Nrityanchal, one of the leading dance schools in Bangladesh, is run by Shibli Muhammad (a disciple of Kathak Maestro Birju Maharaj) and Shamim Ara Nipa.

Badolo Borishoney, a short story by Kazi Nazrul Islam, is a romantic tragedy. A young traveller, Shyamol, arrives at a valley during the 'Kajari' festival (celebrating monsoon; common in Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Jharkand and Bihar in India) and falls for a dusky village belle named Kajari.

Shyamol's love for Kajari is reciprocated. Their moments of bliss however, do not last long. The story is a metaphor for the relationship between earth and monsoon, yearning throughout the year for each other and enjoying a brief season of union.

Through Shyamol and Kajari's story, as an undercurrent, Nazrul hits a social issue: colour discrimination in the subcontinent. The 'fairer is better' ideology is nothing new to us. Throughout the ages -- in literature, films, social and family life -- this concept that 'dark skin is not attractive' has been apparent.

Only a few progressive philosophers, social activists and litterateurs have made it a point to rescue the 'insecure dusky beauty' (Tagore's Krishnokoli for example). In Nazrul's Badolo Borishoney, the dark complexioned Kajari cannot believe that someone might actually find her attractive. She takes Shyamol's love for her as some cruel game, fearing their liaison might end in heartbreak and humiliation because the world around her constantly makes her feel 'un-pretty'.

Nritayanchal's production was spectacular in every sense -- beautiful costumes, apt use of props, excellent stage lighting, an impressive cast of over 56 male, female and child dancers and all that jazz. The audience was not stingy when it came to appreciate the performance either. Throughout the evening the theatre resonated with sounds of applause.

Shamim Ara Nipa deserves a special mention. The seasoned dancer captivated the audience with what was perhaps one of her finest performances. Mainly based on the Kathak style, her performance highlighted all the emotions of a lover in agony. Unrequited love is rarely this attractive.

Classic Nazrul songs of rain like Shaono ashilo phirey, Ke eley nupur paye, Mor ghumoghorey eley monohor, Borosha oi elo borosha, Aaj badolo jhory mor ekela ghorey, Choncholo shyamolo elo gogoney and more rendered by Khayrul Anam Shakil and Firdaus Ara have been aptly incorporated in the production. Khayrul Anam Shakil was in charge of music direction. Shamim Ara Nipa and Shibli Muhammad were the dance directors.

Badolo Borishoney was originally adapted into a dance-drama by Dr. Rafiqul Islam. Khayrul Anam Shakil and Shamim Ara Nipa made a few modifications to that.

Kudos to organisers Shadhona and UNESCO for putting together the Dance Festival. The event was sponsored by Grameenphone and GMG Airlines. Dance enthusiasts in the country will look forward to more such quality productions.