LAHORE, Jan 15: A fabulous classical dance evening, featuring Pakistan’s leading dance deity Naheed Siddiqui, attracted a large number of classical dance fanciers at Alhamra Art Centre, The Mall, on Tuesday night.

The one hour and a half performance to a jam-packed hall witnessed many rounds of thunderous applause by an audience passionate to enjoy a classical dance performance.

The stage was elegantly decorated with white dry flowers and specially imported jute made backdrop screen. The multi-colour spotlights created a dreamy ambiance when being thrown on flowers and the backdrop. The culmination of light play was just like a prism oozing rainbow colours.

The significant aspect of the grand performance was that for the time in Khathak dance Punjabi Sufi philosophy, music and poetry was taken as the very base of the show. The all three dances were adorned with Baba Bulleh Shah’s magical poetry.

The first dance segment was titled Mati; it was performed by a group of a male and five female young dancers, the students of Ms Siddiqui. Among these young but highly professional artistes two were foreigners -- Rachael from England and Luna from Italy. Their independent performance earned them a lot of praise because of its richness and purity.

The second theme was based on famous Punjabi verses ‘Tere Ishq Nachaiya’. It was performed by Ms Siddiqui and three other artistes.

The night stealer dance performance was the one by Ms Siddiqui titled ‘Ranjah Ranjah Ker Di’. Clad in a black dress with red chunari and wearing gems and jewels, the tremendous dancer left the audience dancing.

The classical dance night was a complete package of dance and style. It was dedicated to the late Faizan Pirzada, a puppeteer of great caliber from Rafi Peer Theatre Workshop.

Ms Siddqiui thanked the audience at the end of the event and said that now after every two months she would hold a dance performance at Alhamra with her students. It may also be mentioned here that Alhamra is also conducting a six-day classical dance workshop with Ms Siddiqui.