The Persian dance has its roots in the cults of the god Mithra, in archaic Persia, ie ancient Mesopotamia. Unlike classical Indian dances, it has not been highly codified and that is why it retains a good dose of flexibility that is well suited to mixing with other Central Asian dance styles.
The elegant and refined use of the hands hypnotizes the viewer, who feels transported to a past full of Middle Eastern suggestions, finding himself in the Courts of the Persian Emperors of the Qajar period.
Most of the “figures” and “poses” of this dance derive from the miniatures of the “700 and” 800, miniatures that portrayed the life of the court or the much venerated goddesses of water, wind and air, graceful beings who embodied in todo the “ideal of femininity” in Persia of that period. It was before the Islamic revolution that there was a huge flowering of all the arts and in particular of Iranian ballet in Iran, traditional elements were codified and arranged, and incorporated repertoire that was more appropriate to an international audience. For centuries Persian dance has been the object of marginalization and little consideration, an ancient art that still survives in today’s Iran only to a few artists who are committed to its conservation. characteristics of Persian dance, which originates from the arts of Persian poetry, music, miniature and calligraphy, the grace of hand and arm movements, the flexibility of the torso, and above all the expressive mimicry of the eyes and face, through which the dancer expresses emotion towards the audience. The training will unfold along a path of 7 meetings to get to know the fascinating and elegant world of Persian dance. At the end of the course there will be certificates and a final essay.
“From miniatures, to architecture, from calligraphy to the refinement of silver and carpets, formal perfection, together with the sweetness of sentiment, grace and measure are the figures of the Persian spirit.”
The training course in Persian dance is aimed at absolute beginners, those who have been struck by the beauty and elegance of this dance and would like to know more. No previous experience is necessary, but old dancers are also welcome. ! During the training, general information and printed material will be given regarding: Rituals in pre-Islamic Iran, cults linked to Zoroastrianism, Birth of dance in the so-called “Persian Middle Ages” and flourishing development in the courts of the Qajar dynasty Mystical poetry Persian: the miniatures and their meaning, Rumi, Hafez, Omar Khayyam and dance seen as the supreme means for reuniting with the divine. Codification and reconstruction of the basic steps: the elegance and lightness of the arms and hands: Art turns, use of hands and arms in Persian dance. Study of the lines that have been handed down to us from the ancient miniatures of the Qajar period. The importance of the gaze and the use of the eyes. Moving in space with fluidity and lightness. Persian music: musical instruments, musicality and rhythm in dance. The Radif system. Study of a couple of choreographies to bring to the essay.
Persian dances are: Ritual dance – Persian classical dance – Iranian traditional dance – Iranian folk dances – Urban improvisation dance – Iranian ballet and characters – Combined dance