Highlighting dancers from all corners of the country
(Clockwise from top) A creative composition by dancers from Sylhet, Lathi Khela by Kishoregonj Dance Troupe, artistes of Chittagong Nrityashilpi Sangstha perform at the programme. Photograph by Mumit M.
As part of this year's three-day long International Dance Day celebration, on the second day (April 28) the organisers -- Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) and Bangladesh Nrityashilpi Sangstha (BNS) -- arranged several programmes at different venues in Dhaka.
In the evening, a dance performance -- featuring thirteen troupes from different parts of Bangladesh -- was held at the National Theatre Stage, BSA. It was a great opportunity for dance artistes from different parts of Bangladesh to showcase their traditional dance forms and celebrate International Dance Day in harmony.
A discussion was held prior to the dance performances. Noted dancer Golam Mustafa Khan gave the welcome speech. Speaking at the programme, Manipuri dance exponent Anil Kishan Singha said, “As a gesture of joy, not only human beings but other creatures too, dance.” Singha was a special guest at the programme. Theatre personality Nasiruddin Yousuff and Rafiqul Islam, chairman, Jibon Bima Corporation were other special guests.
Dr. Enamul Haque, former secretary, Ministry for Culture Affairs was the chief guest.
Veteran dancer Rahiza Khanam Jhunu presided over the discussion. She said, “Preserving and developing our dance forms will be a lot easier if we (dancers) get a chance to work together with other sectors of culture.”
The evening started with a Manipuri dance by artistes of Manipuri Academy of Fine Arts. The dance form is widely practiced in the Sylhet region in Bangladesh and Manipur in India. The artistes performed the Mridanga dance at the programme.
Performances by the members of Shilpakala Academy, Rajbari and Nrityashilpi Sangstha, Bogra followed.
The highlight of the programme was the indigenous dance forms. Several indigenous troupes showcased their traditional art forms at the programme. The Marma and Tripura artistes of Khagrachhari Cultural Institute performed "bottle dance" and "pori dance" respectively.
Artistes of Upajatiyo Cultural Institute, Rajshahi and Cox's Bazar Sangskritik Kendra performed a Santal dance on the theme of "welcoming the bride" and the "Rakhaing Rain Dance” respectively.
Members of Chittagong Nrityashilpi Sangstha and Rajshahi Nrityashilpi Sangstha performed classical dance at the programme.
Dancers from Sylhet, Manikganj, Khulna and Rangpur also performed at the programme.
"Lathi Khela" by Kishorgonj Dance Troupe was quite enjoyable and unique.
The evening ended with a Rakhaing dance.
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