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I am a Persian dance specialist based in Cambridge, UK. I have
been dancing all my life and professionally since 1997. I am one of only a
handful of exponents of Persian dance in the UK, and aim to increase public
awareness of this little-known art form which is beautiful, graceful and
exciting. I have a wide and authentic repertoire and all my performances are
improvised. I have performed at numerous showcases, balls, charity and cultural
events, cabarets, weddings and private parties, both in the UK and in Iran.
A common misconception is that Persian dance
is a variety of Oriental dance, however it is an entirely separate art form.
The central style in my repertoire comprises elements of both modern social
dance and classical (19th century) dance, and may be refered to as majlesi,
the term normally applied to solo improvised Persian dance as performed in a
social setting. Within certain parameters there is great scope for innovation
and idiosyncrasy in majlesi style. Both social and
classical dance specifically involve movement of the upper body, with emphasis
on the shoulders, arms, and particularly the hands. Facial expression is also a
salient feature of this dance form, and the whole ethos of the dance is one of
grace and to some extent coquettishness. The usual rhythm for majlesi is
6/8, found also in North
African and Latin American music.
My style is authentically
Iranian and is based on Tehrani and majlesi dance. In addition my
repertoire includes mime dance (eg. raqs-e bazak), regional dances (eg. bandari,
kurdi), and the character dance shateri which is my speciality. A
variety of props may be used in the dances such as fans or a flat frame drum.
Oriental dance, also referred to as belly dance and raqs sharqi, is
found all across the Arab world and Turkey, and in recent decades has achieved
great popularity in the West. I am an experienced performer of Lebanese-style
Oriental dance, including props such as the veil, cane and sword.
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