Dance courses in Dhaka

Photo: LS Archive/Sazzad Ibne Sayed Model: Naziba Basher

Traditionally, we are keen on indigenous forms like Manipuri, Kathak and Odissi, but these days people want to experience the cultural diversity and are also keen on taking up western, Latin, etc. dance forms. 
Parents are often confused as to making the right choice when admitting their child in a dance school. Although it is possible, and sometimes necessary, to take private lessons, there is also a growing demand for academic certification.  Although there are various institutions, some are suitable only for children, while others are designed for more mature learners.

Havana school of Latin dance
Salsa is the one of the most popular dance forms, with influences from Latin America. The Havana school of Latin Dance is offering short and long courses for salsa. Besides salsa, they also offer Cha-cha-cha, Tango, swing and more. The admission fee is a mere Tk.10500 for three short courses (duration 1 week) and Tk.10000 for the long course (Tk.2000 per month). The school is located in Banani, House 106 (Clara), Road 11, Block-C. For more details contact: 01819 502 079, 01726 195 492 or email them at iaindance_2009@yahoo.com 

Alliance Française de Dhaka
Alliance Française has always been a good place to learn and partake in dance and music. Khandaker Md Mahmud Hassan, the Programme Officer there, informs us that three courses are being offered this year. They are Salsa, Tango and Rumba. The courses fee is Tk.10500. 
AFD tends to teach 3 stages of students - Intensive Adults and Extensive Adults (age 16+); Teenagers (aged 13-15) and Children (age 6- 12). 
For more details call: 01678 086 442. They have branches in Dhamondi, Gulshan and Uttara.

Chhayanaut
Chhayanaut, since its establishment in 1961, has been one of the most prominent organisations in Dhaka to uphold and promote Bengali culture. With around 4000 students it is undoubtedly one of the largest cultural institutes in the subcontinent. They maintain different sections like - Nalonda Vidyalaya, Shikor, Shangit Vidyatan for various types of students. Besides music, they also have professionals teaching classical dance (Manipuri and Bharatanatyam). They will start taking new students from April. 
For more details call: 913 3716. Location: House 32, Road 15/A. Dhanmondi Dhaka.

Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre
The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre offers two dance courses by professionals - Warda Rihab (Manipuri), Shankhari Mridha (Bharatanatyam). Registration forms are available at the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Gulshan during working hours. 
Location: House 25, Road 96, Gulshan 2. For more information, call 885 0141.

Bangladesh Academy of fine arts (BAFA) 
Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts also known as BAFA is an institution of cultural activities established in Dhaka in 1955 in the memory of the late dance artist Bulbul Chowdhury. They offer modern dance courses for people of all ages. Admission fee is Tk.1000 and a monthly fee of Tk.400. They offer six month basic courses or a one year certificate course. 
For more details you can go to their website: www.bafabdonline.com Contact them at bafa_bachchu@yahoo.com or +8802- 57391838.

Bangladesh Shishu Academy
This institute of cultural activities entirely focuses on children aged between 6 and 13. Besides dancing, they also focus on other cultural areas like music, guitar, tabla and many more. The cultural training admission programme starts from June-July. Two classes per week are held and they take 300 students per year. For more details you can contact the Program Officer, Bangladesh Shishu Academy at 955 7356, 716 8631.
Location: Shishu Academy, Doyel Chattar, Shahbagh or email them at info@shishuacademy.gov.bd 

Photo: LS Archive/Sazzad Ibne Sayed
Model: Naziba Basher