Traditional Tajik/Pamiri Dance| Gul Ba Ruit | Nilofar and Amyna

“For as long as I can remember, I have felt a deep-seated love and connection to Tajikistan and in particular the Pamiri people. At the age of 7, my family and I were part of the team that hosted and supported a travelling arts show called the “Expressions of the Pamir” and this is when I had the chance to truly immerse myself in the beautiful culture and colours of this incredible country. I recall watching stage rehearsals and sharing meals together, listening in awe as musicians and singers performed in small intimate gatherings and learning how to move gracefully with meaning in every movement. So much of who I am as a dancer and as an artist more generally, I attribute to this formative experience. Although I was not born in Tajikistan or have any Tajik roots, the Tajik culture has always felt like a part of my identity. I was lucky enough to be able to continue learning from and engage with Tajik people as the years passed, including performing with and being mentored by some of the same individuals that I had looked up to so much as a child. One of these people is my dear friend Niloufar Dadikhuda (in this video), an actress, dancer and artist extraordinaire. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to bring my vision for this piece to fruition with such a talented individual. In this piece, viewers will see two friends, who are meeting to confide in one another and share stories about their loved ones. The song utilized in this piece, Gul Ba Ruit by Nigina Amonkulova and Fotima Mashrabova, shares a similar storyline and is a song that I was introduced to by one of my closest friends Noor 3-4 years ago. The vision behind this piece was genuine in nature - to introduce others to the rich culture and traditions of the Tajik/Pamiri people and to share the grace, beauty and warmth of this community. We hope that you enjoy this piece!” - Written by Amyna Kanji Brief Geographical and Cultural Education: Tajikistan, officially known as the “Republic of Tajikistan” is a landlocked country in Central Asia. It is bordered by Afghanistan to the South, Uzbekistan to the West, Kyrgyzstan to the North and China to the East. Tajikistan has been ruled by numerous empires and dynasties including the Mongol Empire, Timurid Dynasty, the Russian Empire and subsequently the Soviet Union. The Pamir Mountains are among the world’s highest mountains. The Pamiri people of the Gorno-Badakhshan province of Tajikistan are considered to be part of the Tajik ethnicity, however are distinct linguistically as well as culturally from most Tajiks. For example, in contrast to mostly Sunni Muslim residents in the rest of Tajikistan, the overwhelming majority of Pamiris follow the Ismaili branch of Shia Islam. The Pamiri people have preserved many ancient cultural traditions and art forms that have largely been lost in various other parts of the country. Credits: Choreography & Dancers: Niloufar Dadikhuda (@) & Amyna Kanji (@gemsthroughmylens) Concept: Amyna Kanji Costumes & Jewellery: Niloufar Dadikhuda Videography & Editing: Galen Perera (@momentsinraw) Song Credits: Nigina Amonkulova (@niginaamonqulova) & Fotima Mashrabova (@fotima_mashrabova)