
By Aziz Khatri
KARACHI: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi came alive with music, rhythm and cultural exuberance on International Dance Day as it hosted a spirited celebration at its Auditorium One. The event drew a large crowd of dance enthusiasts and was graced by several prominent figures from the cultural and artistic community.
Among the distinguished attendees were the president of the Arts Council, Muhammad Ahmed Shah; chairman of the Fine Arts Committee, Farrukh Shahab; chairperson of the Women Empowerment Committee, Chand Gul Shah; and chairman of the Stage Show and Special Events Committee, Iqbal Latif.
A variety of dance forms were showcased throughout the evening, ranging from classical and cultural expressions to high-energy hip-hop and popular filmi numbers. The event was a joint effort by the Arts Council Dance Academy and numerous independent dance groups, all contributing to a night filled with diversity and artistic brilliance.
One of the most acclaimed performances came from internationally renowned dancer Nighat Chaudhry, whose exquisite Kathak mesmerised the audience. Adding further flair were standout performances by Mani Chao, Adnan Butt and Abdul Ghani, representing the talent of the Arts Council Dance Academy.
Speaking at the event, President Muhammad Ahmed Shah emphasised the importance of dance as more than an art form, describing it as a therapeutic practice in today’s challenging times. “In today’s age of widespread depression, dance serves as an excellent form of therapy,” he said.