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The Complex History of Dance for Women in Pakistan

The Complex History of Dance for Women in Pakistan

Words by Aleena Daredia

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Brown History
Mar 27, 2025
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The Complex History of Dance for Women in Pakistan
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This is a rare vintage poster for the National Dance Ensemble from Pakistan when they made their grand debut performance in New York City in 1973 at the Hulu Theatre in Madison Square Garden. The show featured celebrated Kathak dancer Nahid Siddiqui who rose to fame in the 70s but in the late 70s, martial law was declared in Pakistan and dancing was banned. She left Pakistan and relocated to London but was told she couldn't dance anywhere in the world without the permission from the government of Pakistan. Siddiqui defied these rules though and continued to dance. "How can you ban beauty?" asked Siddiqui. (Available now as print)

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The Complex History of Dance for Women in Pakistan

A documentary about Sheema Kermani won big at Montreal's South Asian Film Festival
Pakistani classical dancer Sheema Kermani.

In the early years following Pakistan’s independence in 1947, dance was not immediately branded as a shameful or taboo art form. Despite the colonial-era stigma that had begun to take root under British rule, classical dance forms continued to be practiced and appreciated by segments of society. They held a place of cultural significance, rooted in centuries of tradition from the pre-Partition era.

Before the borders were drawn, the region now known as Pakistan was home to rich classical dance forms such as Kathak, performed in the royal courts of Mughal emperors and gatherings. Dance was not merely entertainment; it was a respected art form showcasing storytelling, emotional expression, and refined technique.

However, the transition from the rich cultural heritage of the subcontinent to the newly formed nation of Pakistan brought complex challenges. With the desire to establish a national identity intertwined with religious values, dance began to lose its cultural legitimacy.

How did Pakistan go from a nation where dance was revered as a rich cultural expression to one where it became a stigma that continues to persist to this day?

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