The aims of this course include discovering and developing natural grace, learning to express yourself freely in movement and enjoying dancing to the subtle rhythms and melodies of traditional Persian music.   Sepideh will work on basic technique, musicality, choreographed sequences and improvisation in order to guide you progressively through Persian dance.    Discussions on the different styles of Iranian dance, customs and types of musical instruments will enable you to learn more about this universe that is rich in rhythms and colours.

Dance in Iran

Dance has an ancient history in Iran.  From 2000BC sacred dances accompanied the cult of Mithras, an Indo-Iranian divinity. Then dance came into contact with traditional music and classical Persian poetry in the courts of kings who ruled over a great part of the Middle East.  Over the course of the country's history, music and dance have both flourished and been threatened with decline.  While traditional music and poetry have maintained mystical, artistic and popular dimensions up until today, dance has been reduced, limited and sometimes forbidden.  Subsequently, classical Persian dance has been the victim of religious prejudice and lost parts of its identity.  Today, only very abstract dances are authorized in the Islamic Republic of Iran.  Forbidden or not, dance, just like poetry, has always played an important part in the social life of the majority of Iranians.

A Middle Eastern Context

Gifted with a strong and separate cultural identity, Iranian folk dance and music, especially in the border areas of the country, reflect the diverse perfumes and colours of the Middle East.  Iran's rich diversity can be understood through its proximity to various countries.  However, Iran is not an Arab country.  Its language, Persian, is a language of Indo-European origin.  Despite reciprocal influences and the Persian stamp on Islamic art, Persian dance and music remain distinct.

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Courses

Initiation - Beginner I: 5:30-6:45 pm
This course is designed for people who would like to learn about dance, and Persian dance in particular. Through in-depth work and playful exercises set to traditional Iranian music (Reng, Tasnif, Chaharmehzrab, etc.), the course helps you strengthen your muscles, become more flexible, improve your posture, become more aware of your body and space, and improve your coordination. At the same time, the course introduces the basic techniques of Persian dance and moves progressively towards the learning of small sequences to be danced in a group.

Beginner I - Beginner II: 18h45-20h
This class is designed for those who would like to get started in Persian dance, or who would like to work in depth on the basic techniques of this dance. After a thorough warm-up, the various movements and postures will be worked on in detail. Through playful exercises and short sequences set to traditional Iranian music, the class gradually moves towards learning a short choreography.

Intermediate class: 8-9.15pm
After a thorough and complete warm-up, different patterns and sequences will be worked on to traditional Iranian music. Emphasis will be placed on spatial awareness, fluidity of movement, transitions between accelerations and suspensions in the dance, mastery of turns and listening to the music. The aim is to consolidate technique, while remaining true to Persian dance aesthetics, so that you can take flight and enjoy the freedom of dance. One or two choreographies over the course of the year will form the common thread running through the course.

Middle Eastern dance : Beginner II- Intermediate: Tuesdays 12.15pm - 1.30pm
A colorful dance with its roots in Egypt, but enriched by other techniques (Iranian dance, contemporary Indian dance). After a thorough and complete warm-up, different patterns and sequences will be worked on to evolve into choreography or improvisation. There's a wide choice of music (percussion, classical, pop and oriental jazz).