Dancing in the New Year

Shibli Mohammed and Shamim Ara

Shibli Mohammed, Shamim Ara Nipa and the team of Nrityanchal have been pretty active in the year that has just ended. Shibli Mohammed was vocal about their various works last year and their fixtures in this Bengali year:
“We performed in the National Film Awards that was telecast live by Channel-i. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was a chief guest at the programme. Nipa, me and a team of 35 dancers from Nrityanchal danced to ‘Shono ekti Mujibor-er kontho theke’, sung by Sadi Mohammed. The dance was choreographed by Shamim Ara Nipa.”
The troupe also performed at Radisson at the beginning of April for autistic children. “We had a rehearsal with them before the performance in which eight autistic boys and girls performed with us. For me and Nipa, it was a moving experience. I think we have a lot of responsibility towards these children. All that we do is not enough. After this dance, there was a fusion performance of East-West by Nrityanchal, mainly for the amusement of these kids.”
Plans for Pahela Baishakh?
“Early at 7 am we will be in a programme hosted by Robiraag. Till 9 am it will be telecast live on Etv. There will also be prominent singers Papia Sarwar, Fatema Tuz Zohra, Shompa Reza, etc. The venue is just in front of Rifles Square in Dhanmondi.
“The same evening at 8 pm we have a performance in Army Golf Club. We will perform the popular “Mohua” dance drama, a folk story based on snake charmers. Before our performance, Sadi Mohammed and Fatema Tuz Zohra will be singing.”
How do you plan to enjoy the New Year?
“Gone is that age of enjoyment. Now it is all about giving enjoyment! With two shows in the day, I think we will be fully scheduled. However we will make time to be with the family and have the famous Ilish-pantha lunch.”
After 1417-any shows?
“We will be in the inauguration ceremony of My TV at Sheraton on April 15. We will be the opening act. We will perform the peacock dance.”