“Dance is not a means to success and fame for me”

Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

Adding another massive milestone in her career, Shamim Ara Nipa has been named along with 16 other eminent personalities as the recipient for the Ekushey Padak 2017. Her contributions to the field of dance has made her one of the most iconic exponents of classical dance in the country, and her dance institute Nrityanchal, co-founded with fellow dancer Shibli Mohammad, is regarded as one of the top dance institutions in the country. In a conversation with The Daily Star, Shamim Ara Nipa talks about her feelings on winning the prestigious award, and more.

How did you first enter the world of dance?

Nipa: I grew up in an artistic household where my family members encouraged each other to take up different pursuits. My induction to dance began when I was quite young, but as years went by I realised that dancing is my passion, as well as a medium through which I would find my identity.

Is there a turning point in your life where you regarded dance as a serious career?

Nipa: I don't really know which instance in my life could be valued as a turning point, but there are quite a few. My early dance career was based out of Dhaka; I was born in Kishoreganj, and was part of a dance troupe from Mymensingh. My teacher there saw me in a different light. Whenever we would rehearse, he would push me to learn extra steps, and showed me how to find finesse in dancing. I traveled with them to Dhaka to perform at a folk festival, and our group stood first in the competition. Soon after, I received an offer to travel abroad, which delighted me to no end! I was only a ninth grader at the time, and had made no significant strides as a dancer – this was a reality check because I thought to myself that I had been given a huge reward without doing much, and that was when I first started thinking of embarking on a serious dance career.

What are your feelings on winning the Ekushey Padak?

Nipa: I feel that my loved ones are more ecstatic than I am which makes me feel good. However, I have never set my eyes on winning any award, as dance is not a means to success and fame for me. I tell my students even now to focus on just dance, and to not stray into modeling or acting. But sadly, most are under the impression that they can't do much in their lives through dance alone, and due to the thirst for stardom dance has taken a backseat and is a marginalized career choice. This award has given me the confidence to move forward, and now I can tell people that they can be just dancers, and have great achievements.

What are you currently working on?

Nipa: Currently, I am busy with my school, Nrityanchal, and we always have performances in various programmes. Other than that, I am working on some rural folk dance choreographies, because I feel that in order to represent ourselves proudly and correctly, we must uphold our roots and learn how to present them properly. Right now I am busy with research, and perhaps by the end of this year I will be able to present it in a big way. I am also working with all the children of my institution in a production for International Dance Day on April 29. Other than that, we have been involved in numerous productions abroad in Kolkata and Dubai, as well as other places, which was a big achievement on our part.