Glocal Bodies: Dancers in Exile and Politics of Place: A Critical Study of Contemporary Iranian Dance

This book is a critical study of Iranian dance and the works of Iranian-American female dancers in exile. It explores the transformation of professional Iranian dance and discusses the role of relocation and displacement in its performance, arguing that Iranian dance and female dancers have always been in exile.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 202 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2022
Publisher: Transcript Verlag

This captivating book delves into the intricate world of Iranian dance, offering a critical examination of its rich tapestry and the remarkable contributions of Iranian-American female dancers in exile. Through a meticulous analysis of the choreographies of three exceptional female dancers in diaspora, namely Aisan Hoss, Shahrzad Khorsandi, and Banafsheh Sayyad, this research stands as a pioneering endeavor in its field. Elaheh Hatami, the author, embarks on a profound exploration of the evolution of professional Iranian dance, shedding light on the profound impact of relocation and displacement on its performance. In her insightful arguments, Hatami asserts that Iranian dance and Iranian female dancers have consistently embodied the essence of exile, transcending mere physical displacement to encompass the metaphorical realm of foreignness, exclusion, and marginalization.

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Iranian dance, a captivating art form with a rich cultural heritage, has been the subject of extensive study in recent years. This book, in particular, takes a deep dive into the realm of Iranian dance, focusing on the works of Iranian-American female dancers in exile. By examining the choreographies of three remarkable female dancers, namely Aisan Hoss, Shahrzad Khorsandi, and Banafsheh Sayyad, the author aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of contemporary Iranian dance.

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The significance of this research lies in its exploration of the transformation of professional Iranian dance in the context of exile. The author delves into the challenges and opportunities that these dancers face as they navigate the complexities of living in a foreign land while pursuing their artistic passion. Through a meticulous analysis of their choreographies, the author sheds light on the ways in which relocation and displacement have influenced the performance and interpretation of Iranian dance.

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One of the key themes that emerges from the book is the notion of exile as a metaphorical state of being. The author argues that Iranian dance and Iranian female dancers have always been in exile, not only in a physical sense but also in the metaphorical sense of exile, which implies foreignness, exclusion, and marginalization. This perspective challenges the traditional narratives that often portray Iranian culture as stagnant or isolated, highlighting the resilience and creativity of the Iranian people in the face of adversity.

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Through her meticulous research and insightful analysis, the author offers a fresh perspective on the role of Iranian dance and Iranian female dancers in the global cultural landscape. This book is a valuable contribution to the field of dance studies, providing valuable insights into the complex interplay between culture, identity, and artistic expression. It is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Iranian dance and the remarkable contributions of Iranian-American female dancers in exile.

Dimension: 23 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783837660807