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12TH ANNUAL CENTRAL ASIAN DANCE CAMP Under the patronage of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan and co-sponsored by the Uzbek Dance and Culture Society, World Arts Focus, and the Indian Dance Educators Association (IDEA).
CONTACT: Dance Camp to Explore Uzbek-Indian Connections Washington, DC – The Moghul Empire’s impact on dance will be the focus of the 12th Annual Central Asian Dance Camp, “Babur’s Legacy: Exploring Uzbek-Indian Connections.” Classes with international instructors are scheduled to take place from June 14 – 17, at the new Joe’s Movement Emporium facility in Mount. Rainier, Maryland. Although Uzbek classical dance comes from an Islamic culture and North Indian court dance springs from Hindu roots, these diverse forms interacted and evolved under the Moghul dynasty founded by the 16th century emperor, Babur. For Uzbeks, Babur is a much- admired hero and poet; for Indians, he is remembered as a cruel conqueror. But from either perspective, Babur is recognized as the founder of the Moghul dynasty that blended Central Asian Islamic culture with North Indian Hindu traditions. The cross pollination of these Central Asian and Indian traditions flowered in a court culture remarkable for music, dance, and poetry. Its architectural signature is the Taj Mahal .One of the most vibrant results of this cultural interaction remains today in the classical dance genre known as Kathak which developed into its contemporary form at the Moghul courts. Central Asian Dance Camp (CADC) participants will have the opportunity to explore the historical, cultural and artistic links between Uzbekistan and India with international guest instructors. Traditional Uzbek dance will be taught by Qizlarhon Dustmuhamedova, who has earned the title of People’s Artist Of Uzbekistan; she lives in Tashkent. Jayantee Payne, Asha Vattakutti, and Christel Stevens – all members of the Indian Dance Educators Association (IDEA) – will present classes on various aspects of North Indian dance. Award winning choreographer and costumer Laurel Victoria Gray will offer instruction in Persian Classical dance which is also related to the other dance forms. Daily sessions on history, culture and costuming will augment dance training. Indian food will be served at the lunch breaks. A special bazaar featuring costumes, traditional crafts and jewelry will be open for campers and the public before and after the dance sessions. The sumptuous beauty of the Moghul court will come alive at an evening concert featuring the guest instructors and DC’s award winning Silk Road Dance Company at the Gunston Theater One in Arlington, VA on Saturday, June 16, at 7:30 PM. The performance – titled Gul Bahaar or “spring flower” -- celebrates Uzbek, Indian, and Persian dance forms that interacted and influenced each other. Classical pieces and folkloric dances will be presented in lavish, colorful costumes and selections from Babur’s famous literary work, the Babur Nama, will help set the scene. Appearances by guest Uzbek musicians are also planned.
In 1995, the Uzbek Dance and Culture Society instituted the Central
Asian Dance Camp to encourage the study of these rare forms in the
US. The CADC has been presented at many venues in the Metro DC
area, including the Embassy of Uzbekistan in 2000.
Thursday, June 14 Friday, June 15
Saturday, June 16
Sunday, June 17
CLASS FEES |
