Mizoram: MZP demands apology over 'distorted' Cheraw dance performance in Aizawl
Aizawl: A distorted Mizo cultural dance performed recently by a group has drawn criticism from different organizations, including Mizoram's Art and Culture Department and the state's apex student body, the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), which has demanded an apology from the curator.
A group of women, reportedly from outside the state, performed 'Cheraw' or Bamboo Dance, the most famous Mizo cultural dance, on a street in Aizawl on the occasion of a mountain bike racing event organized by Red Bull in the state capital on Friday.
The organizations said this was a "distorted" version and a misrepresentation of rich Mizo culture.
The incident came to light on Saturday when videos went viral on various social media platforms.
MZP president C. Lalremruata alleged that the distorted cultural dance was curated by a Mumbai-based content creator hired by Red Bull to entertain the public during the mountain bike racing event.
The association summoned and questioned representatives of Red Bull on Saturday to seek clarification from the company for hiring such a content creator, he said.
The student body also asked the content creator to apologize to the people of the state, saying the performance "harmed the dignity" of the traditional dance form, Lalremruata said.
The State Art and Culture Department expressed regret over the incident and said that the dignity and originality of Mizo cultural dances should not be distorted or altered.
Mizo Cultural Organisation (MCO) also took strong exception to the performance, stating that such distorted forms of Mizo cultural dances should not be showcased in the future by any organization.
Meanwhile, Yashwi Arora, a Mumbai-based content creator reportedly associated with Red Bull India, apologized to the MZP for the recent Cheraw performance, saying it was not her intention to cause offense or misrepresent Mizo culture.
In her apology letter, Arora said the incident had nothing to do with the Red Bull Tlang Ruam (mountain bike racing) event in Aizawl, and every step was taken in good faith to showcase the vibrancy of Mizoram's tradition respectfully.
"I deeply regret the unintended impact this had on the sentiments of the Mizo people. Necessary steps are being taken to prevent such occurrences in the future," the letter said.
Lalremruata said that the incident has taught the Mizo people the importance of maintaining the dignity and originality of their cultural dances.
He added that many Mizo cultural dances have been modified or modernized, steadily losing their originality.