There is rhythm in everything in life. Nonetheless, the Nrital Chanda Dance Center has journeyed for 28 years, embracing the rhythm of dance in poetry, drama, dance, and music.

Renowned dance choreographer Sourav Chanda, who founded the Nrital Chanda Dance Center and is well-known for his work on Zee Bangla, commemorated the 28th anniversary of his dance school on July 28th with a colorful event called Athashe – E – Athash, which stands for 28 on 28th. The Mohit Moitra Stage at Paikpara, North Kolkata, was the venue for a lavish cultural and dance celebration.

Sujit Bose, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Fire & Emergency Services, Government of West Bengal, inaugurated the annual event 28 on 28th, in the presence of Indrani Dutta, Malabika Sen, Sonalee Chaudhuri, and Bratati Chowdhury.

The celebration consisted of dance recitals beautifully choreographed by Sourav Chanda. Actress Shonalee Chaudhuri did a guest performance. The central attraction was a dance drama christened Meera Bai, choreographed by Shri Sourav Chanda and performed by the students of the academy.

The annual cultural event commenced with a dance recital by the students to the Rabindra Sangeet song Dhwanilo Ahobano Prabhato Ambaro Majhe. Students of Nrital Chanda Dance Center delivered mesmerizing performances of popular Hindi, Bengali modern songs, and Western songs. The students used props like baskets, conical headgear, winnowing fans, and hand fans in innovative ways during their folk song dance recitals.

Highlights of the evening were two dance dramas: Shri Chaitanya, in which actress Shonalee Chaudhuri vividly portrayed the feeling of abandonment when Shri Chaitanya left Vishnupriya grieving and adopted asceticism, and Debi Chaudhurani, in which she enthralled the audience with her portrayal of the main character through expressive dance movements.

The performance by twelve senior citizens who had retired and trained in various dance styles under choreographer Sourav Chanda was another highlight of the evening. These performers are retired government personnel who are over 65 years old.

The event concluded with a dance recital to the famous A.R. Rahman‘s song Jai Ho.

Priyanka Dutta