Alif’s Dance Journey: Representing the Nation with Success on the International Stage

United States: Bangladeshi dancer Mofassal Al Alif gained a remarkable experience last Tuesday by representing his country at an international festival in the United States. In a solo performance, he presented “In Search of You” based on two songs of Lalon Shah. The seven-minute performance showcased a unique blend of contemporary dance forms and the folk essence of Bengal. Alif said, “I feel honored to present the culture of my country through such a prestigious event. After the performance, the audience wanted to know more about our culture, which was truly rewarding.”

A Passion for Dance Since Childhood

Hailing from Mymensingh, Alif was drawn to dance through village theater and traditional jatra shows. During his school and college years, he dreamed of becoming a dancer. While at university, he joined Jahangirnagar Theatre, which further paved his way in dance. He received dance training under M. R. Wasek at Nandonkala Centre and explored various dance styles through YouTube.

For advanced training, he received a scholarship at the Terence Lewis Contemporary Dance Company in Mumbai, where he trained in contemporary, jazz, ballet, Bollywood hip-hop, and other internationally recognized dance forms. He also received specialized training in yoga.

Recognition on the International Stage

Alif has performed in numerous international events outside Bangladesh. In 2017, he participated in Thailand, in 2018 in Egypt, and in 2019 in Tamil Nadu at cultural programs. In 2019, with his own production “I and Myself,” he performed in Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Malaysia. Over the past three years, he has presented dance performances in more than 20 countries including South Korea, the Netherlands, and France.

Empowering Youth Through Dance Education

Alif runs a dance school named Alifia Dance Atelier, where modern dance is taught, and scholarships are provided to students. He said, “My goal is to develop students into international-standard dancers.”

He also leads his professional troupe, Alifia Squad, consisting of 26 members, representing Bangladesh on international platforms. Alif expressed, “I want to inspire young people to take dance as a profession and elevate my troupe to international standards.”

Achievements and Honors

Alif received the Kalajeva award in 2018 and 2019 from the School of Theatre in Andhra Pradesh. In 2019, he was honored with the Nrityakala Ratna award in Tamil Nadu. He also received the Nritya Tarangini award in Mumbai in 2018. From 2016–2018, he was the champion in inter-university cultural dance competitions.

Alif’s achievements have opened new possibilities for dance in Bangladesh and stand as a powerful example of how the country can gain recognition on the international stage.