A vibrant open-for-all, two-day programme marking International Dance Day began on April 28 at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), bringing together more than 600 performers from nearly 50 dance troupes across the country.
Organised by the Academy’s Music, Dance and Recitation Department with support from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the event is being held on April 28 and 29, featuring a wide range of classical, folk and contemporary dance performances.
The programme commenced at 5:00 pm, Tuesday, with a colourful procession on the Academy premises, where senior and young dancers participated alongside traditional drummers. This was followed by the inaugural ceremony at the National Theatre Hall.
Policy and Strategy Adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, attended as chief guest.
The ceremony was presided over by Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Kaniz Mowla, while Ekushey Padak-winning dance researcher and director Amanul Haque was present as keynote speaker.
Director General of BSA and poet Sheikh Rezauddin Ahmed, also known as Rezauddin Stalin, delivered the welcome address, while the Academy’s Secretary Mohammad Zakir Hossain offered the vote of thanks.
In his speech, Rezauddin Stalin said that for thousands of years, people found their first sense of assurance through dance while confronting natural disasters.
The director added that the Academy is working to promote all cultural disciplines in line with the government’s policy to build an inclusive cultural environment and reach people from all walks of life.
Amanul Haque highlighted the importance of International Dance Day, noting that it is not widely observed in Bangladesh, while appreciating the Academy’s initiative and expressing hope for its continuation.
Dr Zahed Ur Rahman said the government aims to nurture Bangladeshi culture independently and wants every student to acquire at least one skill in music or the performing arts, stressing the need to promote such initiatives more widely.
Kaniz Moula urged guardians to encourage children to pursue cultural education alongside academic studies, saying public participation is essential for enriching arts and culture.
The opening day featured a series of performances, including a group dance by Academy artistes titled ‘Tora Shob Joydhoni Kor’, directed by Fifa Chakma, followed by performances by various troupes including Nrityachhanda, Nrityalok Cultural Centre, Swattik Shilpashram, Sadhana, Chandasik, Nupurdhwoni, Gurukul Cultural Centre, Kathakeya, Anjali Nrityangan Academy, Rewaz Performers School, Nrityakalpa, Akrity, Jhankar Lalitkala Academy, Dhrupadi Nrityalaya, Naim Khan Dance Company, Nandanik Nritya Sangathan, Jinia Nrityakala Academy, Bhangima Dance Theatre and Dev Dance Academy, among others.
The closing ceremony was held on Wednesday at 5:00 pm at the National Theatre Hall, where Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Moula attended as chief guest. A total of 23 troupes performed on the final day.
