University & institutional programs
University courses, workshops, residencies, lecture-demonstrations, and community programs—in person or online.
Teaching & workshops
Culture is something
we can experience—
not only observe.
Teaching dance is my way of telling stories—stories of resilience, connection, and shared human experience.
I teach Iranian dance, Cuban-style salsa, and contemporary movement practices in university, studio, community, and online settings. My classes welcome students with different bodies, backgrounds, and levels of experience.
Approach
Movement as a way of knowing.
A class begins with listening.
We listen to the music, the rhythm, and the energy in the room. From there, movement becomes a way to explore culture, identity, memory, and artistic choice.
I use visual, auditory, and physical cues to make movement clear and memorable. Music, poetry, imagery, and Persian visual forms often enter the studio with us. My training in somatic practice and yoga also brings attention to breath, alignment, and presence.
The classroom is structured, joyful, and attentive. Beginners receive accessible ways into the material, while experienced dancers explore greater detail and refinement. Mistakes are welcome. Students develop musicality, confidence, and their own relationship to the dance.
The studio is rigorous and welcoming: a place to listen, experiment, build confidence, and find an individual relationship to the material.
Experience
I have taught dance for more than two decades across Iran, Europe, and the United States. From 2012 to 2022, I founded and directed Miniature Dance Academy in Tehran, teaching and creating performance opportunities for women.
During the 2026–27 academic year at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, I am teaching Persian Dance and Music (DANC 116/316/516) and DANC 100: Introduction to Contemporary Dance online. I have also taught Introduction to Contemporary Dance: Global Crossroads in person, Cuban-style salsa, and dance repertory.
Now teaching · In person
Current courses
Online program · فارسی / English
Iranian Dance &
Cultural Storytelling
For people living far from Iran who want to reconnect with body, music, culture, and a feeling of home.
Explore the programStudent reflections
What students say
Recognized three times as an Outstanding Instructor through student evaluations.
“Banafsheh was incredibly respectful and accommodating. I've been grappling with a disability that has made physical activity hard. Although I didn't talk to Banafsheh about this, I didn't have to. She was always accommodating when I struggled in class.”
UIUC student · DANC 100 · Spring 2024
“Her knowledge and passion led to all we did. She was inspiring and motivated us in every class. Banafsheh is a great instructor and was so valuable to my learning. We learned not only dance but culture, history, art, and more.”
UIUC student · DANC 116/316/516 · Spring 2023
“Our teacher made the space very comfortable and enjoyable, which made the dancing a lot easier.”
UIUC student · DANC 100 · Spring 2024
“She makes everything easy to understand and she is always very encouraging for students to try their expressions.”
UIUC student · DANC 116/316/516 · Spring 2023
Ways to work together
Online · Iranians far from home
A culturally rooted space for reconnecting with movement, music, memory, and a personal sense of home. No previous dance experience is required.
Teaching and workshop reel