Iran’s underground hip hop dance scene

[Surya Gayatri]

http://observers.france24.com/content/20130826-iranian-youth-dance-hip-hop

"Aside from some sanctioned, traditional dances, it is forbidden to dance in Iran. Hip hop music is also forbidden. And yet hip hop dancing is becoming a very popular hobby for young Iranians.

There was a time when young Iranians would go to nightclubs to watch famous dancers perform in various styles, while enjoying dinner and drinks. However, when the Islamic revolution came in 1979, the era of dancing, music and alcohol came to an end.

Now, more than three decades after the revolution, the youth have figured out ways to get around their country’s laws. Today’s young Iranians stealthily play in rock bands, get tattoos, and do graffiti art. And today, they dance to hip hop, too.

Alireza, 21, is a hip hop dancer and teacher in Tehran.

"When I discovered Michael Jackson’s music videos a few years ago, I decided I wanted to learn to dance like him. Unlike a lot of my friends who got into drugs as teenagers, I put all my energy into hip hop. Today, I teach hip hop in parks, where there aren’t too many people, or in sports clubs, where I officially teach 'physical exercise' or 'coordinated movement'. Most of my students are between the ages of 14 and 28.""


How's this for a different perspective on our N° 1 nemesis and "Axis of Evil" list topper?

#t=10

Read more:
http://observers.france24.com/content/20130826-iranian-youth-dance-hip-hop

[MADem]

1. Persians are very cool, very interested in the world, very well read, intelligent people.

They also LOVE fun. They have a cosmopolitan outlook, many of them.

The only assholes in that country are the ulema and the Guardians, and those who get their daily bread propping up that bullshit regime.

[Surya Gayatri]

3. Yes, I've had Iranian students. Lovely people, at least

the educated and informed ones.

[BillyRibs]

2. It seems to be a game,

Out law everything the you can arrest and detain any one who really pisses you off. BTW She's Hot!

[Surya Gayatri]

4. Where there's a repressive law, somebody will always find ways around it.

[Judi Lynn]

5. Wonderfully graceful. Impressive. Alireza is great. n/t

[Surya Gayatri]

6. Kind of a cross between belly dancing and hip-hop!

There's just a hint of oriental influence to her dance.

[Judi Lynn]

7. Absolutely! It's her own fluid style. n/t

[Ash_F]

10. You might already know this, but this is Ali-Reza

Ali-Reza is a boy's name

They are both fine dancers.

[Aristus]

8. I've been saying for years we'd be better off with Iran as an ally instead of an enemy.

The young people are very pro-Western in their outlook; they are not religious fanatics, and they disdain the ruling ayatollahs.

I have a friend who is a musician in Iran. He is actually notable for having published the first English-language album of popular music in Iran by an Iranian musician. He had to get special permission from the government to do it. He has sinced released a second album, and is working on a third. He is the nicest, friendliest guy in the world. and if all those "bomb Iran" people in the US could talk with him, I think they'd be very ashamed of themselves for their unthinking bloodlust.

[Surya Gayatri]

9. So many Americans are astonishing ignorant of

the world beyond their borders. No small wonder at the knee-jerk, zenophobic reactions when "American interests are threatened" (as defined by the MIC, of course).

I agreee about Iranians. I've known and taught many. Charming, clever, and forward-looking. Nary a fundamentalist or radical among them. Theirs is an ancient and proud culture.

[zanana1]

11. Check out the link...

You'll see some great male dancers.

[AverageJoe90]

12. Many Iranians are good people with NO love for their oppressive gov't.....

Gotta give these guys some major credit for having the guts to stand up like this.