Ballet Afsaneh
From the historic crossroads of Eurasia to the intersecting diversity of a new America, Ballet Afsaneh programs present eloquent testament to the unique Central Asian expressive arts.
This critically acclaimed performance ensemble presents the dance, music and poetry of the historic Silk Road networks of Eurasia. "Afsaneh" is a wonderful word, common to the major language groups of the Silk Road, meaning "legend" or "mythic story" and indeed Ballet Afsaneh has in many ways become a legend in its own time. The group's traditional repertory includes the folkloric and classical dances of Iran, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, China and India. Contemporary work melds ancient art forms with modern dance and theater with a unique and richly imagistic approach. Ballet Afsaneh produces an annual home season in the San Francisco Bay Area of California and presents programs at major performing arts venues, festivals, university theaters, schools, community centers and special events. The company tours internationally and in the United States. More about Ballet Afsaneh...
“Among the top tier of
Bay Area world dance.”
--- Alan Ulrich, Voice of Dance
Join our Email List
|
Festival of the Silk Road - 2012
Sunday, May 6th in San Jose
Concert and Fun for the whole family!!
Dance, Music & Poetry from Central Asia and the Silk Road. GET TICKETS HERE
7pm Concert Performance
3pm Family Fun in the Gardens - Bazaar
The YEAR of the DRAGON!
Stellar Bay Area dance and musical guests unite in a vibrant exploration of the rich cultural traditions of the Silk Road. The concert Performance begins at 7pm. Not-to-miss pre-performance Family Fun starts at 3pm in the lovely gardens of the Mexican Heritage Plaza Theater, with folk dancing and cultural exhibits. The ever popular Silk Road Bazaar offers traditional clothing, art, and a few light refreshments. A spectacular Chinese dragon will be making a grand appearance during the evening concert in honor of the Chinese year of the dragon.
Community Arts
Afsaneh Dance Academy
Dance is the universal language .... Through our dance education programs young people and families gain understanding and appreciation for culture. The programs concentrate on traditional dance of Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and other Central Asian regions.
DanceVersity - World Dance for Youth
Reflecting the diversity of the San Francisco Bay Area, DanceVersity provides education in dance, music, and cultural appreciation includingPersian, Central Asian, Afro-Peruvian, Haitian, Turkish Roma (Gypsy), Bollywood, Hip hop, Guinean, Native American, Parisian, Hawaiian, Samba, Contemporary, Flamenco, Moroccan, Polish, Korean, Balinese, Azeri, and much more! |
International & Special Projects
Zaryab Music Ensemble
A new collaboration of outstanding world music artists promoting cross-cultural understanding, peace,
tolerance and environmental consciousness through musical performances that engage
international audiences. With a focus on contemporary
re-interpretations of Persian and Central Asian traditional roots, Zaryab melds the ancient with the future. Read More....
Tajik Dance Initiative - TDI
Tajikistan, north of Afghanistan, east of Uzbekistan, to the west and north of Pakistan and China, this once remote region of the world maintains a deep connection to dance in all of its secular and spiritual forms. In 2005, AACS and the artists of our performance ensemble, Ballet Afsaneh, launched the Tajik Dance Initiative. The project sparked the formation of a new Tajik NGO in Dushanbe that provides programs, run by Tajik artists, scholars and arts administrators. The organization creates opportunities for collaborative work with local artists and their international counterparts, and support for the dance and related expressive arts of Tajikistan. Read more about the Tajik Dance Initiative history on the project's Blogsite.....
Check out TDI current events!
Tajik Dance Initiative on FaceBook |
