Education.

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

“The students were fascinated... He clearly knew his audience!” 
-Moira Secondary School

“It was fantastic. The dancing and the music are very original and moving.” 
-Centennial Secondary School

SZDT workshops provide a rich artistic and cultural experience for participants.  All workshops are designed to introduce an integrated arts experience through investigating middle east and central asian poetry, music, calligraphy and dance.  Additionally, all workshops present a fresh perspective regarding the east’s history and contribution to human civilization; creating an angle of tolerance for countries that have more recently been misrepresented.  

Curriculum Expectations & Themes: 
  1. Describe how forms and styles of dance reflect people’s different social and political roles in various communities, times and places. 
  2. Analyze, using dance vocabulary, how elements of dance are used to communicate messages 
  3. Describe the evolution of dance as different groups of people have responded to external factors such as migration, etc

All workshops include:
  • Development of a better understanding of foundation and disciplines that creates a successful dance
  • Experience for any dancing body
  • The sensitization of grace and creative body language
  • Exposure of story telling based on the formation of the dance or the meaning behind a gesture
  • Increase energy level, strengthen muscles and bones, and burn calories

“Dance of Mugham” is the main style/form of dance that is investigated during the workshops, and is the product of over twelve years of research and reconstruction completed by researcher, educator and artist: Sashar Zarif.  The dance style investigates the relationships between the poetry, music, calligraphy and dance and has developed a base syntax, vocabulary and structure out of which to work.  As the dance form continually evolves, it works towards the goal of breaking down barriers through greater cross-cultural understanding, and investigates stories of migration and the quest for identity.

Program Options:
School Program A - 1 month period, 5 days per week, 2.5 hours each day, 50 hours
School Program B - 2 week period, 5 days per week, 2.5 hours each day, 25 hours
School Program C - 1 day period, 2 sessions of 2 hours, 4 hours

All SZDT programming can be adapted to suit the needs and economic realities of each school.  SZDT works closely with the teachers and students to ensure an optimal learning experience is realized. 

For more information, please call 416-450-4529.