From Russia with love

A jubilant Majid Sekhaliyev (3rd from left) teaching the basics of dance

To his credit, Sekhaliyev has a 20 year-career as a dancer and numerous years as a choreographer. He has retired as a folk dancer, though he had to study other dance steps too. 'Our steps, accompanying music and clothes are totally different from modern dances such as that of samba and mamba,' says Sekhaliyev. 'I went into folk dance as I felt that it best reflected the roots of my origin, at Makhajkava, in the mountain region of Dagistan, a Russian republic. There is glamour and richness in the folk genre too,' he adds. Now in his early 50s, he is still as agile as a gazelle, graceful as a butterfly, and throws himself into strenuous nonstop practice, day after day, being spurred on by his desire to teach, now that he has bowed off from performing on stage.

Like many male dancers in Russia, he did not get the approval of his cultured but conservative family who wanted him to follow a more conventional career. 'However, I remained determined, and when I won popular acclaim, my family too accepted my role as a dancer. I had my ups and downs in my career,' Sekhaliyev reminisces. However, the chart of his accomplishment saw an upward rather than a descending trend when he turned to choreography. He had found his creative outlet. He is homesick for his family at times, but frequent phone calls and trips back and forth for the last five years have kept up his spirits and allowed him to speed ahead into something that is after his own heart. 'When I study the Bangladeshi dance steps and teach the basics of dance movements to the young local dancers, I feel young and jubilant,' he says.

He has performed in all the important European cities such London, Paris, Rome, Berlin, Madrid and Lisbon. He has been to South America, India, China, Japan and various other places around the world, carrying his message of gaiety and harmony -- in dance steps, swirls, sashays and buoyant hand movements. With a smiling face and twinkling eyes, he conveyed the element of gaiety in folk dances.

Asked to comment on the lifestyle in Dhaka, Sikhaliyev says that he finds the kebabs and curries very delicious though hot. He expresses his delight in the array of colourful saris in the markets and other gatherings. His choice of Bangladeshi music includes Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul Sangeet, but he naturally prefers folk songs such as Bhatiyali, Jari and Sharee songs.