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CANADA
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CANADA
11 July 2024 | CANADA
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Imamat Day Mubarak! |
In this issue, we embark on an enlightening journey into the vibrant world of dance within Muslim cultures, with a special focus on the rich diverse traditions of the Ismaili Muslim community. Dance, an expressive art form, transcends mere movement to become a profound narrative of cultural identity, spirituality, and community cohesion. In his remarks at the Inaugural Aga Khan Music Awards (2019), Mowla Hazar Imam conveyed: “One other point we learned to appreciate and to share is the remarkable diversity which exists within the world of Muslim music! It comes in many styles, forms and classical repertoires. It includes simple folk melodies, contemplative mystical music and driving dance rhythms; and it reflects the immense diversity of different Muslim cultures themselves, including musical traditions that have been carefully cultivated over the centuries within the Ismaili.”
In the diverse landscape of Muslim cultures, dance embodies a spectrum of styles, each with its own unique story. The Shia Ismaili Muslim community, which strives towards pluralistic and inclusive ethos, includes members from cultures with rich and fascinating dance traditions. Rooted in celebrating life and the divine, dance often merges classical influences with contemporary interpretations. Whether it’s the graceful movements inspired by Persian court dances, Indian, Pakistani, Tajik, Syrian, Iranian or Afghan-inspired dance forms, or modern choreographies that reflect the community's diasporic experiences. In this edition, we celebrate six diverse dancers in our artist's spotlights for taking their incredible dance backgrounds to new heights. As we explore different dance forms, we invite you to appreciate the profound ways in which they communicate faith, history, and identity. Let’s celebrate the beauty of movement that unites us in our shared humanity and enriches the tapestry of global cultural expressions. |
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| Artist Spotlight |
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Rumi Jeraj - dancer and choreographer |
Internationally touring dancer and Toronto-based choreographer READ MORE |
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Alida Esmail - dance artist |
An innovative contemporary artist dedicated to changing lives through dance and movement. READ MORE |
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Farzam Bahrambic - hip hop and breakdancer |
Inspirational hip hop dancer and breakdancer pushing the boundaries of his art. READ MORE |
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Saara Mihrin - film & tv actor, multidisciplinary dancer & choreographer |
An award-winning dancer/choreographer and a seasoned Film & TV actor READ MORE |
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Rameez Karim - choreographer, dancer, cultural mediator, experience designer |
Award-winning choreographer bringing the magic of Bollywood and Indian folk dance forms to the province of Québec to contemporary spaces. READ MORE |
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Shaila Premji - dancer & choreographer |
Renowned Bollywood dancer and choreographer who has performed at high-profile events and a finalist on "Canada's Got Talent." READ MORE |
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Global Encounters Festival 2025 |
Mark your calendars, the Global Encounters Festival 2025 will take place from 20 to 27 July next year, in Dubai, UAE. Join us next July as we celebrate artistic and athletic talent, diversity, and the spirit of unity that connects us all, and an unforgettable experience. Let's enjoy a walk down memory lane as we celebrate our exceptional athletes and artists who qualified and participated in the Illume 2023 National Arts and Sports Festival. Our spectacular filmmakers and visual artists will share their creative journeys and inspire you with passion and artistry. WATCH NOW |
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Mirâs: A Throwback to the 2018 Jubilee Arts International Festival |
Mirâs, a Quebec & Maritime dance ensemble, represented Canada at the 2018 Jubilee Arts International Festival. The dance ensemble consisted of a diverse group of talented dancers who came together to inspire the Jamat and other artists. Members included: Afrooza Nabizada, Alisha Thawer, Amyna Kanji, Farzana Hashemi, Rameez Karim, Mariyam Hakimi, Sadia Khademi, Shabnam Mirkhord and Zahrah Khademi. "We are starting to gain a deeper understanding of how we can use the arts to connect with our Ismaili identity but also how we can use it as a form of devotion. If we don't encourage future generations to value all mediums of artistic expression and use them as an outlet to connect with themselves and those around them, we will be losing a crucial piece to the mosaic of our rich cultural heritage. Through initiatives like the Jubilee Arts program, not only are we supporting the work of aspiring and established professional artists but we are also acknowledging that the work they do is just as important in society as any other career path."
Words from Rameez Karim, Founder & Head Choreographer of Mirâs. WATCH THE PERFORMANCE |
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Post Secondary Games: Celebrating “One Jamat” Through Dance |
Over 430 post-secondary students from across Canada gathered in Montreal in May 2024 for the annual Post-Secondary Games (PSG), hosted this year by the Montreal Ismaili Students Association / Quebec and Maritimes Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board. This marked the first year Post Secondary Games was held in Quebec. From sports, dance, and spirit, Ismaili Secondary Associations (ISA) competed, demonstrated sportsmanship, celebrated our cultural diversity, and truly came together as One Jamat. Congratulations to all participants for their talented displays of skill and artistry, and to all of the volunteers for their incredible efforts in putting on a spectacular weekend. Schools had teams ranging from 10 to 30+ dancers on stage and had beautiful diversity expressed through the dance forms, music, and dancers themselves. Dance teams were given prompts that celebrated such diversity, with language requirements in the music, formations, dance styles and genres, etc. The various interpretations of the Renaissance theme manifested in a wide range of performances, from Shakespeare to Rumi's Four Doors of Love, to The Four Elements, to Beauty & the Beast. Esteemed judges from the external arts community provided live feedback and critiques, making for an entertaining evening for all in attendance. Overall, the calibre on stage was exceptionally strong, and it was a tremendous display of talent. Although it was a fierce competition, all teams celebrated each other, displaying a true sense of "One Jamat." SEE MORE |
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Aga Khan Museum Corner |
We are excited to work with the Aga Khan Museum to bring you this recurring section of our newsletter. In it we showcase upcoming programming at the Museum, online content, and other ways members of the Jamat from across Canada can enjoy, learn from, and participate with this incredible institution. Your support makes a difference. Join today!
Please consider becoming a FRIEND or a PATRON of the Museum. Your generosity will help us spread hope with programs that spark wonder and connect communities. |
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Light: Visionary Perspectives |
Marking the Museum's 10th anniversary, Light: Visionary Perspectives will dive into the omnipresence and impact of light, placing visitors at the center of an immersive exhibition filled with contemporary installations by renowned artists. LEARN MORE |
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3D Tour: Night in the Garden of Love |
Explore Night in the Garden of Love, a multisensory exhibition by British artist Shezad Dawood, inspired by African-American Muslim musician, composer, and polymath (Allāmah) Dr. Yusef Lateef (1920 – 2013). Experience this multilayered exhibition from the comfort of home in this 3D virtual tour. TAKE THE TOUR |
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This Being Human: Refik Anadol |
On the latest episode of This Being Human Podcast, Turkish-American new media artist and designer Refik Anadol joins host Abdul-Rehman Malik for a compelling conversation about his journey, inspirations, and the impact of his groundbreaking work on the global art scene. LISTEN HERE |
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| In Case You Missed It |
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The Ismaili Sounds: Roz E Imamat |
The Ismaili Sounds is pleased to present “Roz-e Imamat”, performed by music artists from Central Asia and the Middle East. The song’s lyrics express gratitude for the Jamat’s blessings and fortune on the occasion of Imamat Day. WATCH NOW |
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The Ismaili Sounds: Fariyaad Sunn |
The Ismaili is pleased to present “Fariyaad Sunn,” written by Zulfiqar Ali Jessani and performed by Dr Karim Gillani. The video, directed by Alizain Mevawala was filmed at the Aga Khan Garden near Edmonton, Canada. WATCH NOW |
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The Ismaili Sounds: United in Our Song |
The musical composition, United in Our Song, performed by artists in the UK, harnesses a long-standing relationship between three faith communities and illustrates the strength found in diversity. Commissioned by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, the song features contributions from each of the three monotheistic faiths, with Jewish, Christian, and Muslim instrumentalists and vocalists all involved. WATCH NOW |
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The Ismaili Sounds: Lab pe aati hai Du’a |
The Ismaili Sounds presents a rendition of Lab pe aati hai Du’a, performed by ZIKR band. The prayer, in the form of verse, was originally written by the philosopher-poet Muhammad Iqbal in 1902. WATCH NOW |
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Plans for New Jamatkhana in Laval, Quebec |
Bringing together Islamic traditions of the past with a bold vision for the future, this new Jamatkhana will embrace a spirit of openness, inclusion, and dialogue, helping to build bridges of understanding. LEARN MORE |
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Farah Mitha Performs At The Ismaili Centre Toronto |
Find Your Light, an unforgettable musical experience that took place at the Ismaili Centre, Toronto on Friday, May 10, featured a fusion of live music and inspirational storytelling. Watch this clip of Farah Mitha's performance.
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