ISLAMABAD: The Mazmoon-i-Shauq dance group performed one of the most popular dance forms in South Asia, the Bharatnatyam, on Friday night at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA).

Led by versatile dance guru Indu Mitha, her students Amna Mawaz, Dr Feriyal Amal Aslam and Iftikhar Masih performed solo and in groups.

Almost all the dances, including ‘Munwa Pankh’, ‘Dukhi’ and ‘Nachat Hai’ were choreographed by Ms Mitha. One of the dances which was titled ‘Barzakh’ told the tale of common people who do not find solace on either side of life. They remain between the negative and positive, confused and double-minded.

The dance was performed by Amna Mawaz, Nasir Masih, Suhail Hussain, Sahira Kazmi, Sehrish Aslam, Sumbal Arshad, Javed Waris, Fouzia Malik, Nazish Farooq, Fayyaz Khan, Amir Younas, Adnan Masih, Nayab Zahra and Fahim Khan.

The lead performer and choreographer of ‘Barzakh’, Amna Mawaz said dance was the language everyone understands and that complex messages can be easily communicated through this form. She said ‘Barzakh’ is the tale of the ups and downs of life which makes it an unusual experience.

Narrations between performances provided an explanation, history and context of the performance to the audience.

Bharatnatyam is a genre of Indian classical dance which originated in Tamil Nadu. Traditionally, Bharatnatyam was a solo dance which was performed exclusively by women and expressed Hindu religious themes and spiritual ideas particularly of Shaivisim but also of Vaishnavism and Shaktism. In the contemporary version, the dance provides a base for various dances in South Asia.

One of the performers in ‘Barzakh’, Nazish Farooq said: This was the first time the National Performing Arts Group of PNCA members performed a contemporary dance in the mix of classical and folk format. It has been a style of expressive dance that combines the elements of several genres and is quite difficult. It requires more movement and expression. It was a challenge for us.”

The performances received thunderous applause from the audience.

“We were not prepared for the level of sophistication that Amna Mawaz has achieved,” said an audience member, Noor Aftab.

“We watched Feriyal Amal Aslam with as much wonder as we watched Amna Mawaz. Her skill and immersion in the spirit of dance was impressive throughout,” said Hira Akram, another member of the audience.

PNCA Director General Syed Jamal Shah said Indu Mitha has contributed many chapters to the history of performing arts in Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2017