Ep 363. Natalie Nayun: When Governments Try to Shape the Perceptions of the Central Asian Dances
About this episode
Natalie Nayun discusses the impact of government agendas on Central Asian dance and shares her extensive experiences in the region.
Natalie Nayun is an international teacher and performer specializing in contemporary and folkloric dance traditions from Central Asia and the Middle East. With over 20 years of dance experience and 15 years of teaching, she has studied extensively in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Oman, conducting research and training through grants including the HAAS Scholar Award, CLS, and FLAS for Persian language study. She is a well-known soloist and Assistant Director of Ballet Afsaneh, choreographer for the UC Berkeley Central Asian and Middle Eastern Dance Company, Sorayya, and former director of Adara Dance Company. Natalie has completed residencies with state dance ensembles in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and continues to travel regularly to the region for research and collaboration. In this episode you will learn about: - The powerful difference between social dance and theatrical folk versions shaped by government agendas - What Natalie discovered studying in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan: 5 a.m. training, government ensembles, village libraries — and people drumming on tables to show her their dance - How weddings, birth rituals, and even mourning ceremonies keep dance alive as a…
More episodes of Belly Dance Life
- Ep 372. Maha Al Musa: Belly Dance as Preparation for Childbirth and Guiding Practice Through Menopause
- Ep 371. April Rose: From Connection to Isolation in Belly Dance and Searching Our Way Back
- Ep 370. Dr George Sawa: How Centuries-Old Knowledge Can Still Guide Modern Dancers and Musicians
- Ep 369. Bindu Bolar: An Artist Is Always a Student
- Ep 368. Kamilia: How the Modern Economy Is Reshaping the Belly Dance Industry
- Ep 367. Ellie: What Contradictions Research Reveals About Belly Dance and Mental Health
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Belly Dance Life podcast page.