Did you know dancing is illegal in Iran? A group of teens were hunted by the morality police and a young couple was recently sentenced to 10 1/2 years of prison. Their crime? Dancing.
In their honor and for all Iranian protesters, dancivists from 7 continents have been joining Dance for Freedom. People of all countries and backgrounds are posting a video of themselves, their bodies dancing for those who are not allowed to dance just as their voices amplify cries for freedom.
Here’s a partial list of participants:
Musical Ambassadors of Peace will bring attention to the plight of child soldiers who have recently been freed and are using the medium of dance as a way to rehabilitate and regain their childhood. We’ll also highlight the struggle of migrant children at the US-Mexico border.
This couple was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for dancing
⭐️Watch this video, dance for their freedom, and follow step 5 ⬇️
Dance to Be Free will bring attention to the carceral system in the US
Here’s how you can participate:
1. Record a 1-minute or shorter video of your own dance creation. Unlike the Islamic Republic, you have abundant freedom on how to proceed—solo or group, with your choice of music & style. Surprise us! Just keep in mind that people are livid and grieving in Iran and would appreciate that which will reflect their mood. Feel free to do a longer piece in case the press would like to feature it.
2. Preface your video by saying the words, “Woman Life Freedom”
3. Caption your video with these words: Hello from [your location]. Dancing is illegal in Iran. I dance for Iranian protesters who are risking their lives for freedom. Optional sentence—I also dance for [insert your own cause]. We want to highlight the interconnectedness of social justice causes.
4. Use hashtags #DanceForThem #DanceForFreedom #WomanLifeFreedom #AstiyazhHaghighi #AmirMohammadAhmadi #mortezahitman #mahsaamini #مهسا_امینی
5. Help spread the word. We want senior citizens, farm workers, garbage collectors, and everyone else to participate⭐️ Ask your legislators to dance for Iran and back the gesture by:
*Supporting the MAHSA ACT (US residents)
*Fast-tracking bringing Iranian refugees to the US as they have done with Ukrainian refugees (worldwide)
*Advocating for the release of Astiyazh Haghighi & Amir Mohammad Ahmadi who received a decade-long prison sentence for dancing
6. Post on social media and tag @rumiwithaview on Instagram and @rumiwithview on Twitter.
That’s it!
Need Inspiration? Check out these clips:
A Video to Watch Over and Over
She was Imprisoned for Dancing
Dancing Girls Defying the Morality Police
Media Coverage:
CBS 8’s Neda Iranpour (part 1)
CBS 8’s Neda Iranpour (part 2)
CBS8’s Neda Iranpour (part 3)