An assortment of dance styles

In celebration of International Dance Day (April 29), Bangladesh Nritya Shilpi Sangstha (BNSS) and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) organised a weeklong colourful programmes at different venues of BSA. Themed on “Chitto Momo Bikoshito Houk Nrityer Taal-e Taal-e”, BSA Director General Liaquat Ali Lucky inaugurated the programmes on April 23.

A number of dance troupes, schools and solo artistes presented a potpourri of dance styles everyday from April 23 to 28 at the National Art Gallery Plaza of BSA where the organizers held Nrityagurumata Rahiza Khanam Jhunu Mela (fair).
The concluding day's (April 29) programmes started off with a mongol nrtiya at Central Shaheed Minar premises. A colourful rally paraded several streets of the capital and ended at BSA on the day. A seminar titled “Nritye Tomar Muktir Roop” was held at the Music and Dance Centre auditorium of BSA, where Benazir Salam and Warda Rihab presented keynote papers.
A grand celebration programme took place in the evening at National Theatre Hall of BSA. Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor, MP graced the occasion as chief guest. A Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred on noted dancer Sharmin Hossain, president of the Chittagong chapter of BNSS.
Cultural Affairs Secretary Dr. Ranjit Kumar Biswas, NDC and Pro Vice Chancellor of University of Dhaka Dr. Nasrin Ahmed spoke as special guests at the event. Director, International Liaison, Bangladesh Television Laila Haque was present as a guest of honour. President and General Secretary of BNSS Minu Haque and Mahfuzur Rahman delivered welcome addresses while Liaquat Ali Lucky presided over the programme.
“Dance has its own language, theory and technicality which are supposed to be studied like other general subjects. It is a matter of joy that University of Dhaka (DU) is opening 'Dance Department' in the upcoming academic session (2014-15),” said Dr. Nasrin Ahmed.
“Art, literary and cultural personalities and activists are the greatest source of power in defense of dogmatism or fanaticism. We, on behalf of the cultural affairs ministry, assure you all that the budget for cultural activities and festival will be augmented in the coming years,” said Asaduzzaman Noor.
A vibrant dance programme followed where a number of troupes and soloists from across the country participated. Artistes of Pallavi Dance Centre set off the event with a prayer dance set on the song “Tumi Nirmal Koro”. Minu Haque choreographed and directed the piece.
Dancers of Dibya performed “O Prithibi Ebar Eshe Bangladesh Nao Chine”, choreographed by Deepa Khandakar. Artistes of Kathak Nritya Sampraday came next on stage to present a tarana. Saju Ahmed choreographed the classical piece.
Nrityalok artistes danced to a romantic song “Megher Palok Chander Nolok”. The presentation, experimental in nature, had flavours of ballet. Kabirul Islam Ratan choreographed the piece. Sohel Rahman and Anika Kabir Shokh led a troupe in dancing to a Tagore song “Mor Bhabonarey” while a number of indigenous artistes performed their traditional dances at the event.
Among others, artistes of Spondon, Nandonik, Nandon Kala Kendra, Angikam, Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts, Ballet Troupe, Nataraj, and Nrityashree performed dances at the event. Mousumi Barua and Nilufar Wahid Papri emceed the event.

Photo: Ridwan Adid Rupon