Shake it off: For the love of dance

Troupes, academies join hands to celebrate performing arts in ‘Dance Day Manao’

LAHORE: From marriages to folk festivals and films, there’s no denying that the art of dance is deeply embedded in Pakistani culture. To further the field of performing arts, a number of ace dance groups and institutes joined hands to entertain dance-lovers at an event titled ‘Dance Day Manao’ on Thursday. Initiated by the Lahore Arts Council and Institute of Performing Arts, the event was held at Alhamra Hall, Lahore.

A number of professional dancers from Rafi Pir Workshop, Wahab Shah Dance Company, Faiz Ghar and Dugdugi Theater performed at the event. While a large number of students from various institutions attended the evening, Lahore Arts Council Executive Director Atta Muhammad Khan, well known classical dancer Nighat Chaudhry and Faiz Ahmad Faiz’s daughter Salima Hashmi were amongst the chief guests. The premises were decorated with lights, candles and banners, giving an overall feel of celebrations to the ambience.



Prior to the dance performances, selective documentaries were shown to the audience, highlighting the efforts of groups including the Institute of Performing Arts and Rafi Pir workshop in their struggle for the revival of performing arts in the country. These documentaries also emphasised the contribution of folk singers in the entertainment industry, while also briefing the audience on the need for more events similar to ‘Dance Day Manao’.



As the evening progressed, Chaudhry unravelled her experiences of classical and folk dance in the country. In this connection, she lauded different dance organisations that have not only promoted but also made a difference to the field of arts. “The Institute of Performing Arts was developed with the vision to supervise and promote dance. In the future, this institution will also collaborate with more dance and performing arts groups so that more such events can be organised,” said Chaudhry. “We encouraged dance groups and dancers to perform together so that the public is able to see a variety of dance performances under one roof,” she added.

A group of dancers from Gilgit Baltistan also graced the event, and performed their native dance. The troupe also rendered other dance forms but the performance titled ‘Nuqta’, which was put together by the students of the Institute of Performing Arts was much appreciated by the attendees.

Concurring with Chaudhry, Hashmi too expressed the need for more dance groups. She revealed it is essential to explore the hidden talent amongst today’s youth and encourage them to take part in such events. “Lahore is brimming with talent, especially in the field of dance. This city has unveiled many opportunities to a whole lot of dancers,” mentioned Hashmi.

“These dancers have earned a good name in their professions and they are proof that Lahore is the place for activities related to performing arts,” she concluded.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 4^th, 2016.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.