NBC’s World of Dance is the world’s most competitive dance competition, where celebrity judges Jennifer Lopez, Ne-Yo, Derek Hough, and host/mentor Jenna Dewan Tatum watch incredible dancers compete for a whopping $1 million prize. From hip hop to tap, break dancing to ballroom, it’s a celebration of all things dance, and we’re pumped to give you a look at each and every amazing dancer, duo, and crew. Let’s meet Al Taw’am.
Al Taw’am
Style: Hip hop (duo)
Category: Upper
From: Twin Cities, Minn.
Who they are: 18-year-old identical twin sisters Iman and Khadijah are self-taught, professional dancers who fine-tuned their skills in their home studio. Devoted to their Muslim faith, these twins never step on the stage without their hijabs.
For the twins, dance is an expression of their religion. As they say on their Facebook page:
different than any other artist or athlete and believe that Allah has given us this talent to inspire
others. When asked why we dance or are told that we should not be dancing as Muslim
girls/women we say, “Dancing is a part of who we are and what makes us unique. We
know who our lord is and his prophet and ultimately will be judged by him. We have
been told by several Muslim women and girls that we make them proud to be Muslim
and were even told by a Muslim girls after a performance that she was inspired and that
she was previously considering taking off her Hijab. She said she hadn’t seen the strength,
power, and beauty in it until she saw us perform. From responses as such we know that
dancing is one of things Allah put is on this earth to do.”
They are also 2016 National YoungArts Award recipient and the youngest to win a Minnesota Sage Cowles. They have also performed at Facing Race 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland, The Nobel Peace Prize Forum 2013, WE Day 2013 and 2014, Sound Set 2013 and 2015, The Minnesota Secretary of State’s 50th Voter’s Rights Act Anniversary Celebration, and World of Dance 2015.
Fun fact: Al Taw’am is an Arabic for “The Twins.”
Where to catch them: Follow them on Instagram @iman_and_khadijah to keep up.
Watch them in action:
For more on the World of Dance competitors, check out the full roster of dancers and tune into World of Dance on NBC. Don’t miss exclusive interviews, performances, and more from the definitive source for all things NBC World of Dance.
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