Kereshme Classical Persian Dance
of the Qajar-Dynasty

These dances belong to an urban genre called Kereshme. The words Kereshme and Naz mean "flirting" or "coquettishness" and express what is probably the most important characteristic for the urban social dances of Iran. Facial expressions, pantomime, exquisite movement of the hands and round movements of the hips, shoulders and arms play an important role. This workshop gives a glimpse into the atmosphere of courtly entertainment in the 19th century.