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) www.uzbekdance.org www.silkroaddance.com www.worldartsfocus.org
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 in the Metro DC area 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 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 Moghul courts.
Central Asian Dance Camp (CADC) participants will have the opportunity to explore the historical, cultural and artistic links betweenUzbekistan 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 and Asha Vattakutti, both members of the Indian Dance Educators Association (IDEA), will present classes on various aspects of North Indian dance.
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 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.
12th Annual Central Asian Dance Camp Schedule Babur's Legacy: Exploring Uzbek-Indian Connections
Thursday, June 14 7:00 - 9:30 pm Introduction to Uzbek Dance with Qizlarhon Dustmuhamedova
Friday, June 15 10:00 - 12:30 pm Classical Persian Dance with Laurel Victoria Gray 12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch Break catered by Indian restaurant 1:30 -2:00pm Video Viewing: Moghul dance depicted in Indian movies 2:00 - 4:30 pm Bukharan and Khorezm dance with Qizlarhon Dustmuhamedova 7:00 - 9:30 pm Introduction to Indian Gestures & Dance
Saturday, June 16 10:00 - 12:30 pm Uzbek Dance with Qizlarhon Dustmuhamedova 12:30 - 1:30 Lunch Break catered by Indian restaurant 1:30 -2:00 pm Historical Overview; Babur and the Moghuls 2:00 - 4:30 pm Introduction to the Basics of Kathak Dance with Jayantee Payne 7:30 pm "Gul Bahaar" concert at Gunston Theater One in Arlington, VA
Sunday, June 17 10:30 - 1:00 pm Uzbek Ferghana choreography with Qizlarhon Dustmuhamedova 1:00 - 2:00 pm Lunch Break catered by Indian restaurant 2:00 -2:30 pm Uzbek and Moghul costuming 2:30 - 5:00 pm Introduction to Qawwali Dance with Asha Vattakutti
Class Fees: $45 advance/$50 at door per single daytime or evening workshop $90 advance/$100 at door per day session, vegetarian Indian lunch included $340 package for all camp sessions, 3 lunches, Saturday concert
