Students led by Nadim dance at the Russian Centre for Science and Culture. Photo Courtesy: Saikat Mojumder

To celebrate International Dance Day, the Russian Centre for Science and Culture arranged a programme on April 28 showcasing various types of dance. These included Latin American pieces by artistes led by Nadim, a Nepali dance, and Bangladeshi dances by students of Sohel Rana.
The Bangladeshi dances followed popular folk tunes like Bajerey bajey Banglar dhol, Moina chhalat chhalat choley rey, Phaguner mohoney, Sampanwalla and more. Both the young men and women were dressed in colourful costumes and the dances went well with the audience. The solo Kaththak performance was also laudable.
Speaking to The Daily Star, Kamrul Islam Nadim, who led the western dances said, "I learnt Latin dances when I was a school student in New Delhi. The school encouraged music, dancing and fine arts. We also participated in inter-school competitions. I was not inclined to eastern Indian dances.
"Coming to Bangladesh, I felt that 'sports dancing', in which I take part, needed to be encouraged. In my school I teach the major Latin dance forms like Cuban Salsa (with its quick tap steps), Meringue (an exercise of rhythm), Cha-cha-cha, Mumbo, Samba and Lambada."
The students also put in a few words of their own. Elly, who had learnt a little before in Melbourne, said, "I like dancing very much and what Nadim teaches is different from what I learnt before. I've been training for five months. I come here three times a week and each session lasts for about two hours."
Fabiha said that she has been taking dance lessons for four months. "I find the dance steps very creative. What I like best are Tango and Salsa. I find Cha-cha-cha and Waltz enjoyable too."
Another student Shanto said, "This is my hobby. I'm most comfortable in Salsa." Isha Oly, a university student, who performed the Nepali dance, said, "The dance is in praise of the scenic beauty of Nepal."
The evening was a pleasant one and the audience stayed on till the end.