Traditional Tajik, Pamiri Dance, Gul Ba Ruit, Nilofar and Amyna

For as long as I can remember, I have felt a deepseated 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 th