Capturing the essence of dance on canvas

Photo: Courtesy

Dance speaks an international language. Dancers, therefore, emphasise more on expressing their art forms, which include not only facial expressions, but also balanced corporal gestures. On the other hand, painters portray an orchestration of imageries on canvas, to express their artistic thoughts.

Merging paintings and the the essence of dance was truly an innovative gesture, arranged by renowned dance school Kolpotoru recently, at Jatra Biroti, Banani. Several promising dancers and teachers, including Taskin Anha, Arthy Ahmed, Zuairiyah Mouli, Alka Das Pranti, Sweety Das Chowdhury and Shammy Akter organised the event, titled Natyachitra, to educate the young dancers of Kolpotoru throughout the creative venture.

The dancers first indulged in a performance set on the song, Dhitang Dhitang Bole. Artist Syed Rashad Imam Tanmoy demonstrated the basics of drawings for the young dancers, elaborating on Chhondo-Kalpo-Droom (Rhythm-Imagination-Taal). As an artist myself, I communicated with the creative minds, shedding light on how they could portray their eloquent dance moves on canvas. A painting exhibition, featuring different classical dance styles by emerging artist-dancer Abu Ibney Rafi and one of his disciples, added a new dimension to the event.

Zuairiyah Mouli posed in several dance mudras, as all the participants depicted their interpretations of those on their canvases. As the programme proceeded, both the teachers and students painted their imaginations, dreams and thoughts on paper, using various art media. The organisers hope to hold more such events in the future.