Houshang Sedighi (Beaverton) is a traditional Kurdish dancer and dance teacher. Govend, Helperkê, and hayî are among a group of handholding dances similar to those from other cultures in the Middle East. Most dances are also circle dances that often feature a single dancer or a couple at the center of the circle.
Bio
Houshang Sedighi became interested in his Kurdish community’s dance traditions when he was quite young. He learned the technical steps from masters dancers and spent additional time learning all the styles. Govend, Helperkê, and hayî are among a group of handholding dances similar to those from other cultures in the Middle East. Most dances are also circle dances that often feature a single dancer or a couple at the center of the circle. Kurds sing and dance for all celebrations and festivals, from birthdays and New Year’s celebrations to weddings and other ceremonies. These traditional dances are mixed gender, a point that distinguishes Kurdish dance from neighboring Islamic culture groups. There are three types of floor patterns for this genre of dancing: circle, semi-circle and line. In general, dancers hold hands, stand shoulder to shoulder, interlacing little fingers, or place hands around the lower back of those next to each dancer. Each dance type involves different stepping sequences that Sedighi has sought to perfect. Traditional Kurdish attire is also a must for traditional dance, and Sedighi owns many sets that he loans out to those who don’t have their own. Sedighi’s passion is to teach his tradition to others and has formed a Kurdish dance group. In August of 2019, the group performed at an Art, Music, and Dance workshop at PSU as well as at Portland Persian Party at the Pioneer Courthouse Square.
