Bangladeshi dancer and choreographer Mofassal Alif is set to create history as the first Bangladeshi artiste to perform at the prestigious Battery Dance Festival in New York City. The festival, now in its 44th year, is the city’s longest-running free public dance festival. It will be held from August 12 to 16 at Rockefeller Park in Battery Park City, with a rain date on August 17.
Alif will present his solo performance titled In Search of You (Moner Manusher Khonje) on August 16 at 7 PM EDT. The piece is a world premiere inspired by the mystical songs of Lalon Fakir. It explores deep themes such as self-discovery, spiritual connection, and the eternal quest for truth and love.
“This is not just a performance, it is a calling, a spiritual quest, a journey,” said Alif. “We dance not to entertain, but to awaken the forgotten silence, the hidden heartbeat, the ‘Moner Manush’.”
His participation marks a proud moment for Bangladesh, as he becomes the first Bangladeshi dancer to receive an invitation to this internationally renowned festival. The 2025 edition will showcase performances from eight international dance companies and eight New York-based groups, celebrating dance as a universal language through live shows, workshops, and immersive experiences.
Reflecting on his work, Alif shared, “In the rhythm of dance and soul, we ask — ‘Who am I, and who is the one I seek?’ Lalon says, ‘The one who knows the self, knows the soul.’”
The Battery Dance Festival is known for uniting diverse cultures and artists in an open, public setting, making Alif’s appearance a milestone for Bangladeshi contemporary performance on the global stage.
