By Phuntsok Yangchen
DHARAMSHALA, August 19: After five years, Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts based in Dharamshala today conducted an ‘Artiste Recruitment Test’ for 26 vacant seats.
Speaking to reporters, Lobsang Samten, Artistic Director of TIPA, said the selection process was “different” from the previous ones. “Earlier when we selected dancers, we did not categorize them in any special groups. We just selected dancers but if they were some dancers with little knowledge on instruments, we taught them. Moreover, earlier if someone was good in instruments, but did not know singing and dancing, they did not get selected but now if you are good in instrument, you don’t necessarily need to know singing and dancing.”
He further noted that this recruitment provides a platform to the youth and school students interested in Tibetan opera dance.
Thirty-six Tibetans from various Tibetan settlements and Tibetan schools have come for the recruitment test, which is categorized into three sections – Tibetan Opera, Instruments and Drum Dance (Dro). This recruitment test was necessitated by departure of several artistes in the past few years.
Tenzin Kalsang, a student of Tibetan Homes’ School, Mussoorie, loved Tibetan opera dance and instruments. He had studied dance in China but later had to withdraw due to his family’s financial condition.
“Our Tibetan culture is very important; especially Tibetan Opera dance because it tells about the Tibetan religion and livelihood through stories. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has said that Tibetan Opera is an important part of Tibetan history and culture and we must learn it. And I hope to get into TIPA and contribute to the preservation of Tibetan performing culture,” said Kalsang.
Tenzin Nordon, Tibetan Children’s Village, Suja, hails from a family with huge interest in dance and has won trophies in dancing and singing. “Admission in TIPA would give me a huge platform to continue my passion in dance and singing. It also offers us opportunity to travel around the world and showcase Tibetan culture.”
Located in the exile headquarters of Dharamshala, TIPA is the only official organisation in the exile community catering to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan performing arts. The institution travels widely around the globe showcasing Tibet’s unique culture and traditional arts.
