Shammy Akter is an emerging dancer who has taken to Bharatanatyam, Kathak and contemporary dance forms. Starting out with dance lessons at the age of seven, she has come a long way. She is now a regular face with dance organisation Shadhona, and plays the lead in Shadhona's much-acclaimed production “Champabati”. 

 In a recent conversation the dancer talked about her journey and the dance scene in the country. Excerpts

Tell us about your journey as a dancer...

Shammy: I took dance lessons at home for a few years, after which I got into BAFA where I completed a five-year certificate course in Kathak. Later, I trained in Bharatanatyam under Amit Chowdhury, and have continued doing so for the last  four years. I have been part of Shadhona since 2009 when they were scouting for dancers for upcoming productions. I also teach dance to children at Kolpotoru. 

When and where should a child start taking dance lessons?

Shammy: Unlike the days when I started learning dance, there are now many institutions which offer elementary courses in dance, and these institutions are a great platform for starters. Classical dance is a good way to begin.

To what extent has dance become professionalized?

Shammy: Dance has flowered as a profession in Bangladesh. But there are no institutions that offer academic courses in dance. Talks are ongoing that Dhaka University will form a dedicated department for dance, and if the happens it will help dance turn into a profession. At the moment our leading dancers have obtained degrees from India. 

Qualities a dancer must have…

Shammy: I think learning attentiveness is the first key. Also a dancer has to look carefully at every move and step of the guru to grasp it properly. He/she has to have a definite goal. I believe practice can make anyone perfect. When I was a child many people told me that since I was tall I should learn Kathak rather Bharatanatyam since it is more challenging. But I opted for Bharatanatyam.

Why do you dance?

Shammy: I get freedom and it offers me space for mental relaxation. Dancing gives me joy. A dancer depicts a story through physical movements. Every dance form has a different languages and recounting a story through steps is an art.

Dreams you cherish as a dancer?

Shammy: I want to teach Bharatnatyam. If anyone learns classical dance from the beginning he/she will master it quickly. As an artiste I want to do something for the sake of creativity. Dance has the power to shape the mind.