Accepting change

Farzana Khan Ela and Sabbir Ahmed Khan Biju

For instance, the growing generation has a diversified taste in music in, the country today. Listening to musicians like Azam Khan was probably a huge step several years ago, in terms of change in the musical scenario. Today, however, young musicians like to deal with the underground, grunge, alternative not to mention fusion and jazz. They have actually built a niche for themselves, where they give birth to their expression resulting from true passion. In spite of this huge change, these young musicians have not forgotten their identity. They still hold on to their roots and try to stem out yet another path to reach out to their peers.

While talking to three young dancers Farzana Khan Ela, Sabbir Ahmed Khan Biju and Syed Md Talut Sunan, one will definitely feel the strong urge within them to build a diversified road towards learning and developing the art of dancing. They have a desire to go back to the roots and interpret it in unique ways to acquaint the young generation with culture. 'There are still people who dance the traditional Lathi dance in the original style,' exclaimed Biju. 'I am working with a few of these dancers and trying to develop a form which could be easily accepted by the younger generation.'

Today, these young dancers want to move from the traditional ways of expressing their art, and merge into contemporary dance. Both Biju and Sunan, who have had a chance to meet the talented British born dancer Akram Khan, and attend his workshops in the UK, now practice at least two hours a day, trying to come up with a different taste for the young generation to appreciate.

'Based on our classical knowledge, we are trying to develop this contemporary form of dance.' Sunan remarked. 'Many fail to realise that our culture is extremely rich. I am, in a way, exploring its flexible features to develop an art form, which will be acceptable today.'

'It's a shame when the promoters look for female dancers in a show, and can't seem to accept the fact that a group of boys can also be involved in choreography and classical dances,' Sunan continued.

'We still don't get appreciation in this country.' Ela pointed out. 'The media has this in-built notion, that if you are not a model, not a usual face on every other television ad, don't have any face value, you are not fit to be considered in the cultural field of Bangladesh.'

Sometimes, it is simply refreshing to come across such promising artistes who want to create yet another dimension in their respective fields for diversification.