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“Seeing the girls dance makes us so happy, but it also makes us cry,” one of the Iranian men said.
“It makes you cry?”
“It’s a symbol of the women’s revolution in Iran. The women have not been able to dance for more than 43 years. Today, they danced.”
“It’s a sign of freedom!”
“Yes, a sign of freedom!”
March 19, 2023
It was March 19, 2023, Nowruz, the Persian new year for our Iranian friends. We had to celebrate this new beginning with them.
Nowruz means “new day.” It is a time to remember the past year and look forward to the new year.
There were about twenty of us gathered in our community cultural center in Spain—sharing culture, sharing food, sharing languages, sharing life, sharing stories.
Different people. Different stories. Yet, they all tell the same story.
All of our Iranian friends fled from their country and are fighting for freedom.
Dancing for Freedom
“Do you usually dance and have music at the Nowruz celebration?”
“Yes,” the two girls said timidly. “But in Iran, we can only dance inside our homes with our families.”
Here in Spain, these girls are alone. They all fled their country by themselves. We are their friends, their family.
“I’ll dance with you.”
They turned on some music. With much hesitation, and what appeared to be much fear and trembling, the first girl slowly got up to dance in the middle of the circle.
She smiled uncomfortably, nervous and shy. Little by little, she laughed, she moved freely, while we all clapped and cheered.
The second girl stood up to dance, and everyone watched in amazement. In some cultures, men watching women dance might not be appropriate, but this felt different.
I didn’t know why.
One by one, the men also stood up and began to dance together, laughing and having fun.
“This is so good for them. When do they ever have the chance to dance?” I asked my American friend who stood watching and clapping to the rhythm with me.
I expected laughter, fun, and smiles at their Nowruz celebration, but I did not expect tears.
“Seeing the girls dance makes us so happy, but it also makes us cry,” one of the Iranian men said.
“It makes you cry?”
“It’s a symbol of the women’s revolution in Iran. The women have not been able to dance for more than 43 years. Today, they danced.”
“It’s a sign of freedom!”
“Yes, a sign of freedom!”
“Well, then, let the girls dance!”
Read more here about how “Dancing is the New Protest in Iran.”
Islamic laws in Iran forbid dancing, although many people dance during family gatherings in their homes. Even using the word “dance” is forbidden in all media platforms and publications in all sorts in Iran. A state-TV host was banned in 2021 after a guest on her program mentioned the word “dancing.” Several Iranian university professors were sacked late in 2022 over participating in the graduation ceremony of their students because some people danced in the celebrations. And most recently, a court sentenced two bloggers to ten and a half years in prison each for dancing in the streets. They were charged with “encouraging corruption and public prostitution”.
Iran International
Listen to Akheth’s song, “Baraye,” the song that has become an anthem for Iran’s revolution and freedom.
—The Cultural Story-Weaver
Let’s Weave Cultures!
How are you celebrating freedom in your country? How can you join in this fight for freedom in Iran? Get up today and dance for freedom!
We invite you to tell us your own cultural stories and global adventures . . . as you engage with the world, breaking down barriers, building bridges, and “weaving cultures!” Write about them in the comment box below.
Having spent three long weeks in Tehran in 1971, I loved the story about the Iranian girls dancing…
Thanks, Tom! This was a powerful experience to watch them dance! I’m sure your experience is something to write about . . .
Thank you for this article. It was powerful and sad.
Yes, very sad! Let the girls dance! 🙂