Thread: Ideas for Persian/Iranian music/styles/mores please

I may have the opportunity to dance in front of a small party that will include family from a Persian and Iranian background. Any tips, ideas , or comments would really be appreciated as I have a general American Middle Eastern background and do not want to do anything that may be considered off culture and I recently read another thread around the bhuz that was on this topic (but a different culture) that sounded really helpful.

dress modestly as possible
dance arabic style if they hired you as bellydancer - they will be expecting arabic style. dont bother w persian style unless you already know how to dance to it- it is a distinct style - you cant just stick belly dance moves onto persian music.
if you do, baba karam is a favorite
if not, they will be expecting arabic style anway - bellydancing in iran is called "raqs arabi" or arabic dance
if you want, you can include some persian pop at the end.. look for andy, kamran and hooman, arash, afshin,
those are popular right now!

if you want something modern and persian, check out the song bikhial by afshin on youtube.

let me know if you have questions!

is it a wedding?
just did a persian wedding last sat.

I really like Afshin as well, seems to go over well with some of ther Persian parties I've danced at, but I agree keep it Arabic, and Egyptian music is always the safest.

yeah for sure! i CRINGE when i see bellydancing moves on top of persian music.

It is actually a graduation party for a young man given by his parents. One is American (mother), and his father and family is from Iran and Persian decent per her report. Luckily they both saw me dance at a local festival with my troop and therefore know a little of what they are booking since they approached me afterwards but I thought it would be nice to make a few adjustments especially for his background. So any details about Arabic vs. Persian style would be great as my teacher is American and lived in Egypt for a while training but takes from many different areas of middle eastern styles in her choreography and even though I am trying to saturate myself there is so much I still don't know. I have a persian violin piece as well as many classical Egyptian pieces including balady, saidi, and orchestrated pieces. I really appreciate the specific pieces though and will look into those as well. Thank you so much all for your feedback.