With Bengal in Motion, MW magazine pays tribute to dance and heritage
MWB Desk
On the evening of April 20, 2024, the Aloki Convention Center located at 211 Tejgaon Link Road came alive with the event titled “Bengal in Motion,” organized by MW Bangladesh magazine. The event paid homage to the diverse dance forms native to Bangladesh and beyond, coinciding perfectly with International Dance Day and Pohela Boishakh.
Rumana Chowdhury, Publisher and Editor of MW magazine extended a warm welcome to the gathered audience.
“When we first brought MW magazine to Bangladesh, our goal was to uphold the culture and heritage of our country. Every year, we try to organize innovative shows, and this year, per International Dance Day and Pohela Boishakh, we decided to host Bengal in Motion, which showcases some of the astounding dance forms of the country as well as from other continents.” ~ Rumana Chowdhury
The event’s major sponsor was Maya, a concern of Square Toiletries Ltd.
“As soon as I heard about this event, I immediately said yes to sponsoring it. The concept itself moved me and complements the ethos of our brand Maya, which represents the natural beauty and goodness of our country. Truly, it had been a win-win event for all of us!” ~ Anjan Chowdhury, Managing Director, Square Toiletries Ltd
Maya’s role as a sponsor was not just as a financial patron but as a brand that embodies the natural grace and beauty reflected in the event’s spirit. Known for their herbal wellness products, Maya’s support for “Bengal in Motion” highlighted their commitment to nurturing and preserving the country’s cultural legacy – demonstrating that true beauty is a reflection of nature’s grace and cultural vitality.
The venue came alive with the luminous glow of decorative lights, setting a charming backdrop for the evening’s festivities. The event, masterfully curated by Anisul Islam Hero, Director of Srishti Cultural Center, began with a captivating fusion dance by artists from Srishti Cultural Center. Their performance was not just an opening act but a declaration of the evening’s intent –celebrating movement and cultural confluence.
The stage then continued to host a kaleidoscope of performances. From the graceful manoeuvres of Manipuri Classical, also referred to as the Manipuri Raas Leela to the expressive gestures of Bharatanatyam Classical, the rhythmic ebbs and flows of Kathak Fusion, to the soulful melodies of Rabindra Sangeet, each act was a narrative spun in motion, narrating stories through their fluid movements and emotive expressions.
The audience was particularly mesmerized by the performance of popular dancer Ridy Sheikh, who brought the haunting melodies of a Lalon song to life through her interpretative dance. The event reached its crescendo with a luminous performance by the celebrated dancer, model, and actor Sadia Islam Mou, whose presence and artistry cast a spellbinding effect, perfectly encapsulating the evening’s theme of movement and heritage.
Among the distinguished guests were luminaries from the cultural and diplomatic spheres, including British High Commissioner HE Sarah Cook and Ambassador of Japan HE Iwama Kiminori, who witnessed the cultural prowess and unity among artists and enthusiasts sharing a common appreciation for dance.
British High Commissioner HE Sarah Cook described the event as a “fantastic fusion of traditional and modern dance forms, as well as Eastern and Western music,” adding that she “wholeheartedly enjoyed” the remarkable blend which showcased the beauty and color of Bangladesh.
As the night concluded, the audience left with a sense of pride and admiration for their cultural heritage, beautifully woven into the fabric of dance and music. “Bengal in Motion” was not just an event but a movement – a flowing river of cultural richness that promised to meander through the hearts and minds of those who witnessed it.
MW Magazine Bangladesh, the Bangladeshi edition of the international magazine franchise MW, began its journey in 2022. This is the second organized by the magazine. Previously, MW Bangladesh organized a group art exhibition, “Dhaka Diorama: Impressions of a Mega City,” in collaboration with City Bank American Express.
