A tête-à-tête with Shibli and Neepa on Tarana
The Daily Star: How did you come up with the idea of launching a dance VCD?
Shibli Mohammad: Dance, as an art form, has the power to communicate internationally. During our performance abroad, people would often ask for a dance VCD to have an idea about our art form. Unfortunately, there were no such VCDs and we decided to experiment on the project and produce a dance VCD.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Shamim Ara Neepa: People of other countries are enthusiastic about our culture and have very little idea about it. This VCD is an attempt to present our culture to them.
TDS: Why was it named Tarana?
Neepa: We took this decision together. We also felt that the name Taal (rhythm) would have been appropriate as well, as it would instantly suggest its relation to dance.
TDS: How did you select the dance pieces?
Shibli: We kept in mind the taste of the audience and of course the tradition as well. The interest for classical dance is very limited in our country, so we have tried to include classical, folk, contemporary and fusion pieces.
TDS: Could you elaborate on fusion dance?
Shibli: It is a blend of modern and classical dance and is a popular form in every country now. We wanted to give the audience a flavour of all the traditional dances.
TDS: How did you select the artistes for this VCD?
Shibli: As this is a production of Nrityanchal we prefer to select artistes from this organisation. But Nrityanchal is an open stage for all, so there were other artistes like Ria and Sohel who performed for this VCD as well.
Neepa: Keeping in mind the slogan of Nrityanchal, 'May the nupurs of all dancers ring on the stage of Nrityanchal,' we encourage all interested dancers to perform in our shows and productions.
TDS: Why did it take a long time to release a dance VCD in Bangladesh?
Neepa: Well, we started conceptualising it a long time ago but to bring it into existence we needed support. Nobody took any initiative initially.
Shibli: The delay of the VCD was also because dance as an art form is neglected in every media, especially in the print media. The Daily Star began giving coverage very recently. It is quite difficult for the dancers to achieve popularity unless they take part in modelling or acting. Media exposure is important to popularise the art form.
TDS: Tell us about the response you got from this VCD.
Neepa: There has been a good response from the audience abroad. As we did not go for a commercial release here, the people related to dance only know about it.
TDS: Can you share any interesting or memorable event while recording this VCD?
Shibli: The most interesting thing is that this is the first ever dance VCD of Bangladesh. Besides, many interesting events took place during its recording. For example, while shooting the dance piece Chandraboli in Moynamoti, a big crowd flocked around us to watch the performance. The people were so eager to watch the shooting of the dance that it was difficult for the law-enforcing agency to control them. Again, while recording the dance Snake Charmers, we went to a remote village where the enthusiastic villagers gathered to see the shooting.
TDS: What problems did you face while producing the VCD?
Neepa: We did not get the proper equipment and financial support from anywhere. In case of performance and lighting too we had to compromise. However, we are committed to be much more professional in our next venture.
TDS: Will your next venture be any different?
Neepa: For our next venture, we plan to release a VCD for the beginners. From this VCD they will be able to learn the basics of dance movement and stepping. We also intend to give proper tips and guidance on make-up and music selection for the dance performers.