The Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts (BIPA) celebrated the richness of South Asian classical dance at its annual festival held at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center in New York, with Bangladesh’s young dance prodigy S M Hasan Ishtiaq Imran stealing the spotlight.
The three-hour-long showcase featured Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Manipuri, and other traditional dance forms. Imran’s solo Kathak performance, showcasing mastery of both Jaipur and Lucknow gharanas, captivated the audience with intricate footwork, precise rhythm, and expressive storytelling.
Enthusiasts of Bangladeshi art and culture lauded his graceful yet commanding stage presence as the highlight of the evening.
Beyond his performance, Imran led a month-long classical dance workshop under BIPA’s educational initiatives. Students trained intensively in technique, repertoire, rhythm, handwork, and abhinaya, culminating in a final presentation that reflected their growth and dedication under his guidance.
In recognition of his significant contributions to classical dance and efforts in nurturing future performers, BIPA honoured Imran with a special award, presented by music instructor Selima Ashraf.
Organisers described the accolade as both a tribute to Imran’s artistic excellence and a symbol of Bangladesh’s growing global presence in classical dance.
Imran holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Kathak from Rabindra Bharati University, India, and currently serves as a lecturer at Rabindra Srijonkala University and a part-time instructor at the University of Dhaka.
Over the years, he has represented Bangladesh at prestigious dance festivals in India, Russia, Japan, Turkey, France, Switzerland, and South Korea, continually elevating the visibility of Bangladeshi classical dance on the international stage.
