Grade Level: Elementary–Middle School
Enjoy and participate in a sampling of the beautiful traditional dances celebrated each spring by the people of the Silk Road. There is the colorful scarf dance of the Iranian Qashqai people, basket dance of the Iranian Gilaki people, Turkish spoon dance, Kurdish or Azerbaijani dance, and more. Introduced with narrative and traditional clothing, the music and dances provide insight into the ethnic culture and life of the communities of their origin. Live musicians will accompany the vibrant company of seasoned dancers. Young audiences will also have an opportunity to learn some of the dances!
Spring Equinox celebrations known as Norooz or New Day is the traditional spring and new year celebration of the Silk Road Regions (Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kurdistan and many more). The March equinox, the first day of spring is a universal and centuries old traditions. We honor Mother Earth, nature, and the spirits that represent them by thanksgiving and various dances. For this celebration we will be presenting Folk and classical dances, stories, and songs from various regions of the Silk Road that honors the coming of Spring and the New Beginning.
The performance is 1 hour in length with no intermission. There will be an educational audience participation and engagement elements within the show. Schools may stay on the property for lunch before or after their performance.
Scholarships are available to qualifying schools and educators. Click here to apply.
ABOUT THE SIMORGH DANCE COLLECTIVE
The Simorgh Dance Collective is a world community of artists devoted to educate and present traditional, classical, and sacred dance styles of the Silk Road. Since 2007, it is the first Iranian dance collective led by an Iranian woman, Artistic Director and Founder Farima Berenji. The Simorgh Dance Collective had the honor of performing at receptions for President Obama and President Biden, and has member companies and artist affiliations in Alaska, Canada, Turkey, UK, Iran, and the US.