NOTE: ALL PROGRAMS ARE SUBJECTED TO CHANGE. FINAL EVENT PLANNER WILL BE PUBLISHED ON JULY 10, 2008
Anna Djanbazian is the artistic director and choreographer of Djanbazian Dance Company. Over the course of 35 years, Ms. Djanbazian has choreographed over 100 works to critical acclaim and developed an extensive network of audiences in the US, Europe, and Asia. Her choreography has won her many prestigious awards such as Lester Horton Award winner (2004 and 2006), Dance Grand Prix Italia (two awards in 2005), and honoree of 2007 Diamond Awards for Achievement in the Arts. In “Once Upon A Time,” Djanbazian Dance Company will present diverse folkloric dances from both Iran and countries with deep and old cultural ties with Iran. Ms. Djanbazian will also hold dance workshops to encourage awareness and education in dance.
A professional dancer, choreographer, actor, and director, Shahrokh Moshkin Ghalam is best described as a multidisciplinary artist. After establishing Nakissa Dance Company in 1997, Moshkin Ghalam has graced the stages of Europe, Canada, and the US with performances of "Seven Pavilions of Love" by Nezami and "Khayam's Quarantines." His mixed background and training in dance and theatre has earned him a unique style of a fusion of different kinds of dances. His choreography, based on Persian music, brings Persian myths, poetry, and dance together to create an atmosphere of magical quality." Once Upon A Time" will be hosting the debut performance of a piece that Moshkin Ghalam has choreographed based on the life of a legendary Iranian hero, Arash, who is the focal point of Tirgan.
>> Shahrokh Moshkin Ghalam Crew |
Saeid Shanbezadeh is a world class performer and an expert in music and dances of southern Iran. His performances in Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Iran have been remarkably well-received by audiences and critics. He has collaborated with artists such as Billy Cobham, Dominique Hervieu, and Jose Montalvo. Saeid is the founder of Shanbehzadeh Ensemble whose performances combine traditional instruments and authentic dance styles in repretoires which bring together rare aspects of music and dance of Persians, Arabs, Africans, and East Indians. In Once Upon A Time, Shanbehzadeh will have two performances. In his first performance, he will lead an ensemble of Iranian and French musicians playing a mix of traditional rhythms and movements from Iran and French jazz. His second performance will be focussed on traditional dance and music of southern Iran.
>> Saeid Shanbezadeh Crew |
An award winning dancer, choreographer, and director, Sashar Zarif founded Sashar Zarif Dance Theatre (SZDT) in 1993. SZDT produces an annual performance series, tours internationally and offers residencies, lecture-demonstrations, and classes in Near Eastern and Central Asian dance character, technique and choreography. The company also undertakes school holiday workshops, public seasons, feature performances for special events and community dance development activities. Based on its eclectic repertoire, the company has enjoyed intensive touring across the Near East, Europe and North America for the past four years. Canadian Organization Skills for Change has named Sashar Zarif, the artistic director of SZDT, the recipient of New Pioneer Award for the Arts 2008 for being an artistic ambassador for multiculturalism and diversity in arts community.