The second edition of the India International Dance Festival 2023 organised in connection with the 8th Foundation Day observation of Atinga, an institute of performing arts and cultural identity, was held at JN Dance Academy auditorium, Imphal on Sunday.
The festival is being jointly organised by Atinga in association with Samskritiki, Odisha.
Speaking as chief guest of the occasion, director in-charge of JN Dance Academy P Bilash singh said that artistes face numerous difficulties in finding suitable platforms where they can share their art. People persevere and spend a long time to master their art form but lack of opportunity and platform hinder them succeeding as an artiste, he lamented.
“Even though art and culture plays a crucial role in upholding Manipur’s image, only a few artistes are able to achieve success and sustain themselves as professional artiste in the state,” he said.
He exuded confidence that the festival will help in providing much needed exposure and platform to budding artistes of Manipur to display their talents on a proper stage. The government and people should exhort more creation of such valuable platforms and opportunities, he added.
Bilash claimed that such festivals will aid in preserving and promoting the state’s diverse cultural identity.
He noted that the first edition of the festival was held in 2020 but was disrupted due to the pandemic. Bilash pointed out that the diversity of participants in the festival displayed the sentimental oneness shared by artistes across the globe and their dedication to showcase their invaluable art.
He further highlighted that JN Dance Academy will be including more tribal culture and dance subjects of Manipur from the upcoming academic session.
