A blend of contemporary and classical dances

The penultimate day of the four-day Ocean Dance Festival 2019 featured several outstanding performances -- contemporary and classical. Indian artiste Srabasti Ghosh set off the event with Unshared Desire, a piece that blended Odissi and contemporary styles.

Taphat/Variation, a collaborative performance by Taskin Anha (Bangladesh) and Ananya Dance Theatre (USA), followed. Separated by passport, religious affiliations and politics of power, the collaboration was a beautiful display of resolution and harmony.

Bangladeshi artiste Ariful Islam Arnab’s presentation of Manush, a Kathak-contemporary piece, was based on a soulful rendition of the song Tui Ma Re Chinli Na, Tui Nari Re Chinli Na by Anusheh Anadil.

Two dancers from Hong Kong, Ho Ming Yan and Sabrina Wong, took the stage to present a contemporary piece, after which the dancers of Bandhu Social Welfare Society performed Beautiful Bangladesh, choreographed by Kabirul Islam Ratan.

Alka Das Pranti. Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

Young Bangladeshi dancer Bristi Bepari’s performance of Flame of the Mind captivated the audience, as did Alka Das Pranti’s presentation of Kathak to Odissi.

Several classical dance styles, including Kathak, Manipuri and Bharatanatyam were showcased in the segment of Ocean Dance Festival. Shaju Ahmed’s troupe Kathak Nritya Sampraday lively displayed Chhonde Basanta. Dhriti Nartanalaya presented Dashavataar, choreographed by Kalavati Devi and directed by renowned dancer Warda Rihab.

Nrityanchal superbly showcased Guru Vandana, merging it with various technicalities of Kathak -- thaat, amad, uthan, padan, ladi, tukra and tehai. The troupe euphorically presented a tarana, based on Tintaal and Raga Kirwani. Visual presentation of Mughal architectures, paintings and the connotations of Kathak Dance added a new dimension to the live performances.

Eminent dancer-choreographer Rajdeep Banerjee and the artistes of Parampara, Kolkata, performed a scintillating Bharatanatyam piece. Apart from displaying various geometric postures and technical aspects on a Dhamar piece, the dance Guru entertained the audience with a rendition of Vande Mataram.

Renowned Manipuri dancer Tamanna Rahman and her troupe presented several dance pieces, choreographed by Guru Bipin Singh.

Kathak performances by eminent artist Munmun Ahmed and her students wrapped up the day’ proceedings. Set on the rendition of Tore Bina Mohe Chan Nahi by Ustad Rashid Khan, Munmun’s presentation was poetic. The troupe impressed the crowd with speedy footwork, graceful expressions and the rhythm of the ghoongro.

The festival has been organised by the Word Dance Alliance-Asia Pacific and Nrityajog, in association with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Bangladesh Tourism Board.

Sabrina Wong and Ho Ming Yan. Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed