"Tagore's creation: A blend of classical and modern dance" --Shibli Muhammad
Novera Deepita
Rabindranath introduced dance as a performing art in Bengal. Earlier this art form was not even recognised among the Bangalee civil society because it was usually practiced by the courtesans. Rabindranath was a person who was opposed to orthodoxy. He welcomed innovative ideas, such as fusion dance. There are many examples where Tagore used different kinds of dance styles in a single dance drama. Although Manipuri dancers tend to say that Rabindranath Tagore always preferred the Manipuri styles in his own dance dramas, Shibli Muhammad does not agree with this statement. The reality is that Rabindranath used the Kathak and Kathakali style in his dance dramas. True, Rabindranath adapted the Manipuri style in his first dance drama, but that does not necessarily mean Manipuri was his only preference. When celebrated choreographer Mahua Mukharjee from Kolkata came to Dhaka and staged Tagore's Chitrangada, composed in her own Gaurio dance style last year, there was severe criticism about her choreography. Shibli, however, believes that it was a very beautiful blend of classical and contemporary dance styles. The choreography with the song Shontrasher bihobolota, in particular, was applauded. Shibli has performed and composed many dance pieces, which were developed on the poems, songs and other literary creations of Rabindranath Tagore, including Krishnakoli, Abedon and Tumi shondhar meghomala. As a choreographer, specialising in Kathak, Shibli tends to use the Kathak movements and styles in his choreographed dance pieces, which are based on Rabindranath Tagore's creations. "I prefer blending classical dance styles with the modern art form to make the choreography more appealing."
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