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Dare to dance
It was a homage to dance, a primordial form of human expression that makes one aware of the infinite dimensions of the human body. This first ever International Dance Day was a show depicting different types of dances from Kathak to Folk, Mambo to Rock ‘n’ Roll and everything in between. Organised by the Alliance Francaise of Islamabad in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of Arts, it was an attempt to rekindle this endangered art.
Since all four provinces in Pakistan have had their various regional dances for centuries, the occasion was a celebration of “the diversity and commonality of all cultures and civilizations,” Nabila Ahmed from the Alliance explained. The performers ranged from true professionals “who dedicated their lives to this art” to amateurs “who love to dance but have been gifted with two left feet.” It was a mix of students from the Indu Mitha dance group, performing Kathak and Bharat Natyam, to a group from the British and Canadian clubs, comprising a diplomatic community (including the head of British Council in Islamabad) performing Mambo No 5. A group of Scottish dancers performed Cumberland Reel, Johnny Walker, Dashing White Sergeant and Circassian Circle.
The Pakistan Folk Dancing Troupe from Karachi was a team of professionals who superbly performed Gypsy Joy Tharparker, Kathak Tarana Maalcos and another lively number, The Candle Dance. Their final performance was Aaj Rung Hai, a Sufi dance on Amir Khusro’s verses. Dressed in white peshwaz with loads of jewellery, the women looked stunning under the dramatic stage lighting and thrilled the Islamabad audiences along with their male dance partners.
A special performance for the occasion was The Sacred Tree, a subject that Indu Mitha visualised and trained students for. Before the dance began, she came on stage to explain the background of the dance drama. The Islamabad ka Muqadas Darakht revolved around a popular Banyan tree, (also known as the Buddha Tree for it is said that Buddha sat and meditated under it some 2,500 years ago) that stood in sector E-7, but was a few months back burned down. Performed by the students of Mazmoon-i-Shauq school, the dance traced back the history of earth before mankind to the present day.
The finale was performed by Nighat Chaudhry who looked composed and in control as she danced to her heart’s content. The fact that all types of dancers had performed on the same stage to promote this celebration just goes to show how popular this art is in the country. Held at the Islamabad Club Auditorium, it was definitely an event full of fun. Once all seats were taken, people did not hesitate to sit on steps between the aisles. The evening ended upon the hope that the International Dance Day would become a regular annual celebration.
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