Read and comment on this Press Release from the NPCA on the embassy program they are sponsoring for July 2 highlighting the Embassy of Uzbekistan featuring Uzbek Dance Artists Qizlarhon Dustmuhamedova and Qadir Muminov with Laurel Victoria Gray of the Silk Road Dance Company at:
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The National Peace Corps Association Embassies Program Highlights The Embassy of Uzbekistan With An Evening Along the Silk Road Featuring Uzbek Dance Artists Qizlarhon Dustmuhamedova and Qadir Muminov with Laurel Victoria Gray of the Silk Road Dance Company Wednesday, July 2, 6.30PM The Embassy of Uzbekistan, 1746 Massachusetts, NW
Contact: Lisa Martin Tel: 202.944.8459 / 571.212.3358 <http://www.rpcv.org/> www.rpcv.org
Washington, D.C. -- The National Peace Corps Association presents its next Embassies Program event highlighting the Embassy of Uzbekistan featuring Uzbek Dance Artists Qizlarhon Dustmuhamedova and Qadir Muminov with Laurel Victoria Gray of the Silk Road Dance Company. A reception hosted by the Embassy of Uzbekistan will immediately follow the presentation. As Western influences threaten traditional elements in the newly independent Republic of Uzbekistan, the exceptional talents of Qizlarhon Dustmuhamedova have become even more precious. While sparkling technique and superb lyricism may have helped win her the coveted title of People's Artist of Uzbekistan, it is Qizlarhon's command of subtle nuances which make her performances so memorable. Her name translated means something like "queen of all the girls" but when it comes to traditional elegance and femininity, Qizlarhon is queen of the dance.
Noted for her traditional styling and versatility, Qizlarhon's impressive repertoire includes all three of the Uzbek regional styles in addition to Tadjik, Afghan, Persian and Japanese choreographies. An accomplished actress, Qizlarhon expresses the emotions and thoughts behind her gestures, as well as sheer technical brilliance. As a featured soloist with various Uzbek performance groups, Qizlarhon has toured extensively including concerts in England, Japan, France, Germany, Switzerland and many Arab nations. On one of her many tours of the United States, she performed for the Smithsonian in conjunction with an exhibition on Timurid arts. After seeing this performance, Washington Post dance critic Alexandra Tomalonis characterized Qizlarhon as "a vivacious woman whose dancing changed from demure to robust, mournful to happy, in the blink of an eye."
A native of Uzbekistan, Qadir Muminov graduated from Moscow's prestigious State Institute of Theatrical Arts. Mr. Muminov returned to Tashkent where he performed in state dance companies and studied with ballet master Isaqar Aqilov. In addition to directing the celebrated Shodlik Ensemble, Mr. Muminov also founded Ensemble Uzbekistan which toured the United States in 1990 under the sponsorship of the Uzbek Dance and Culture Society. His vast knowledge of folkloric and classical styles has made him a primary choreographer for official national celebrations in Uzbekistan. Central Asian dance primarily focuses on the upper torso; the hands, arms and face which 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. For more information on Uzbek dance, please visit, <http://www.uzbekdance.org> www.uzbekdance.org. Tickets: $30 ($20 for current NPCA members). Visit: <http://www.rpcv.org/> www.rpcv.org or call 202.293.2278.
The NPCA Embassies Program strives to bring about a greater understanding of the world, as well as strengthen the friendships between RPCVs and people from our countries of service.
The Embassies Program takes place in a different embassy or other venue each month focusing on countries where the Peace Corps has served. Each program explores a current issue or topic in the featured country from the areas of politics, economics, business, the arts, culture and/or society. An informal reception hosted by the embassy follows each presentation.
More exciting Embassies Program events to be announced in coming weeks. From Central Asia to Central America; Eastern Europe to East Africa, the NPCA Embassies program invites you along on an exciting journey each month. For more information on the NPCA Embassies Program, please visit the NPCA website at <http://www.rpcv.org/> www.rpcv.org or contact Lisa Martin, NPCA Embassies Program Coordinator, at <mailto:embassies@rpcv.org> embassies@rpcv.org. * * * * *
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