The Magic of
Tradition
Nikii Henry, Donna Speckman & Zarina Kobilova-Standridge in a classical dance from Azerbaijan.
Photo courtesy of Alexandra King.
GULISTAN brings to the stage authentic performances of women's classical and folkloric dances
of former-Soviet Central Asia and its neighbors. Displayed in colorful festive costumes and enlivened by the artful use of traditional props, GULISTAN's elegant and rhythmic dances evoke the courts and caravansarais of the historic and fabled Silk Road.
Monica Ramos, Nikii Henry & Donna Speckman in the Bukharan classical dance, Guldasta, choreographed by Isakhar Akilov. Photo by Kayte Deioma.
GULISTAN specializes in the refined and nuanced dances of Uzbekistan and has been entrusted with over a dozen choreographies by People's Artists of Uzbekistan Viloyat Akilova and her late father, Isakhar Akilov. In addition to Uzbekistan, concerts sweep
audiences away to Tajikistan, East Turkestan (Xinjiang,
China), Azerbaijan, Armenia and Iran--with stops in the fascinating cities of
Samarkand, Bukhara, Tashkent, Khiva, Kashgar, Baku, Isfahan, Tehran and
more.
Carolyn Krueger in a classical Armenian dance. Photo by D. Young.
"You all were so beautiful and such an excellent addition to our festival. . . You deserve to be seen by many. . . People loved the visual colors and swirl--thanks for keeping the beauty of Central Asia alive!" Sofia Balme, Program Director, MountainFilm Festival, Telluride, Colorado
"Thank you for your breathtakingly beautiful and organized performance!" Amelie Hunter, International Festival Director, Riverside Community College
Donna Speckman, Monica Ramos & Nikii Henry in a Bukharan folkloric dance, Gadate be Delame, choreographed by C. Krueger. Photo by Kayte Deioma.
"The performance last night was amazing!" Marina Araiza, Arts & Cultural Programs, Rio Hondo College
