture then I think that is the greatest of all.  After all every drop counts," Ali said.

The ballet's maiden show in the country had the city's top social activists, government leaders and film stars in attendance as they spoke about the disease to a huge crowd of teenagers, college students and housewives, amongst the highest risk groups.

In an alarming trend, the virus has in recent years moved beyond traditionally high-risk groups such as homosexuals, commercial sex workers and drug users.

HIV/AIDS is now spreading into families, infecting mothers and children, and because of the widespread lack of awareness about the illness, many people o not even know they are infected.

Nagma, a popular actress, said using dance dramas and theatre, the most widespread and understood mode of entertainment especially in rural India, was perhaps their best weapon for effective communication.

"Instead of just having long speeches and programmes it is beautiful to convey something in a form of art," she said.  (ANI)