Persian Dance "Videography"

One can order the following from Pars Video, 18740 Oxnard Street, Unit 303, Tarzana, California 91356, telephone number 818/881-4881, -9881, or -1666. They take cash or money orders only (no credit cards or personal checks), so be sure to call first before either going there or sending money. Tapes are available in a variety of formats, including PAL, SECAM, and NTSC. Take these videos with a grain of salt. I wouldn't consider all the performances uniformly tasteful or "authentic". But they do give a flavor..........

Rang-a-Rang: Raqs-ha va Avaz-ha-ye Iran ("Folk Dances and Songs of Iran"), Pars Video Tape #124. The former Mahalli Dance Company of Iran, followed by bits and pieces of television programs and folkloric dance.
Rang-a-Rang: Raqs-ha va Avaz-ha-ye Iran ("Folk Dances and Songs of Iran"), Pars Video Tape #125. Folkloric dances by local groups presented on television, followed by bits and pieces of television programs and folkloric dance.
Raqs-he-ye Mahalli va Sonnati-ye Iran ("Folk and Art Dances of Iran"), Pars Video Tape #151. This is mostly the Saba Dance Company of Los Angeles, directed by Mohommad Khordadian.
Raqs-e Jamileh (Jamileh's Dance), Pars Video Tape #183. The most famous living Persian dancer, who still performs in Los Angeles and elsewhere. For more details on Jamileh, see my article in Habibi.
"Variety of Iranian Dance with Mohammed Khordadian", Pars Video Tape #1248. A much better example than tape #151, slicker presentation and better music, and you can even find out about the Mohamed Khordadian Fan Club. Especially good are "Shattery" and "Shirazi Girl", the latter in the later 19th century shaliteh (short skirt) costume.
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Robyn C. Friend, Ph.D. rcfriend@earthlink.net. 4/19/97.