Quest for a world of expressions

The first day's programme was divided into two sessions- discussion and dance. The discussion session started with the participation of the eminent dancers Rahija Khanam Jhunu and Amanul Haq. Shafi Kamal, the director of the music and dance division of the Academy, gave the introductory speech. Renowned cultural personality Syed Lutful Haq presided over the programme. 'We don't have our own dhrupad form of dances like Bharat Natyam, Kathak, and Manipuri; folk dances are our only form of existence. But that also needs proper patronage', said the speakers. 'The dancers are not properly evaluated and are not awarded for their contribution', they added.

After the discussion, the long awaited cultural programme started with the performance of young and talented dancers from all over the country. Most of the dancers performed folk pieces. Priyanka Rai and Najmul Haq from Mymensingh, Ivan Shahriar and Nadya Afreen from Barisal, Kaniz Ahmed, Tamanna Tabassum and Shuborna Dey portrayed the lives of the village folk, fishermen, women, tribes accompanied by popular folk tunes like Gorur Garir Chaka, Runuk Jhunuk Pai Shundori je Jai, O Pran bashorya Re, JhumJhum Koira Nach and JhilmilJhilmil Jhiler Jole.

Rashedul Haq Abedin and Reefat Riyadh performed the Kathak, while Shwarna Dewanji, Sayeda Shaila Ahmed Lima and Rita presented Bharat Natyam. One of the evening's most enjoyable works was the Manipuri dance by Subrata Das and Bidhanchandra Singh, accompanied by Dhol and Mandira.