Dance has flowered as a profession in Bangladesh

Shammy Akter is an emerging dancer who has taken to Bharatanatyam, Kathak and contemporary dance forms. Starting out with dance lessons at the age of seven, she has come a long way. She is now a regular face with dance organisation Shadhona, and plays the lead in Shadhona's much-acclaimed production “Champabati”. 

 In a recent conversation the dancer talked about her journey and the dance scene in the country. Excerpts

Tell us about your journey as a dancer...

Shammy: I took dance lessons at home for a few years, after which I got into BAFA where I completed a five-year certificate course in Kathak. Later, I trained in Bharatanatyam under Amit Chowdhury, and have continued doing so for the last  four years. I have been part of Shadhona since 2009 when they were scouting for dancers for upcoming productions. I also teach dance to children at Kolpotoru. 

When and where should a child start taking dance lessons?

Shammy: Unlike the days when I started learning dance, there are now many institutions which offer elementary courses in dance, and these institutions are a great platform for starters. Classical dance is a good way to begin.

To what extent has dance become professionalized?

Shammy: Dance has flowered as a profession in Bangladesh. But there are no institutions that offer academic courses in dance. Talks are ongoing that Dhaka University will form a dedicated department for dance, and if the happens it will help dance turn into a profession. At the moment our leading dancers have obtained degrees from India. 

Qualities a dancer must have…

Shammy: I think learning attentiveness is the first key. Also a dancer has to look carefully at every move and step of the guru to grasp it properly. He/she has to have a definite goal. I believe practice can make anyone perfect. When I was a child many people told me that since I was tall I should learn Kathak rather Bharatanatyam since it is more challenging. But I opted for Bharatanatyam.

Why do you dance?

Shammy: I get freedom and it offers me space for mental relaxation. Dancing gives me joy. A dancer depicts a story through physical movements. Every dance form has a different languages and recounting a story through steps is an art.

Dreams you cherish as a dancer?

Shammy: I want to teach Bharatnatyam. If anyone learns classical dance from the beginning he/she will master it quickly. As an artiste I want to do something for the sake of creativity. Dance has the power to shape the mind.