In celebration of International Dance Day, the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is set to host a two-day festival titled "Mukto Surer Chhondo" (free-spirited rhythms) today and tomorrow at its National Theatre Hall. The event promises a vibrant showcase of the country's leading dance troupes and performers, all coming together to honour the universal language of movement.

Observed worldwide today, International Dance Day is a global celebration of dance's power to connect people beyond borders. It's a day that highlights the joy of movement and raises awareness of dance as an expressive, educational, and unifying force.

The festival at Shilpakala kicks off at 5pm with an inaugural ceremony in front of the National Theatre. Acclaimed filmmaker and cultural adviser to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, will attend as the chief guest. 

The welcome address will be delivered by Mehjabeen Rahman, director of the Music, Dance and Recitation Department at Shilpakala, while the event will be presided over by the Secretary and Acting Director General Mohammad Wares Hossain. Prominent dancers and choreographers are also expected to join the opening.

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Following the speeches, Farooki will officially launch the festival by releasing balloons, symbolising the spirit of artistic freedom. The ceremony will be followed by a colourful procession around the theatre premises, setting the tone for the dynamic performances to follow.

The core of the celebration lies in the performances scheduled over the two days inside the National Theatre Hall: An impressive lineup of dance troupes will grace the stage, including Bhongima Dance Theatre, Tapasya, Alifia Dance Atelier, Bhabna Dance Group, Rewaj Performers' School, Kathakeya – The Center of Arts, Nrityasur, Naim Khan Dance Company, Diksha, Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts, Bangladesh Gaudiya Nritya Academy, Nandanik Nritya Sangathan, Artistry, Nrityalok Cultural Centre, Colours of Hill, Bannya Lalitkala Academy, Divya Cultural Organisation, Nandan Kala Kendra, Nrityabhumi, Ghoonghuro Nrityaalap, and dancers from Shilpakala Academy itself.