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Dance has flowered as a arofession in Bangladesh

Saurav Dey
**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 leams 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.