PAC celebrates ‘International Dance Day’

Celebration aims to promote dance forms, preserve cultural heritage of nations

RAWALPINDI:

An event was held to mark ‘International Dance Day’ at Punjab Arts Council (PAC) where a vibrant display of both traditional and contemporary dance performances enthralled the audiences.

Naheed Manzoor and Director of the Arts Council Waqar Ahmed graced the occasion as the chief guests whereas Saeed Anwar was entrusted with the role of hosting the event. On the occasion, Naheed highlighted the significance of celebrating International Dance Day as a means of promoting diverse dance forms and preserving the cultural heritage of various nations. With a history spanning centuries, dance holds a distinctive position within the performing arts, she added.

Dancing, which is commonly performed as an expression of joy and celebration, is observed in nearly every culture worldwide. Often referred to as the "poetry of the body," dance is believed to convey a narrative through the movements and gestures of the performer.

In Pakistan, a diverse range of dance forms are practiced, including classical and folk dances, along with regional styles like Balochi, Sindhi, and Punjabi Bhangra that hold a significant place. According to Waqar Ahmed, folk dance is of immense importance in Pakistan as every region of the country has its own distinctive local dance styles that reflect the unique culture of that particular area.

Dance holds a significant position in the cultural heritage of Pakistan, with the tradition being traced back to Baba Bullay Shah and even further back to the Moen Jo Daro civilisation, as seen through the statue of the dancing girl. The Arts Council has been consistent in its efforts to foster and support the performing arts, and the present event is a continuation of that commitment.

The audience at the event was thoroughly entertained by the diverse range of performances, including dhol, classical, kathak, bhangra, simi, and sufi dance, and their appreciation was evident through their hearty applause for the dance troupes.

The occasion was graced by numerous prominent individuals from the world of showbiz, theatre, and television, such as Anjum Khabibi, Asma Butt, Afzal Latifi, Arshad Masood Minhas, Syed Salim Effendi, Sapna Shah, Suleiman Sunny, Saeed Anwar, Arshad Khan, Imran Rushdie, Liaquat Shah, Anjum Abbasi, and Rahat Ahmed khan and others.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, May 2^nd, 2023.