Carolyn Krueger founded the Los Angeles-based Gulistan Dance Theater to present and preserve diverse and historic women's dance traditions of the Silk Route and beyond. Created in 1994, Gulistan was expanded to its current form in 2000. Displayed in authentic festive costumes, the intricate, sensuous and rhythmic dances performed by Gulistan Dance Theater evoke the courts and caravanserais of old and celebrate the vibrancy of contemporary life in former Soviet Central Asia and the Middle East. Performances showcase millennia-old classical, professional and folkloric dance styles of Silk Route women and explore the rich cultures of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Iran (Persia), Azerbaijan, Armenia, Afghanistan, Turkey and Egypt .

Gulistan dancers in Uzbek dance "Navbahor."
From left: Monica Ramos, Alana, Donna Speckman.
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Photo by Michael Clark

       
Gulistan's concerts blend Ms. Krueger's captivating solo repertoire with enchanting ensemble dances, poetry, narration, and complementary performances by traditional musicians and singers to create varied and exciting programs.  The choreographic artistry of Carolyn's mentor, People's Artist of Uzbekistan,Vilayat Akilova, is featured. Uzbek master percussionist, Tolkin Isakov, joins Gulistan by special arrangement to dazzle audiences with his skill on the Uzbek doira (frame drum).

Gulistan dancers and musicians in Bukharan Suite. From left:
Alana, Linda Levin, Laurie Buenafe, Sue Rudnicki and Monica Ramos

       Ms. Krueger has performed in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in her own solo concert on Tashkent Television, as well as in the official Navroz (New Year) Festival and at the Mayor's Mansion. Here at home, Carolyn's work has been featured by numerous organizations including Jawaahir Dance Company of Minneapolis, University of Utah, UCSB's  Middle East Ensemble, Persian Television, the 1993 Los Angeles Festival, UCLA/Armand Hammer Museum, Los Angeles County Museum of Art/Bing Theater, UCLA's John D. Soper Central Asian Language Institute, Iranian Music Association, Dance Kaleidoscope, Fountain Theater, California Plaza, Los Angeles Theatre Center, Highways, University of Judaism, University of Redlands, Riverside Community College, Orange Coast College, La Verne University, Orange County Performing Arts Center, Irvine Barclay Theatre, Big Bear Performing Arts Center, American Association of University Women, Po Na Na Dance Theater, Iranian Cultural Club of UC Irvine and the Barnsdall Armenian Festival.