LAHORE: The Pakistan National Council of Arts and Shakir Ali Museum will celebrate the International Dance Day on 29th April at the Alhamra Art Centre, The Mall.

In connection with the day, the biggest dance gala in the city will be held at Alhamra Art Centre, The Mall, where the PNCA, Punjab Council of Arts, National College of Arts’ National Performing Arts Group and some other groups and individual artists will come up with diverse dance performances.

As part of preparations for the event, outfits for dancers are being sorted out according to the requirement of their performances.

The hall will be ornamented with decorative motifs, roses and multicolour illuminations.

Shakir Ali Museum Director Amna Pataudi commenting on the event said, “We encourage the institutions which are celebrating dancers to promote a conducive environment for the future of this art form”.

The museum has been celebrating International Dance Day since 2010. Till now, it has paid tribute to a number of performers including Zarin Suleman Pana, Nighat Chauhdary, Naheed Siddiqui, Roshan Ara Bukhari, Madam Azuri, Sheema Kirmani and Indu Mitha.

This year the institute is paying tribute to late Khanu Samrat, the bright star from the Samrat family of dancers. Named Khadim Hussain Samrat by his parents, he was born to a family of choreographers. Khanu’s father Akbar Hussain Samrat was also a famous film choreographer. Some of the famous films Khanu choreographed are, Mujhay Chand Chahiye, Choorian, Mukhra, Channa Sachi Muchi and Sharaarat.

Khanu’s son Vicky Samrat will pay tribute to his late father through a dance performance to mark the day. The NPAG, from PNCA will present both newly-prepared and some old dances on the occasion.

PNCA Director Jamal Shah will be the chief guest on the occasion. A number of dignitaries from fashion and performing Arts are also expected to attend the yearly dance event.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2018