"Organizations who are fortunate enough to secure you for a speaking engagement will be overjoyed with your presentation!"
J. Nichols, Tiraz Dance Network

"I have enjoyed your performances beyond words." Thomas, audience member

Presentations

Katayoun is available to speak and perform at your school or organization, including:

Multicultural Events

Women's Groups

Networking and Professional Events

Social and Community Service Clubs

In addition to educational demonstrations of various Middle Eastern Dance styles, she offers inspirational and motivational presentations based on her vast experience in this often misunderstood cultural art.

While providing educational content about Middle Eastern dance, music and culture, she shares stories of trials and triumphs which have shaped her educational and professional philosophy as well as her personal outlook. Concluding with an inspiring dance performance, Katayoun presents the joyous rhythms and movements of authentic Egyptian or Persian dance, engaging audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

From her early childhood in pre-revolutionary Iran, to coming of age as an Iranian-American amidst the hostage crisis, in adulthood she finally reconciled her two worlds through music and dance.

“My first experiences with dance and music were in family celebrations and gatherings as a small child in Iran. I have two kinds of memories from those days, one of parties and celebrations, and the other of violence and fear. My family’s decision to leave our homeland when I was eight years old would profoundly change my life. Although by that age, I had traveled to Europe and the United States for short visits, it was quite a different and traumatic experience to begin a new school, a whole new life based on a completely new set of rules and expectations.”

Katayoun’s journey in dance began in 1988 at the age of 17 with a generous and kind teacher in Virginia Beach, Virginia by the name of Janeeda Phillips. Janeeda taught and continues to practice the classical Egyptian style of belly dance. Like so many others, Katayoun felt an instant connection to the music and movements. Although she didn’t know it at the time, dance would became a life-long endeavor, a passion she would pursue through every phase of her life.

“I entered a scholarship contest for teen girls, and while the competition was largely based on volunteerism and academic achievement, a two-minute talent presentation was also required. Janeeda choreographed a classy and age-appropriate routine for me and lent me her exquisite authentic costume. On the night of the event she was there in the audience cheering me on. I received a fourth place award for the talent portion (*although my fans thought I should have placed first :-).  Looking back on that experience now, I believe that it planted a seed that grew into a passion for the dance and music, as well as inspiring my teaching philosophy.”

Before “belly dance” would capture the imagination of the West in the early 2000’s as the hottest new fitness trend, practitioners of the art would struggle to reconcile the past misconception of belly dance as the “dance of seduction.” As a young instructor and new entrepreneur at the turn of the 21st century, Katayoun was personally involved in a high-profile controversy surrounding the dance in a small town when her students were banned from performing in a community celebration.

“It was my first venture into a career while being a full-time mom to my two small children. I had been teaching less than a year and had a small group of dedicated students who were excited about the opportunity to share the joy of dance and music in our debut performance for our neighbors and friends. Well, we didn’t debut that night. I received the call around noon that day from the community center manager, just hours before my students and I were scheduled to perform in the town’s Tree Lighting Celebration."

"When she invited us to participate in the festivities two months earlier, she had expressed excitement that I was bringing a taste of different cultures to the community. She was clearly upset as she told me the reason for her call. When she told me why the mayor had banned me and my students from performing, I was stunned into silence. I had no idea that cultural ignorance and prejudice still existed. It stung badly, and I took it all personally…a direct attack of my cultural heritage from a public official. For this small town it was newsworthy, inspiring headlines such as “Belly Dancers, Too Wild!”

I was young and naïve but I learned quickly. Although the incident stirred controversy, the ultimate outcome was much more positive and significant than the incident itself. The experience helped me see my vision and purpose with clarity, and continues to shape and define my educational philosophy and teaching standards.”

"It is my wish that my students find joy in the movements, inspiration in the music and purity of art in this beautifully rich and spirited dance."

Katayoun continues to study, teach and perform Egyptian and Persian dance with passion and excellence.

***************************************************

Katayoun is available for speaking and performance engagements. Minimum fee for a full performance at a private event is $400. Fees for speaking engagements and educational presentations vary depending on the organization and location. Katayoun donates a limited number of presentations to groups that are non-profit or educational in nature, such as charitable and social organizations. Contact Katayoun for more information and to find out if your group qualifies.