My apologies for not sending regular updates. I have been taking a break this summer working on a book regarding sacred dance, a book which should be ready soon.
This last summer the Simorgh Dance Collective and I were very fortunate to be invited and participate in a number of local community events to share Iranian culture and dance. Iranian community members and us walked and danced in the Historic Folsom Parade last June. On July 4, in celebration of community diversity and public spirit, we participated in the much larger San Jose Rose, White, and Blue parade as well as performed on stage following the parade. The Simorgh Dance Collective also performed several folk and classical dances of Persia on stage during the San Jose Mosaic Festival and Viva Calle SJ last September. We are dedicated to cultivating belonging, healing, and harmony in these events. The support of the community is what powers our movement.
My last event in Iran was a September Sema gathering which was amazing. It completed shortly before the civil unrest started in Iran.
My heart breaks for the unrest within Iran. People over the world have shown broad support and solidarity with the brave anti-government protesters taking to the streets nationwide in Iran. The brutality and repression against the citizens of Iran must end. In Iran, we share a dream for a time when wind can blow freely through women’s hair again and when children will not be forced to learn ideologies from the Middle Ages. To celebrate the bravery of the people of Iran we will be holding an intimate gathering of live music, Persian dance performances, and poetry the evening of November 5 in San Jose: Woman, Life, Freedom