Rhythmic expression of images and ideas

(Clockwise from top-left) Nilmoni Singh with co-artistes in “Dhol Cholam”, artistes of Barisal Nrityashilpi Shongstha (BNS), a graceful Arpita Shome, another member troupe of BNS and a garo dancer. Photo: Mumit M.

On the occasion of International Dance Day 2010 (on April 29), dancers in Bangladesh are holding a weeklong elaborate programme that started from April 23 at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA). Bangladesh Nrittyashilpi Sangstha (BNS), joining hands with BSA, is organising the whole event. The celebration is being observed nationwide with the patronage of BNS.
The slogan of this year's International Dance Day celebration is “Nrityer Taal-e Taal-e, Bishwa Aaj Ekshathey”. The festival is dedicated to the memory of dancer-choreographer Abul Kashem.
President of BNS, Laila Hasan, was in the chair at the inaugural programme. Guests Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique, Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University and Dr. Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, Information Secretary, spoke on the occasion. Director of Music and Dance Department of BSA, RA Mahmud Selim, also spoke at the event.
“Dance has a universal language. The poetry of physique is called dance. A classical dance artiste rather worships than performs,” said Professor Arefin Siddique.
Dr. Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury emphasised on preserving indigenous and folk forms of dance.
Later a rendezvous of dance performances took the audience into the realm of elation. The show began with a performance of differently-abled artistes of Swede Bangladesh. Performances by artistes from the transgender community, Garos of Mymensingh, Barisal Nritya Shilpi Shongstha, Chittagong Nritya Shilpi Shongstha, Dibya, Natpala (Kamolganj) and Bogra Nritya Shilpi Shongstha and others followed.
Barisal Nritya Shilpi Shongstha performed remarkably well with the song “Kotha-e Shonar Dhan Rey”, while Arpita Shome enthralled the audience with her presentation of “Kirtanam”, one of the forms of Bharatanatyam.
Prior to the event, a fair showcasing dance-related item along with dance performances outdoor, were held at National Art Gallery of BSA. Dancer Minu Haque, convenor of the Seminar Sub-committee, inaugurated the fair.
Convenor of the festival and also the President of BNS Laila Hasan, renowned dancers -- Deepa Khandakar, Tamanna Rahman, Munmun Ahmed, Kabirul Islam Ratan, Nilufar Wahid, Selina Haque and Saju Ahmed were among others attending the fair.
The intention of celebrating International Dance Day is to bring all dance forms and dancers together, and revel in its universality, to cross all political, cultural and ethnic barriers.
Perhaps nationwide events like this will generate more interest in the art form among the masses and will help the dancers attain much deserved popularity.