“Udayan”: In remembrance of Uday Shankar

L-R: Sharmila Banerjee reads out a paper on Uday Shankar. Artistes perform at the programme. Photo: Mumit M.

Under the title “Udayan”, World Dance Alliance-Bangladesh (WDA-BD) organised a five-day dance workshop on the creative dance form popularised by legendary dancer Uday Shankar.
The workshop was held (from March 1-5) at the rehearsal room of the Music and Dance Centre Auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
Indian dancer Dr. Urmimala Sarkar, a disciple of Uday Shankar's wife Amala Shankar, conducted the workshop. The workshop focused on Uday Shankar's dance philosophy and his various styles. Around 30 prominent and promising local dancers including Tamanna Rahman, Warda Rihab, Samina Hossain Prema, Arpita Shome and Sudeshna Swayamprabha took part in the workshop.
The outcome of the workshop was demonstrated at a presentation on March 6 at the main auditorium of Chhayanaut Sangskriti Bhaban. The programme also featured a discussion, award giving ceremony and audio-visual presentation on the life and works of Uday Shankar.
Lubna Mariam, president of WDA-BD, delivered the welcome speech.
Sharmila Banerjee, head of creation and presentation network of WDA-BD read out a research paper on Shankar. She said, “Uday Shankar was the first artiste to use various musical instruments in place of songs for dance. He choreographed dances with relevant music, makeup, costumes and sets highlighting the East. He undertook concentrated experimentation to develop and modernise Indian dance. He created a variety, combining movements which were completely his own.”
As a tribute to the Uday Shankar, Dr. Urmimala Sarkar presented Uday Shankar's “Kartikeya” choreography. The participating dancers of the workshop performed “Bindu Rekha Britto”. Some clips from Uday Shankar's film “Kalpana” were screened at the programme as well. The programme was conducted by Tamanna Rahman.