Artistic Director, Laurel Victoria Gray

Laurel Victoria Gray is an internationally acclaimed dancer, scholar, instructor, costume designer and choreographer who has taught and performed throughout Europe, Central Asia, Australia, the United States and Canada.

Known as the 'the pioneer of Uzbek dance in America,' her efforts to preserve and present traditional Central Asian and Persian dance make her a true cultural diplomat. In 2007, she was awarded on honorary doctorate by the Ministry of Culture of Uzbekistan for her work in promoting and preserving Central Asian dance.

She is the recipient of the 2006 Metro DC Dance Award for Excellence in Costume Design; the 2005 Distinguished Service Award from the Embassy of Uzbekistan; the 2003 Kennedy Center Local Dance Commissioning Project Award; and the International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance (IAMED) Awards for Best Choreographer (2003) and Best Ethnic Dancer (1999).

Dr. Gray's articles have appeared in many publications including the Oxford University Press International Encyclopedia of Dance, the World Encyclopedia of Contemporary Theater, the Enclopedia of Women in Islamic Cultures, the Encyclopedia of Modern Asia and Dance magazine as well as journals in Germany and Australia.

She has lectured for the Middle East Institute and Humanities West and the Assembly of Turkish American Associations. Washington DC performances include the National Press Club, the Smithsonian Institution, the Washington Monument, and the Uzbek Embassy (for President Islam ...More