Laatoo – documentary on dance shown at T2F

Documentary not only shows society's views on dance but also how it reflects upon classical dancers.

KARACHI: Through years of tradition, orthodox opposition and religious suppositions, dance is something that has very gradually evolved as a part of society. The debate draws attention because on the one hand the practice of dancing is frowned upon and portrayed in a vulgar manner while on the other; it is appreciated as a form of art.

This was the crux of the debate that followed a documentary being screened at The Second Floor (T2F) on Saturday evening. Faizaan Peerzada, COO of Rafi Peer Theatre Workshop released a research film at T2F which was co-directed by Alix Phillippon.

The 90 minute documentary Laatoo brings to light, not only how society views dance but also how it reflects upon classical dancers who remain particularly skeptical of the critique thrown their way.

Classical dancers such as Naheed Siddiqui, Sheema Kermani, Nighat Chaudhry, Indu Mitha, Tehreema Mitha are all legendary female artistes in their respective fields, and the only renowned male dancer that Pakistan has produced is Fasiur Rehman. However, these dancers remain disappointed and dismayed by the views of the general public that label them ‘vulgar’ and ‘obscene’ and hence, foreshadowing their efforts to promote the arts.

The documentary brought to light the fact that the art form has categorically been abused in our society. Many downgrade the profession with harsh stereotypes, women involved in the business are called item girls and are by and large disrespected due to their profession. A large section of the society looks upon dancing as an undignified profession, not respectworthy -  equating it to prostitution.

While speaking to the audience Faizaan Peerzada said, “It is an recurring problem in our society of accepting dance as part of our culture. A film may have a big audience, fashion shows and weeks may have good coverage but when it comes to dance specifically classical dance, it loses its good face”

Sheema Kermani, a classical dancer who was also present at T2F said, “Sadly, dance is taboo and unfortunately private schools still do not have dance classes as a part of the (curriculum) but in annual functions school girls do dance to Indian film songs. Such is the state of hypocrisy in our society.”

Kermani furthering her statement said, “In 31 years of Tehrik-i-Niswan, it has always been a struggle for the Tehrik when it comes to dance and how it should capture an audience, (moreover) none of the political leadership has ever been supportive of it as an art of form.”

As far as naming the documentary Laatoo is concerned, Peerzada said, “It’s a metaphor, it rotates — it’s a folk toy that rotates. Hence, the title of the documentary is based on a classical dance. The documentary has a lot of footage from my last two festivals and it got completed in 2003 and in 2004 it was first shown at the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, in Lahore.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 1^st,  2011.