| ||
 |
|
Photo Archive: Ensemble Munojot Uzbekistan's Ensemble Munojot specializes in the classical and folk dances and music of the East. The young company derives its name from the word for prayer, munojot, reflecting humanity's striving for good deeds. With life-affirming dances, the ensemble brings a whole range of emotions to the stage — joy, sorrow, longing, hope, and courage. Munojot was founded in April 1999 under the auspices of the "Oltin Meros" (Golden Heritage) International Charity Fund of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The ensemble seeks to preserve, restore, and promulgate the 3,000 years of Uzbek dance culture. These dances preserve a spirituality and world-view which can be traced back to the Avesta, a collection of sacred Zoroastrian teachings. Munojot takes great care in bringing traditional dances and costumes to the stage. Some of the clothing and jewelry are antique; other garments have been constructed along traditional lines. The result is a sumptuous picture of ethnographic splendor.  In addition to Uzbek classical and folk dances, the company's repertoire includes Tajik, Azerbaijani, Turkish, Persian, Uyghur and other Eastern dances. Ensemble Munojot is directed by People's Artist of Uzbekistan, Qizlarhon Dustmuhamedova, who has performed throughout the world. Since 1998, she has been the featured teacher at the Central Asian Dance Camp annually sponsored in the US by the Uzbek Dance and Culture Society.    |
