On Stage, Around the World
Over 15 years of performances at diplomatic receptions, international festivals, university stages, government events, and community celebrations across the United States and internationally.
Athens, Greece — July 2023
By invitation only — selected to represent Pakistan at the UNESCO partner congress
Led a Balochi dance workshop for women from across the globe
Met with CID President Professor Alkis Rafkis — advocated for Pakistani dance globally
Hosted by H.E. Ambassador Aamar Aftab Qureshi at the Pakistan House, Athens
In August 2024, Sanam Studios performed at the 77th Pakistan Independence Day celebration in Los Angeles, hosted in partnership with the Grand Alliance for Pakistan (GAFP). The event brought together hundreds of Pakistani-Americans for an evening of culture, music, and celebration.
Following the performance, Consul General of Pakistan Asim Ali Khan hosted the troupe for a private dinner at his residence — a warm gathering with fellow performers, diplomats, and community leaders from across Los Angeles.
With Consul General Asim Ali Khan at the GAFP Pakistan Independence Day event · Dinner at the Consul General's private residence, Los Angeles — August 2024
Maine Township — serving residents across Des Plaines, Park Ridge, Niles, Glenview, Morton Grove, and Rosemont — made history by becoming the first local government in Chicago to host a Pakistan Cultural Day. Sanam Studios was invited as the featured cultural dance performance.
The Pakistan flag flew alongside the American flag at Maine Township Town Hall. The marquee sign read "PAKISTAN CULTURAL DAY." The event featured dance performances, music, ethnic foods, a flag-raising ceremony, and appearances by Park Ridge Mayor Marty Maloney, Maine Township Supervisor Karen Dimond, State Senator Laura Murphy, State Representative Denyse Stoneback, and Consul General of Pakistan Tariq Karim.
At the end of the evening, Maine Township presented Sanam Studios with an official Certificate of Recognition for representing Pakistani culture. This was Sanam Studios' third visit to Chicago.
"Not only did Maine Township organize Pakistan Cultural Day, but they also presented us with a recognition for representing Pakistani culture. We have always received admiration and love from the community in Chicago. We are forever grateful."
Special thanks to Asif Malik, Trustee Maine Township, and Masood Sahi, Event Coordinator.
Covered by the Chicago Tribune — August 24, 2021: "Festival celebrating Pakistani culture draws crowds in Park Ridge" — Sanam Azeem named and photographed by name as the featured performer.
Read Chicago Tribune Article
Maine Township Town Hall, Park Ridge, Illinois · August 21, 2021 · Certificate of Recognition presented by Maine Township
Sanam Studios performed at the Pakistani Consulate Houston for a formal diplomatic reception hosted by Consul General Aisha Farooqui. The event brought together consulate staff, community leaders, elected officials, and distinguished guests for an evening of Pakistani cultural celebration.
The troupe performed the Khattak sword dance — one of the most dramatic and historically significant dances in the Pakistani folk tradition — in front of the Pakistan flag in the consulate's formal reception hall.
The event was covered with a full photo spread by Pakistan Times USA (Houston) — March 29, 2018.
Pakistani Consulate Houston — formal diplomatic reception with Consul General Aisha Farooqui · Khattak sword dance performance · 2018
In August 2021, Sanam Studios performed at the Safeer-e-Pakistan Pride of Performance Awards Gala Dinner at the Hyatt Regency Houston — an evening celebrating the most successful Pakistani-American men and women and their achievements.
Sanam Studios was featured prominently on the official event poster — both the group costume shot and the performance action shot — reflecting the troupe's position as one of the premier Pakistani cultural performance groups in the United States.
Safeer-e-Pakistan Pride of Performance Awards Gala Dinner · Hyatt Regency Houston · August 1, 2021 · Sanam Studios featured on official event poster
In July 2018, Sanam Studios made their first-ever international trip — performing at Pakistan Festival 2018 at the Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC. The event was a celebration of the music, culture, fashion, and cuisine of Pakistan, also featuring renowned Pakistani artist Faakhir Mehmood.
The troupe performed dances representing all the provinces of Pakistan — bringing the full breadth of the country's folk dance traditions to the Pakistani Canadian community in British Columbia. Sanam Studios was featured on the official event poster.
The trip was made possible by the Pakistan Canada Cultural Association of BC, the Pakistani Canadian Women's Society, and the Pakistani Youth Council — and the weekend was made truly special by Dr. Muhammad Tariq, Consul General of Pakistan, Vancouver, and his wife, who welcomed the troupe into their home for a homemade dinner, gifted them shawls and books, and personally introduced them to the Pakistani Canadian community.
The memories from that weekend — the warmth of the Vancouver community, the stage at the Art Gallery, the children in their Pakistan colors, the home dinner with the Consul General — remain among the most treasured in Sanam Studios' history.
Pakistan Festival 2018 · Vancouver Art Gallery · With Dr. Muhammad Tariq, Consul General of Pakistan, Vancouver · Home dinner at the Tariq residence
Sanam Studios has performed in St. Louis on multiple occasions for the Pakistani-American community of Missouri. One of their most notable appearances was the St. Louis Pakistan Day celebration on Saturday, August 20th, 2016 at the DoubleTree Chesterfield — a ticketed event featuring bhangra, dance, great food, and kids activities.
Sanam Studios was featured prominently on the official St. Louis Pakistan Day event poster — both in the performance photo at the top and the full troupe costume photo at the bottom — reflecting the troupe's reputation as a premier Pakistani cultural performance group.
St. Louis Pakistan Day · DoubleTree Chesterfield · August 20, 2016 · Sanam Studios featured on official event poster · Multiple visits
This was the most memorable trip in Sanam Studios' history. The people of Pakistan welcomed us with open arms and a warmth that will last a lifetime. Every village, every stage, every encounter reminded us of why we dance — and who we dance for.
The journey took us through some of Pakistan's most breathtaking landscapes — including the Hunza Valley and Gilgit Baltistan in the far north, where ancient folk traditions are kept alive by communities that have danced the same steps for centuries. Learning from village elders in these remote communities transformed our understanding of the dances we carry back to stages across America.
We tried on traditional Hunza caps at local markets, rode in beautifully decorated Pakistani trucks, and were welcomed into the heart of communities that have preserved these traditions for generations.
We are grateful for all the love and support we continue to receive from Pakistan and from people around the world. Every performance since has carried a piece of that journey.
Video by Hakim's Studio & Shama Manji
Hunza Valley & Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan · Meeting with village elders and learning traditional dance · Trying on Hunza caps at local markets · On a beautifully decorated Pakistani truck
Diplomatic & Government
Universities & Institutions
Festivals & Public Events
Cobb County International Festival
Representing Pakistani culture at Cobb County's International Festival — with Chairwoman Lisa Cupid.
Gwinnett County Cultural Events
Performing at multicultural events across Metro Atlanta's counties — with Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson.
We travel nationally and internationally. Based in Atlanta, GA.
