Silk Road Dance Company was founded in 1995 by Artistic Director Dr. Laurel Victoria Gray - former World Dance professor at George Washington University - and recipient of the "Xalqlar Do'stligi" Medal from the Government of Uzbekistan for her decades of work in preserving and promoting Uzbek dance culture. Her Silk Road Dance Company offers programs which reflect the depth and breadth of field research and study conducted by Gray who has received many awards for her life-time of creative work
The award-winning, critically acclaimed Silk Road Dance Company (SRDC) presents an extensive repertoire of more than 200 dances from Central Asia, Iran, the Middle East, South Asia, the Caucasus. and beyond. With the goal of promoting “Cultural Understanding through Beauty and Delight,” their pioneering performances offer a unique glimpse of the life and art of ancient cultures, especially the Islamic World.The ensemble has given performances internationally in Uzbekistan, Qatar, Singapore, United Kingdom and Canada. Based in Washington, DC, the ensemble has graced prestigious national venues including two White House performances and 11 Kennedy Center appearances. They have given presentations for 11 different embassy events.
The award-winning, critically acclaimed Silk Road Dance Company (SRDC) presents an extensive repertoire of more than 200 dances from Central Asia, Iran, the Middle East, South Asia, the Caucasus. and beyond. With the goal of promoting “Cultural Understanding through Beauty and Delight,” their pioneering performances offer a unique glimpse of the life and art of ancient cultures, especially the Islamic World.The ensemble has given performances internationally in Uzbekistan, Qatar, Singapore, United Kingdom and Canada. Based in Washington, DC, the ensemble has graced prestigious national venues including two White House performances and 11 Kennedy Center appearances. They have given presentations for 11 different embassy events.
Silk Road Dance Company Celebrates Nowruz in NYC
Before rehearsing and changing into costume for the Navruz celebration, SRDC enjoys the view from TURKEVI Turkish House, directly across the street from United Nations Headquarters.
Performance included a Tajik dance from SRDC.
Visions of green for the Kazakh dance. An Uzbek Lazgi was also presented in the program.
This Bukharan dance was on of the pieces Silk Road Dance Company presented a variety of Central Asian dances at the Sandy Spring Museum Strawberry Festival.
Maryland school children enjoyed Afghan dances and a visit from Silk Road's semi-tame dragon.
Our 30th Anniversary Concert
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March 13, 2024 @ 6PM
BOOK PREVIEW!
Women's Dance Traditions of Uzbekistan:
Legacy of the Silk Road
with Dr. Laurel Victoria Gray
THE ARTS CLUB OF WASHINGTON
2017 I Street N.W., Washington D.C. 20006
SPACE LIMITED!
RSVP
Women's Dance Traditions of Uzbekistan:
Legacy of the Silk Road
with Dr. Laurel Victoria Gray
THE ARTS CLUB OF WASHINGTON
2017 I Street N.W., Washington D.C. 20006
SPACE LIMITED!
RSVP
March 16, 2024
University of Wyoming
April 18th Lecture by
Dr. Laurel Victoria Gray
April 19th Silk Road Dance Company
In Loving Memory of Our Ustoz
Kizlarkhon Dusmukhamedova
People's Artist of Uzbekistan
Legacy of the Silk Road
February 26, 2023
Photos by Michele Egan
Photos by Michele Egan
Click to set custom Hhttps://www.facebook.com/UZEmbassyDC/videos/6083099388435649TML
A dance concert by inspired by Laurel Victoria Gray’s forthcoming book “Legacy of the Silk Road,” evoking the history and enchantment of Central Asia and beyond. The dance of an ancient Persian fertility goddess, the Sogdian whirling dance that captivated Chinese poets, and a court dance for the Emir of Bukhara – these are some of the intriguing pieces that will take the audience on a time-traveling journey through the diverse cultural history of the Silk Road.
NEW BOOK!
Women's Dance
Traditions of Uzbekistan:
Legacy of the Silk Road
CLICK TO PRE ORDER
The first comprehensive work in English on the three major regional styles of Uzbek women's dance –Ferghana, Khiva and Bukhara – and their broader Silk Road cultural connections, from folklore roots to contemporary stage dance.
The book surveys the remarkable development from the earliest manifestations in ancient civilizations
to a sequestered existence under Islam; from patronage under Soviet power to a place of pride for Uzbek nationhood.
It considers the role that immigration had to play on the development of the dances; how women boldly challenged societal gender roles to perform in public; how both material culture and the natural world manifest in the dance; and it illuminates the innovations of pioneering choreographers who drew from Central Asian folk traditions, gestures and aesthetics – not Russian ballet – to first shape modern Uzbek stage dance.
Written by the first American dancer invited to study in Uzbekistan, this book offers insight into the once-hidden world of Uzbek women's dance.
The book surveys the remarkable development from the earliest manifestations in ancient civilizations
to a sequestered existence under Islam; from patronage under Soviet power to a place of pride for Uzbek nationhood.
It considers the role that immigration had to play on the development of the dances; how women boldly challenged societal gender roles to perform in public; how both material culture and the natural world manifest in the dance; and it illuminates the innovations of pioneering choreographers who drew from Central Asian folk traditions, gestures and aesthetics – not Russian ballet – to first shape modern Uzbek stage dance.
Written by the first American dancer invited to study in Uzbekistan, this book offers insight into the once-hidden world of Uzbek women's dance.
Silk Road Dance Company
performs at the US State Department for a
Seven Nation Navruz Celebration
New Publication!
Read about the Sogdian Whirl,
Kathak connections, and the evolution of Bhangra in the chapter by Laurel Victoria Gray -
"Silk Road: Commerce, Conquest, and College."
Kathak connections, and the evolution of Bhangra in the chapter by Laurel Victoria Gray -
"Silk Road: Commerce, Conquest, and College."
EMBASSY CHEF CHALLENGE
October 13, 2022
Silk Road Dance Company added flavor to the EMBASSY CHEF CHALLENGE at the beautiful Smithsonian American Art Museum.
SHAHNAMEH!
Adventures from the Persian Book of Kings
"We in the Washington area are lucky to have the Silk Road Dance company bring us a living version of the Shahnameh. I'm so glad that more people can know of this masterpiece of Persian literature that is over 1,000 years old. And the emphasis that Laurel Victoria Gray, puts on the authenticity of the choreography and the costumes really shines through the performance. There's really nothing like it in the country!"
Deborah James
Washington, DC
LAZGI FESTIVAL
in Khiva, Uzbekistan April 2022
Lectures by Artistic Director
Laurel Victoria Gray
Laurel Victoria Gray
SEPTEMBER 15, 2021
Cultural Heritage Conference
Khiva, Uzbekistan
Cultural Heritage Conference
Khiva, Uzbekistan
This lecture examines how aspects of Khorezm history and traditions may provide solutions to global crises with insights gleaned from archeology and literature. These reflect ritual connections between a goddess of water, purification, and dance. Biomedical research and personal experiences in Uzbek dance provide insights into the healing benefits of Lazgi. Cultivating the embodied wisdom of ancient spiritual practices can guide future steps to healing the planet and ourselves.
Recent international conference presentations on dance by our Artistic Director in
September and October 2020.
September and October 2020.
Fulbright Association Virtual Conference
Presentation at International Conference Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Research Paper for International Conference
Lecture on Uzbek Dance History
August 19, 2020 @ 7:00 pm
This lecture responds to assertions that contemporary Uzbek stage dance is an artificial Soviet-era invention and examines pre-revolutionary dance traditions among the Central Asian women. Gray proposes a more nuanced understanding of the origins of the gestural heritage of Uzbek dance that reflects traditional life ways, making it a vital element of cultural expression.
REGISTRATION: $10 Register at http://www.uzbek-dance.org/
REGISTRATION: $10 Register at http://www.uzbek-dance.org/
By Alana Hayes
Silk Road Dance Company (SRDC) is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year! And, you’re all invited to the party! Welcome! Please, come in. Find a chair. Yes, this is the party. Take a seat. Grab a kebab. There will be a fundraising auction at the end of this event. I’m kidding, there won’t be an auction. This is the party though! Hosted by, yours truly, The Haifa Girls. If you would like to help support Silk Road Dance Company and their efforts for the preservation of women’s culture along the Silk Road, then you can right here.
Silk Road Dance Company is based out of the DMV (DC metro area). The company was founded in 1995 by Dr. Laurel Victoria Gray, who also happens to be a Professor of World Dance at George Washington University. I met Laurel while I was still in college (I went to UMBC) through a friend who danced in her company and I immediately fell in love with Silk Road. I loved their mission, I loved that it was a cultural organization, I loved the dances, the clothing, and Laurel herself. She’s just such a knowledgeable person and she’s so passionate about what she does that you can’t help but fall in love with all of it too.
CLICK HERE FOR ENTIRE ARTICLE
Silk Road Dance Company (SRDC) is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year! And, you’re all invited to the party! Welcome! Please, come in. Find a chair. Yes, this is the party. Take a seat. Grab a kebab. There will be a fundraising auction at the end of this event. I’m kidding, there won’t be an auction. This is the party though! Hosted by, yours truly, The Haifa Girls. If you would like to help support Silk Road Dance Company and their efforts for the preservation of women’s culture along the Silk Road, then you can right here.
Silk Road Dance Company is based out of the DMV (DC metro area). The company was founded in 1995 by Dr. Laurel Victoria Gray, who also happens to be a Professor of World Dance at George Washington University. I met Laurel while I was still in college (I went to UMBC) through a friend who danced in her company and I immediately fell in love with Silk Road. I loved their mission, I loved that it was a cultural organization, I loved the dances, the clothing, and Laurel herself. She’s just such a knowledgeable person and she’s so passionate about what she does that you can’t help but fall in love with all of it too.
CLICK HERE FOR ENTIRE ARTICLE
Our New Persian Dance Video:
Barge Khazan
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PERSIAN DANCE: Zendegi Ghashange
Hâyedeh هایده
AYDIGHE DANCE OF THE CAUCASUS:
A Cool Mountain Breeze
AZERBAIJANI DANCE:
Scene from Operetta Arshin Mal Alan
TAJIK DANCE: Furug
KYRGYZ DANCE:
Echoes of Kyrgyzstan
AZERI DANCE:
Sari Gelin
KAZAKH DANCE:
Karatorgai
UZBEK BUKHARA DANCE:
Sozanda
Uyghur Dance:
Dolan Meshrep
PERSIAN DANCE:
Barge Khazan
AZERBAIJANI DANCE:
Naxchivan Yally
PASSPORT DC:
Embassy of Azerbaijan
The Golden Road to Samarkand
Saturday, February 22, 2020 @ 2:15pm $25
ATLAS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
1333 H Street NE Washington DC 20002
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
ATLAS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
1333 H Street NE Washington DC 20002
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
Dance Journey Along
the Silk Road
Experience the dazzling diversity of Silk Road dances, from the deserts of Central Asia to the mountains of the Caucasus. Silk Road Dance Company performs with special Guest Artists. Enjoy a pre-concert Silk Road Bazaar of intriguing items. Concert is free with a $10 suggested donation; no tickets or reservations required. Sponsored by the City of Takoma Park's Takoma Park Arts series.
DC Turkish Festival
SEPTEMBER 29, 2019
Festival held on Pennsylvania Ave between 12th and 14th Streets NW
PHOTO CREDIT: JEFF MALET
16th Central Asian
Dance Camp
PHOTO CREDIT: Embassy of Uzbekistan
August 9 -11, 2019 Washington DC
Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan
People's Artist of Uzbekistan Kizlarkhon Dusmukhamedova
Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan
People's Artist of Uzbekistan Kizlarkhon Dusmukhamedova
The concerts below are presented by the Fairfax County Park Authority. Free to the public & held outdoors.
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances
JUNE 22
IRANIAN PERSIAN HERITAGE NIGHT
Ossian Hall Park @ 7:30pm
JULY 13
UZBEKISTAN HERITAGE NIGHT
Ossian Hall Park @ 7:30pm
AUG 17
HOORAY FOR BOLLYWOOD
Workhouse Arts Center @ 7pm
2018 Uzbekistan Independence Day
at the World Bank
LECTURE AT TEXTILE MUSEUM
Living Legacy: Women's Dances of Uzbekistan
APRIL , 2018 NOON
Annual Family Festival
at the GWU Textile Museum
SHAHNAMEH!
Adventures from the Persian Book of Kings
OCTOBER 21, 2017 @ 7 pm
Takoma Auditorium
$10 suggested donation
A magical bird, an evil dragon, a clever princess, and a valiant hero bring to life the Shahnameh, an ancient masterpiece written over a thousand years ago. With vivid choreography and ornate costumes, Silk Road Dance Company presents fantastical tales from ancient Persia.
Tirgan 2017
Iranian Arts Festival
Toronto, Canada July 27 - 30
Silk Road Dance Company Performs
in "Asia Rising" Concert in Cincinnati
University of London SOAS:
Living Legacy:
Women's Dances of Uzbekistan
Dr. Laurel Victoria Gray
OCTOBER 8, 2016 5 - 6:30 PM
University of London SOAS Room B104
State Department Reception at
US Chamber of Commerce
for Central Asian States
August 3, 2016
Evening at the
Embassy of Georgia
July 27, 2016 @ 7 PM
Embassy of Georgia
1824 R Street Washington, DC
Join the diplomats of the Embassy of Georgia for a special evening of native food, wine, music, film, art - and a very special Georgian fashion show and dance presentation by Silk Road Dance Company.
1824 R Street Washington, DC
Join the diplomats of the Embassy of Georgia for a special evening of native food, wine, music, film, art - and a very special Georgian fashion show and dance presentation by Silk Road Dance Company.
Baltimore Sun Covers
World Refugee Day Celebration
Silk Road Dance Company presented dances
of the Middle East and Central Asia.
Click here to read entire article
Persian Dances in Celebration of Iranian Culture at Fiesta Asia DC
Thanks to the initiative of group of young Iranian-Americans in Washington, DC, Iranian culture was represented at Fiesta Asia festival this year - the largest celebration of Asian culture and heritage in the nation's capital. Silk Road Dance Company performed contemporary and folkloric Iranian dances.
Embassy of Uzbekistan Hosts
Concert Reception for
"Dance Treasures of Uzbekistan"
On May 14th, Silk Road Dance Company presented traditional dances of Uzbekistan to a full house at the Takoma Auditorium. The program was introduced by
Abdufarrukh Khabirov, Second Secretary at the Embassy of Uzbekistan. After the concert, audience members enjoyed a reception with traditional Uzbek cuisine generously provided by the embassy. Guests also had the opportunity to view traditional Uzbek crafts and speak with embassy representatives about the country.
Azerbaijan Republic Day Celebration with Silk Road Dance Company
Silk Road Dance Company
at Embassy of Pakistan for Passport DC
Haft Paykar: Seven Beauties
Silk Road Dance Company's Folkloric Ballet
Based on Nizami's Tale of 7 Princesses
Photo Essay by John Walter:
2015 Silk Road Dance Festival
Uzbek Government Website
Highlights Silk Road Dance Company Concert
Russian Language Article on Silk Road Dance Company in Bukharian Times Newspaper
How Silk Road Dance Company Got Its Name
Learn more about the ideas and influences that led to the founding of Silk Road Dance Company.
Click here to read the 2013 Blog Post about this fascinating, creative journey.
Click here to read the 2013 Blog Post about this fascinating, creative journey.
Silk Road Dance Company
Wins Special Honors and Awards
Since 1995, Silk Road Dance Company's pioneering artistic achievements in presenting women's dance of the Islamic World has earned them many awards and honors. Read more... ______________________________________
Alchemy Ballet Nutcracker Performance with Guest Artists from
Silk Road Dance Company
Government of Uzbekistan Awards Laurel Victoria Gray with "Xalqlar Dosligi" Medal
From Uzbek Ambassador
Javlon Vakhabov:
"A wonderful evening The Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the U.S. and Canada hosted yesterday launching the 18th Central Asian Dance Camp. It was my great honor to present the award “Friendship Among The Peoples” to Laurel Victoria Gray (Silk Road Dance Company) for her invaluable contribution to enhancing people-to-people ties and promoting #Uzbekistan culture in the U.S.
Laurel Khanum has not only dedicated her life mastering Uzbek dance in the U.S. and far beyond, but also remains most humble, professional, and passionate about what she is doing. And this lady is an internationally recognized scholar, choreographer, performer, costume designer, pioneer of Uzbek dance in America. I am inspired by her noble personality that always searches for new discoveries.
Laurel Khanum has mastered dances from Silk Road cultures and beyond. She combines her degrees in history with decades of field research and teaches dance at The George Washington University. Dr. Gray founded the award-winning Silk Road Dance Company (SRDC) in 1995, bringing the lovers of our culture together at the Central Asian Dance Camp annually, showing the beauty during many events across the U.S. and far beyond.
Dr. Laurel Victoria Gray, in one word, is our treasure in the U.S. Thank you for everything you have been doing over the years. I hope to continue our long-lasting friendship."
Javlon Vakhabov:
"A wonderful evening The Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the U.S. and Canada hosted yesterday launching the 18th Central Asian Dance Camp. It was my great honor to present the award “Friendship Among The Peoples” to Laurel Victoria Gray (Silk Road Dance Company) for her invaluable contribution to enhancing people-to-people ties and promoting #Uzbekistan culture in the U.S.
Laurel Khanum has not only dedicated her life mastering Uzbek dance in the U.S. and far beyond, but also remains most humble, professional, and passionate about what she is doing. And this lady is an internationally recognized scholar, choreographer, performer, costume designer, pioneer of Uzbek dance in America. I am inspired by her noble personality that always searches for new discoveries.
Laurel Khanum has mastered dances from Silk Road cultures and beyond. She combines her degrees in history with decades of field research and teaches dance at The George Washington University. Dr. Gray founded the award-winning Silk Road Dance Company (SRDC) in 1995, bringing the lovers of our culture together at the Central Asian Dance Camp annually, showing the beauty during many events across the U.S. and far beyond.
Dr. Laurel Victoria Gray, in one word, is our treasure in the U.S. Thank you for everything you have been doing over the years. I hope to continue our long-lasting friendship."
Silk Road Dance Company Performs at White House Nowruz Celebration
First Lady Michelle Obama greets Silk Road Dance Company before their Nowruz performance at the White House 2015. Photo courtesy of the Obama White House.
Silk Road Dance Company performing an Afghan dance at the 2015 White House Nowruz celebration. Photo by Laurel Victoria Gray.
Arriving early at the White House for rehearsal followed by Silk Road Dance Company Nowruz performance. Photo by Laurel Victoria Gray.
Silk Road Dance Company rehearsing Spring Rain in the Rose Garden for the Nowruz celebration in the East Room, with the Haft Seen and American flags in the background. Photo by Laurel Victoria Gray.
Asian Cultural
Celebration Keynote:
Silk Road Dance Company
OCTOBER 24, 2021 @ 4pm
University of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Celebration Keynote:
Silk Road Dance Company
OCTOBER 24, 2021 @ 4pm
University of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Silk Road Dance Company
Kicks Off 25th Anniversary at Intersections Festival
February 18, 2020
by Leslie Holleran
What better way to launch a dance company’s 25th year than with a sumptuous performance? And so, Silk Road Dance Company will perform The Golden Road to Samarkand at Atlas Performing Arts Center’s Intersections Festival in Washington, D.C., on February 22.
CLICK HERE FOR ENTIRE ARTICLE
by Leslie Holleran
What better way to launch a dance company’s 25th year than with a sumptuous performance? And so, Silk Road Dance Company will perform The Golden Road to Samarkand at Atlas Performing Arts Center’s Intersections Festival in Washington, D.C., on February 22.
CLICK HERE FOR ENTIRE ARTICLE
Uzbek Newspaper Report on
Central Asian Dance Camp
Russian Language Newspaper Report on our Central Asian Dance Camp at Embassy of Uzbekistan
Our beautiful 2019 NAVRUZ video by Nazir Abbas.
Silk Road Dance Company Performs at White House
Nowruz Celebration
The First Lady introduces Silk Road Dance Company at the historic March 11, 2015 White House Nowruz Celebration.
“I think it’s so fitting that we are holding this celebration here today because, one of my favorite things about the White House is how it is truly the people’s house. A house that reflects the diversity of culture and traditions that make us who we are as a country. And Nowruz is one of those traditions.”
First Lady Michelle Obama
March 11, 2015
“I think it’s so fitting that we are holding this celebration here today because, one of my favorite things about the White House is how it is truly the people’s house. A house that reflects the diversity of culture and traditions that make us who we are as a country. And Nowruz is one of those traditions.”
First Lady Michelle Obama
March 11, 2015
Read the remarks by First Lady Michelle Obama and her introduction of Silk Road Dance Company by clicking on the link below:
Remarks by First Lady at Nowruz Reception
Remarks by First Lady at Nowruz Reception
Artistic Director Dr. Laurel Victoria Gray Spotlighted in NGOMA Dance Magazine
Dancing in the District
By Jaelynn Grisso
Dance conveys a culture without words, and dancers in Washington share the cultures they love from around the world. Each has unique characteristics, from dances of everyday activities in Central Asia to tributes to great kings in Africa.
CLICK HERE TO READ ENTIRE ARTICLE
The amazing @DealVikings singers and the gracious, talented @SilkRoadDanceCo dancers were the highlights of #Azerbaijan Republic Day event!
— Emb of Azerbaijan US (@azembassyus) May 28, 2015Silk Road Dance Company Performs at 2014 White House Nowruz Celebration
Silk Road Dance Company presented Iranian, Tajik, Uzbek and Azerbaijani dance traditions at the very first White House Nowruz Celebration held on March 21, 2014.
Click here for link to WHITE HOUSE coverage.
Click here for link to WHITE HOUSE coverage.
Silk Road Dance Company, with the
Embassy of Uzbekistan, performed the concert "DANCES OF UZBEKISTAN" at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Click here to watch concert online!
Embassy of Uzbekistan, performed the concert "DANCES OF UZBEKISTAN" at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Click here to watch concert online!
Silk Road Dance Company
at Celebration of Textiles
Silk Road Dance Company returned to the Textile Museum to share dances from Central Asia and the Caucasus. Read more about the event by clicking on this link.
"Dance Along the Silk Road "
WE ARE TAKOMA
