The National Dance Competition, organised by Bangladesh Nrityashilpi Sangstha and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, resumed at public venues after a two-year hiatus at the National Music, Dance and Recitation Centre of the BSA in the capital on Thursday.
Young dancers from across the country accompanied by their parents and family members gathered at the BSA to participate in the primary audition round for the dance competition titled Seventh National Dance Competition on Thursday morning.
More than 2,000 young dancers, divided into different age-based groups from 48 districts of the country, are scheduled to participate in the primary audition round, which will end of Saturday.
The best 200 dancers will be selected during the three-day primary audition round by a panel of judges comprising leading dancers of the country.
The competition was held online in the past two years due to the Covid-19 crisis.
Nilufar Wahid, cultural secretary of the BNSS and member secretary of the competition committee, said that she is happy because the competition is being held at a public venue again.
‘We have gathered here today after more than two years. We are expecting a large turnout on Friday and Saturday. It is a good thing that so many young and promising dancers have gathered here today to showcase their talent,’ she said.
Ekushey Padak-winning dancer and president of the BNSS Minu Haque talked about impact of the Covid situation on the competition and how dance artistes coped with the challenges.
‘As we held this competition online in the past two years, we had to organise hundreds of online sessions to communicate with dancers across the country. This presented us with the opportunity to understand the dance scene of Bangladesh and many young dancers came to know senior and renowned dancers,’ said Minu Haque.
She also talked about the activities of her organisation.
‘We got in touch with dancers living in different districts of the country in the past two years. As a result, Bangladesh Nrityashilpi Sangstha is now active in 48 districts. We are also working in other districts and soon the organisation will have a presence in every district of Bangladesh,’ added Minu Haque.
Popular dancer Munmun Ahmed, also a judge of the completion, said, ‘Young dancers could not practice for a long time. This completion gives them the opportunity to perform in front of judges and dancers from across the country.’
Dance teacher and renowed kathak dancer Saju Ahmed talked about the potential and talent of the participating young dancers.
‘There are many highgly talented young dancers. This competition provides them with a large platform to showcase their talent. We encourage dance talents from across the country to participate in the event,’ he said.
The final round of the Seventh National Dance Competition will take place on September 22, 23 and 24. The awards ceremony will take place at the National Theatre Hall of the BSA on September 25.
