Extremed in the presence of the beautiful dance of the audience, the overflowing crowd at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy
The classical dance festival “Dhrupada” was organized by the cultural organization Bhairavi, focusing on the development of classical dance, tradition and nanda consciousness in Bangladesh. The event was scheduled to start at the Studio Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital, but a large crowd of spectators could be seen outside the auditorium about half an hour before the start of the programme.
The auditorium was filled with cannons in the presence of dance-loving audiences. Many people even enjoyed the whole event. The audience’s interest and love for classical dance also attracts the organizers.
Artists from different parts of the country presented the charming performances of Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, Kathak, Odisi and Kathkali dances at the festival organized in the 17th Boishakh 1433 Bagan. In a unique combination of tradition, scripture, body language, melody and expression, “smultaneous” became an aesthetic cultural confluence.
Ilyas Nabi Faisal, founder and director of Bhairavi, delivered the opening and welcome speech. He said,
“Schasmatic dance is not just an art medium; it is an expression of human thought, philosophy, body language and spiritual consciousness. Through ‘Dhrupad’, we want to create a cultural space where the new generation can be familiar with the depth and beauty of classical dance.”
He added:
“It is very important to create an interconnection between the audience, artists and researchers of classical dance in Bangladesh. “Dhrupada is an important attempt at that cultural dialogue.”
Prominent dancer and associate professor of drama and drama department of Jahangirnagar University Soma Mumtaz, resource person and Kathak dance community director of Tagore University of Creative Arts Saju Ahmed and Tamanna Rahman, chairperson of Dhaka University’s Department of Dance Arts, were present as special guests.
Speaking on the occasion, Tamanna Rahman said:
“I’m really happy to be here. I don’t know how Faisal has done such a big event alone. I’m so excited to see such a beautiful and organized event. I want this event to be held every year in the future, and I want to be with it every time.”
A spectator expressed his feelings:
“I have seen such a beautiful and tidy classical dance festival for a long time. Bhairavi’s initiative is truly commendable. We want this event to continue regularly.”
At the beginning of the festival, the unique genre of Manipuri classical dance “Pung Cholam” was performed on stage. Artist Arnab Sharma impressed the audience with a strong combination of body posture, rotation and rhythm with pung. The dance was performed by Thingmom Brzen Kumar Singh. The performance becomes more lively through live music.
After that, the Bharatanatyam dance group Ushan performed “Toriam”. Asmaul Husna Mashiat, Asha Basak, Aritri Rahman Varsha and Subha bint Sobhan jointly participated in the performance. The dance was produced by Thankumuni Kutty and was rebuilt by Priyanka Sarkar. The dance, which was performed by Ragamallika and Adi Tal, was a sacred beginning of the ceremony.
The team generation comes to the stage with the conversation dance. They serve “Buddhish-Ayo Shaban” and “Robi Shankar Tarana”. Nishigandha Das Gupta, Hafsa Alam Snata, Johana Prathik Das and Abu Ibn Rafi impressed the audience with lively rhythms and fine walks. The dance was made by Mohammad Hanif.
Nivedita Das then performed Bharatnatyam’s “Spring Tillana”. Through fast loy, vibrant walks and pure dance, she showcases the excitement and beauty of spring. Guru Khagendra Nath Barman danced.
“Mybi Jagoi” is a ‘Chauba Memorial Manipuri Intellectual Property Museum’ from Kamalganj upazila of Moulvibazar. Ningthowsam Mithila Chanu, Naushekpam Joyita Sinha and Lukram Rashni Sinha highlighted the tradition of Manipuri spiritual dance in a tender and symbolic pose. Pena Bajan Ningthoujam Shubhdeep Singh and Lukram Adi Singh were in Dhumb.
Tajim Chakma performs in the Odisi dance “Spring Pallavi”. The performance, which was created in the dance plan of Padma Vibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra, was a wonderful combination of Raga Spring and Ektali Tal.
Antara Akhter performs the Bharatanatyam dance “Devi Vogam”. The combination of expressive and rhythmic dances in this performance, which focuses on various forms of Goddess Parvati, Kali, Saraswati and Lakshmi, makes the audience emotional. The dance is directed by Ranjit Babu.
After that, Kathak dancer Templera Chowdhury performed “Shibthi” and “Purthy Dance”. The performance, based on the rhythms of Trital and Dhama, reveals the depth and strength of Shivatigy. The dance was performed by Dr. Suchera Dutta Ghata.
Marginal Dev served Bharatnatyam’s “Amba Stuti”. This performance based on the Vandana of Rajrajeshwari Devi is a bond of devotion, beauty and spirituality. Dev himself was in the dance and dance.
Mithila Chanu performs the “Brahmatal Article” in Manipuri dance. The strong body posture, intense loy and divine expression in this dance based on Krishna’s Tandava, draws the attention of the audience. The dance was composed by Guru Bipin Singh.
Roman Islam Pritam came to the stage with a speech. He served part of the “Dury Dhawl” post. The performances and the compositions focused on the costumes of Draupadi and the Romans of Krishna, which sedined the audience. The dance was produced by Guru Kalamandalam Venkit.
Later, the Bharatnatyam was performed by Maria Farih Auma. His performance included a beautiful combination of pure dance, balanced body lines and aesthetic expression.
Sonia Parveen performs the Kathak dance “Tarana”. The fast walk and rhythm of the performance, built on Rag Basant and Trital, especially impressed the audience. It was built by Persever.
Aparna Nishi performs the Manipuri dance “Radha Roop Color”. In this lasyayya, the beauty, softness and horny juice of Sriradha are very beautiful. The dance was composed by Guru Kalavati Devi.
Odisi dance performed by Md Jasim Uddin “Spring Pallavi”. The performance, which is made up of rag spring and ektali, depicts the pure body language and rhythm of the Odisi dance. The dance was planned by Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra.
Priyanka Sarkar came to the stage with the last performance of the event. She first performed “Pushpanjali”, a traditional abduction dance of Bharatnatyam. He then performed “Kirtanam”, where there is a wonderful combination of devotion, acting and complex walks.
Manipuri dance “Radha Abhisar” also performs the dance dance. Farhana Karin Tandra and Prama Biswas took part in the dance performance of Guru Bipin Singh and the dance of Tamanna Rahman. Sriradha’s love, waiting and the feeling of hope is presented in this serving very aesthetically.
In the last part of the program, the guests presented honors, northern and goodwill memorandums to the artists.
The conference was a part of the event. The collaboration was conducted by JCI Dhaka Young, Dhara and the End.
Talking about Bhairavi, the organisers said that Bhairavi is a cultural organization that is working to connect the new generation with art and culture through music, dance, theatre and folk-stractural art. In addition to classical art, the organization is also playing an active role in the development of research, training and cultural dialogue.