Bangladeshi dancer and choreographer Anandita Khan is presently in the UK for “Blue Sky”, a collaborative initiative with Sampad South Asian Arts and Heritage, backed by the British Council’s Connections Through Culture grant. The initiative employs a blend of dance and language to highlight the pressing issue of climate change, illustrating the similarities between the environmental struggles encountered by communities in Bangladesh and those in Birmingham.
Before she arrived in the UK, Anandita undertook field research in Sunamganj, a region in northeastern Bangladesh known for its vulnerability to flooding. The narratives and experiences she gathered in that environment now influence the creative trajectory of Blue Sky. The research process, meticulously documented by Asif Musaddeque, is set to be showcased in conjunction with Anandita’s performance in Birmingham.
Anandita has now completed her sixth international residency. Over three weeks in Birmingham, she collaborates closely with Sampad’s team to advance the project through research, community engagement, and artistic collaboration. The initiative places a strong emphasis on engaging young individuals via workshops conducted in schools.
“The consequences of this crisis will be inherited by young people,” stated Anandita. “Dance serves as a compelling medium to catalyse transformation.”
Piali Ray, the Director of Sampad, is at the helm of the project. Anandita stated, “Sampad has assembled an outstanding team whose commitment is infusing ‘Blue Sky’ with profound significance.”
On July 7, the Midlands Arts Centre hosted a showcase highlighting the research phase of a significant project.
Anandita, who grew up in Dhaka, embarked on her dancing journey during her childhood, coinciding with her role in one of her father’s television dramas.
Anandita discussed her career, noting that the pursuit of dance in Bangladesh frequently diverges from conventional societal and religious norms. “As a woman, I am taken less seriously,” she stated, noting that her husband, who also comes from an artistic background, experiences pressures to pursue a more ‘stable’ career.
She expressed her appreciation for the support she received from her family and her husband’s family. “I consider myself fortunate to have that support—it’s not something that every artist is afforded,” she remarked.
Anandita expressed her enjoyment of the walkability and green spaces in Birmingham during her current trip. “Recently, a runner paused to greet me with a cheerful good morning, a gesture that truly brightened my day,” she remarked.
Anandita seeks to highlight the pressing nature of the climate crisis through her work, “Blue Sky.” In Dhaka, the impacts may not be obvious, yet residents in coastal regions are grappling with the realities of floods and cyclones. “A significant portion of our nation faces the threat of submersion,” she stated.
