Seminar and workshop on Gaudiya Nritya at Shilpakala

Gaudiya Nritya, a classical dance of ancient Bengal, has roots in Bangladesh. To uphold this cultural legacy, Music, Dance and Recitation Department of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) arranged a seminar titled “Gaudiya Nritya: Classical Dance of Bengal” along with a dance workshop.

Two seminars were held at the seminar room of National Theatre Hall of BSA on August 6 and 7. Eminent Gaudiya Nritya exponent and Nrityaguru Professor Mahua Mukherjee from India presented the keynote address at the seminars. 

Hosted by dancer-choreographer Shamim Ara Nipa, noted and promising dancers --Rahija Khanam Jhunu, Amanul Haque, Golam Mostafa Khan, Shukla Sarkar, Munmun Ahmed, Soma Momtaz, Deepa Khandaker, Farhana Chowdhury Baby, Anisul Islam Hero, Warda Rihab, Rachel Priyanka Perris, Samina Hossain Prema, Tamanna Rahman, Tabassum Ahmed, Mahfuzur Rahman, Kabirul Islam Ratan, MR Wasek, Benzir Salam, Belayet Hossain Khan, Saju Ahmed, Munira Parveen Happy and Sukomol Iftekhar -- attended the seminars. Liaquat Ali Lucky, director general of BSA presided over the seminars.

Elaborating on the backdrop of Gaudiya Nritya borne out of her 40-year research into the dance form, Professor Mahua Mukherjee said, “Many don't have a clear concept of Gaudiya Nritya. Despite being our cultural heritage, the classical dance form is yet to be established. I think, regular practice, patronage and a concerted effort all around are required to revive the dance legacy of Bengal.”    

Starting from August 8, the Gaudiya Nritya workshop will continue till August 12 daily from 6pm to 9pm at the Rehearsal Room no. 105 of National Music and Dance Building of BSA.