Babakaram is Persian dance and refers to a type of dancing from Iran. The upper body motion is emphasized, with hand motions, trunk undulations and facial expressions being points of attention. Although often compared to Arabic dance, Persian dance is actually very distinct, especially in its lack of hip movement, a staple of Arabic dance.

Generally, the female partner will lead with her upper body in a sexy fashion using her arms and hands, while the male partner complements her movements in line with the music, often of bandari style. However, it is also common to see same-sex couples (mostly males) performing this style of dance, with one leading and the other responding. However, this style is generally substantially less sensual in both manner of movement and in facial expression.

Often, Persian dance will be performed at relatively informal gatherings, such as family meetings, where everyone will sit in a circle (especially on rugs) and a couple will dance in the middle, sometimes accompanied by a Persian drummer playing bandari beats. Persian dance is also used more formally at various social events, like weddings.

Persian dance appears in American pop culture in the film Alexander performed by the eunuch Bagoas at the ceremony where Clietus dies.

Among most notable ensembles of Persian dance is Afsaneh Ballet.

Styles

Baba karam

Bandari

Bojnurdi dance

Classical Persian court dance

Haj Naranji dance

kereshmeh

Khaliji Dance

Kharman dance

Khorasani dance

Latar dance

Lezgi dance

Luri

Matmati

Mazandarani

Motrebi dance

Qasemabadi

Raqs-e Choobbazi

Raqs-e Parcheh

Ru-Howzi

Shamshir dance

Shateri dance

Tehrani dance (Tehrooni)

Zaboli dance

Zargari dance

External links

* The Exquisite Art of Persian Classical Dance

Persian dance style

Persian dance in Tajikistan (in Persian)

The History of Persian Dance

Sources

Nima Kiann