Central
Asian Dance Camp
Adult
Summer 2006
An Immersion into the Dance and Culture of Central Asia
June 23 , 24, and 25
Friendship
Heights
Artistic Director, Laurel
Victoria Gray
Co-sponsored by the
Uzbek Dance and Culture Society
with People’s Artist of Uzbekistan, Qizlarhon Dustmuhamedova
and Olimjon Beknazarov
Set at the heart of the Great Silk Road, Central Asia is crossed by an ancient network of caravan routes that linked China with the Mediterranean. The dances of the region reflect the rich legacy of many cultures, both indigenous and foreign. Through commerce and conquest, Iranian, Turkic, Indian, Arabic, Chinese, and Mongolian elements have entered dance styles of the region. Central Asian dance primarily focuses on the upper torso; the hands, arms and face are especially expressive. Wrist circles, hand undulations and shifting arm patterns create intricate spatial designs around the body and above the head. Portions of the dance often take place with the performer kneeling on the floor, requiring a graceful ascent and descent. Spins and turns, ranging from simple to complex, are also characteristic of the style.
Participants will be introduced to the basics of the Bukharan Uzbek style, as well as Uighur, Turkmen, and Ferghana Uzbek choreographies. In addition, students will study the Uzbek “Doire Dars,” a demanding Uzbek dance etude incorporating fundamental elements such as traveling steps, arm movements, turns, as well as shoulder and head movements. The 3-day dance camp will culminate with evening concerts featuring the guest instructors and the Silk Road Dance Company.
Central Asian Dance Camp Faculty
Qizlarhon Dustmuhamedova
Olimjon Beknazarov
Fees
$50 per workshop
$280 for all workshop in the Central Asian Dance Camp
FIRST TEN TO REGISTER FOR THE FULL CAMP WILL RECEIVE ONE FREE TICKET
TO THE CROSSING CULTURES CONCERT!!!
Register
Dress
Character shoes are preferred for Uzbek dance but ballet slippers can be worn. Women students should wear leotard, tights or opaque leggings and an opaque dance skirt (below knee to mid-calf length.) Male students should wear pants and a short sleeve t-shirt top.
Etiquette
Out of respect for the culture of our guest teacher, we will adhere to the following guidelines. Late arrivals must ask the instructor’s permission to enter the classroom. Students will be expected to remain in the classroom — except for quick breaks — until the end of the workshop.
VIDEOTAPING is Not Permitted
Camp Schedule
Friday, June 23
10:00 - 12:30 pm
Introduction to Uzbek Dance Style Description
Qizlarhon Dustmuhamedova
2:00 - 4:30 pm
Doire Dars : Ferghana Dance
Description Qizlarhon Dustmuhamedova
7:30 - 10:00 pm
Introduction to Bukhara Dance
Description
Olimjon Beknazarov
Saturday, June 24
10:30 - 1:00 pm
Ferghana Choreography
Description
Qizlarhon Dustmuhamedova
3:00 - 5:30 pm
Introduction to Uighur Dance Description Olimjon Beknazarov
8:00 pm Crossing Cultures Concert The
Jack Guidone Theater
Sunday June 25
11:00 - 1:30 pm
Spins and Turns & Review Session Description Qizlarhon Dustmuhamedova
3:00 - 5:30 pm
Introduction to Turkmen Dance Description
Olimjon Beknazarov
7:00 pm Crossing Cultures Concert
The Jack Guidone Theater
Introduction to Uzbek Dance Styles
Uzbek dance has three major styles: Bukharan, Ferghana, and Khorezm. Each of these genres has its own distinct posture, traveling steps, hand positions, and combinations. In this session, students will be introduced to the characteristics of these three styles and will learn the basic positions and basic elements for each.
Doire Dars : Ferghana Dance to Drum
Rhythms
Doire Dars means "Drum Lesson" and it is used to designate a special dance etude taught to basic Uzbek drum rhythms used in dance. Uzbek dancers studying at Tashkent's Choreographic Institute learn this etude as a fundamental element of their basic training. at The combinations comprising the Doire Dars are frequently encountered in Ferghana style Uzbek dance.
Introduction
to Bukhara Dance
The dance of Bukhara is one of the three major styles of Uzbek dance. It is noted for proud carriage, dramatic contrasts, and exciting spins. Because of the history and cultural makeup of Bukhara, this style shares some characteristics with the dance of the local Tajik people who share kinship with Persian culture and language. This class will introduce typical Bukharan dance combinations and movements.
Ferghana Uzbek
Choreography
Qizlarhon Dustmuhamedova is truly an icon of Uzbek dance and her interpretation of the Ferghana style is unsurpassed. She will teach a complete Ferghana choreography during this session.
Introduction to Uighur
Dance
The Uighurs are an ancient Turkic people. Long ago they settled in the territories of Eastern Turkestan, an area that now includes Kazakstan, Kirgizstan and the Xinjiang-Uighur Autnonmous Region of the Peoples
Republic of China. TheUighurs have a rich and
distinct cultural tradition of music and dance. The class will introduce characteristic movements of Uighur dance. Students will also learn a choreography.
Spins and
Turns Review Session
Central Asian dance is well known for its dazzling spins and turns.
Some are done in place while others move across the stage. This class will focus on technique for basic turns as well as some of the more demanding spin combinations. This class will also include a review session for the material presented by Qizlarhon, including the Doire Dars and the Ferghana Uzbek choreography.
Introduction to Turkmen Dance
The Turkmen people are renowned for beautiful jewelry and carpets. Their dances reflect the reality of their nomadic lifestyle and their closeness to Nature. Basic movements and steps will be taught as well as a short choreography will be taught.
Central
Asian Dance Camp
Registration Form
To register for a workshop or master class, please complete the form below.
All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Please note:
You may also fill out this form, print and fax it to (202) 333-4559.