Dhaka Nrittya Utsab: A vibrant and lively show
Captivating performance by dancers at the festival. Photo Courtesy: Saikat Mojumder
A three-day dance festival, titled Dhaka Nrittya Utsab, has been organised by Bangladesh Nrittyashilpi Shangstha. Beginning from November 7, at the Music and Dance Centre of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, the performance is being held at Segun Bagicha in the city.
Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bhuiyan Shafiqul Islam; eminent theatre personality, Nasiruddin Yousuff; president of Bangladesh Nrityashilpi Shangstha, Rahiza Khanam Jhunu; joint secretary of the organisation, Zinnat Barkatullah; cultural secretary Dipa Khondokar and Saju Ahmed, general secretary of Bangladesh Nrittyashilpi Shangstha spoke at the programme.
The participating troupes were Nrittyarong, Nandonik, Nrittyadhara, Bulbul Lolitkola Academy, Jago Art Centre, Kothakoli Sangeet Bidaylaya, Rewaz Performance, Nritya Nandan and others.
A packed hall of people watched in rapt attention. Though the stage is inappropriate for any dance performance, the dancers' immense creativity, hard work and passion helped them to win wide appreciation. All the troupes gave a unique performance and this explains the outstanding presentation. The movements depict a very vibrant and lively style where urban, folk, modern, classical and traditional dances come together.
The festival has a lofty goal: to spread this performing arts far and wide in Bangladesh.
Saju Ahmed, general secretary of the organisation said, 'This is the first time we have arranged a festival under the aegis of Dhaka Nritya Utsab. The festival is a part of the 400 years celebration of Dhaka. The participants belong to various ages and categories. We seek to create a professional ambience and that explains why we have resorted to ticketing for the first time. We need a big stage for a dance programme. The medium is very old and we have a glorious history in dance.
"Bangladesh Nrityashilpi Shangtha frequently arranges a National Dance Festival. The next carnival will be held in 2009. We have been associated with various political and cultural movements of the country, presenting open-air performances in various places. We propose to the government that the auditorium's name should be changed to that of our music maestro Debu Bhattacharya and dance genius Zia Mannan.
"The government should promote classical dance and ensure a free and liberal atmosphere. Classical dance is very neglected as an art form and its future depends on greater attention to the medium, " said Saju Ahmad.
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