Promoting aspiring dancers

Arno Kamalika performing Bharatnatyam

Draped in a bright turquoise attire, Tanzida Alam Simi performed a Kathak piece, an elegant classical dance form with a rich history. Another participant, Tanaya Chakma from Bandarban, performed traditional Thala Nritya while Manisha Sarkar from Rajbari performed a modern dance number with the popular song of yesteryears Ami mela thekey talpatar ek banshi kiney enechhi. Ahona Chowdhury, Khondokar Hafizur Rahman, Mohammad Shahnewaz Lemon, Swapna Dewan, Aditi Dutta and Mehraj Haque Tushar also performed classical and modern dances.

The Music and Dance Department of the Academy organises such shows annually. The programme draws promising dancers from different districts. Choreographer Deepa Khondokar of the Academy said, "About 66 dancers from all over the country participated in this year's show. This shows an upward trend as compared to the previous years."

Deepa says, "The dance directors of different Zilla Shilpakala Academies, choreographers and eminent dancers recommend these upcoming dancers. The performers who follow the grammar of dance and are trained through a systematic process under dance gurus are selected for such shows. Although there is no officially declared competition among the dancers, all the participants put their hearts in their performances because this is a prestigious show."

The dancers gave a lively performance with their rich and aesthetic presentations.