Samina Husain Prema on turning to digital avenues as a dancer

Acclaimed Manipuri dancer Samina Husain Prema has been entertaining the audience with her graceful performances both at home and abroad. She is a dance instructor at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) and the dance director of her troupe, Bhabna. In a candid chat with The Daily Star, the artiste shares her ways of adjusting to the 'new normal', how she turned to technology in these trying times and her Puja plans for this year. 

How have these last few months been for you?

I recorded my last stage performance on March 16 for the Mujib Shotoborsho programme. Even our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was present at the venue during our live performances. However, the whole country went into isolation from March 22. The first few days were amazing, especially for my daughter Rai, as she got to spend a lot of time with both of her parents. Being at home also gave me a lot of time to formulate new concepts for my upcoming performances. After a while, things started to become very monotonous. Thus, I decided to bounce back with online performances and was very appreciated for my efforts. I performed on "Ek Shathe Dure Thaki", sponsored by Grameen Phone, in association with Grey Dhaka, with my daughter Rai. The video was well-received. I think things are getting better now.

How has your experience as a teacher been during the coronavirus pandemic?

We are actively taking online classes at BSA and my students at Bhabna are also attending my sessions online since June. However, I must admit, the initial days were very difficult. Physique and movements are very important for dancers. As teachers, we have to demonstrate and also supervise if their hands, toes, and even eyes are in the correct order. When teaching online, I could barely stay connected to most of my students as the internet connection was often poor. Demonstrating dance mudras, sthanaks and especially the expressions in front of a screen was also a very new method for me and everyone else, I believe. However, now, with time and regular use of technology, I am proud to have opened up to the 'new normal' ways. It seems like now we are more accessible to our students and colleagues, regardless of how far they physically are from us.

Over the years, dance as an art form has evolved with time in Bangladesh. What is your take in this regard?

When we started, only pursuing dance as a career was beyond imagination. However, now the youngsters have the opportunity to study and take up dancing as their bread-winner. Many initiatives by the government, such as opening a dance department at University of Dhaka and promoting this art form through various cultural initiatives at BSA have only elevated the position of dance here. More such initiatives on a broader scale could  lead us towards improvement. I believe, such platforms and opportunities would inspire more promising, young dancers to pursue their passion.

What are your Puja plans this year?

Being a dancer, I always spend a very busy week during  Durga Puja. However, this year I decided to celebrate it differently. I am going on a family holiday. However, just before I stepped out the door with my luggage, I decided to entertain my fans with my daughter's voice this time, rather than my dance moves. Dressed in her Puja attire, she sang the song "Bulbul Pakhi Moyna Tiye" online. I wish all my fans a happy Durga Puja, and I hope to be back on the stage soon with new live performances.