About this Event
Join author and historian Nadia Khan to celebrate the launch of her new book, Dance Histories: A Journey Across the Muslim Silk Road — a groundbreaking exploration of the overlooked spiritual, artistic and historical significance of dance across Muslim cultures.
Challenging narratives that erase or distort Muslim dance traditions, Dance Histories weaves together culture, faith, migration and identity. From the whirling sema of Sufi practice to the celebratory rhythms of Indo-Muslim weddings, this beautifully researched book reveals dance as communal expression, spiritual practice and cultural resilience — from al-Andalus to Central Asia, the Middle East to the Far East.
Drawing on personal memoir, academic insight and interviews with dancers and scholars, Dance Histories highlights how traditional Muslim dances reflect divine beauty and community values — and how these forms have survived colonisation, migration and moral scrutiny, especially around women’s bodies and public expression.
“Nadia Khan has written an incredibly timely and important book. Dance Histories challenges taboos while celebrating beauty, and offers an honest yet inspiring account of dance as a thread that connects generations, geographies, and faith.” — Publisher Jamil Chishti
What to expect:
• A short talk from Nadia introducing the book’s journey and key ideas
• Readings that bring hidden dance stories to life
• Audience Q&A
• Book signing (books available to purchase on the night)
*An exhibition on Muslim Dance
• Refreshments and hot drinks served
Who this event is for:
Anyone interested in Islamic culture and arts, women’s voices, diasporic histories, global dance heritage, faith and aesthetics — or simply a great new non-fiction read.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Fresh Arts CIC, 1 Humphry Repton Lane, Wembley Park, United Kingdom
GBP 5.00
