Dr. Anthony Shay
Early Influences and Iranian Connection
During this time, Shay joined the Gandy Dancers, a prominent folk dance group in Southern California, performing dances from Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Macedonia, Ukraine, and Russia (1954-1958). In his final year at university, he choreographed Iranian folk dances and sang Persian folk and popular songs with the Iranian student orchestra of the Iranian Students Association in America. This performance was attended by the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who invited Shay to study at the University of Tehran.
Academic and Professional Journey
Following his graduation, Shay spent two years in Iran. There, he attended classes in Persian language and literature at the University of Tehran and auditioned for and was appointed principal flutist of the Tehran Symphony. He also studied traditional Persian music and performed as a vocalist on Radio Tehran (later Radio Iran).
Dr. Shay holds a PhD in Dance History & Theory from UC Riverside, an MA in Folklore & Mythology from UCLA, and an MA in Anthropology from California State University, Los Angeles. He also holds an MLS from UCLA and attended the University of Tehran, studying Persian Literature.
His extensive employment history includes serving as a Senior Librarian at the Los Angeles Public Library and founding the AVAZ International Dance Theatre. He was also the Artistic Director and Choreographer for the AMAN Folk Ensemble and held the position of Principal Flutist for the Tehran Symphony Orchestra.
Dr. Shay is a connoisseur of Iranian culture, music, folklore, and traditional and classical dance. He has made significant contributions to Iranian dance studies through numerous publications, including books and scholarly articles. His research interests also encompass Balkan dance, ethno-identity dances, and the intersection of dance and politics. He has received numerous fellowships, grants, awards, and honors for his work, including fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the James Irvine Foundation, and awards such as the Distinguished Scholar Award from the Association of Professors and Scholars of Iranian Heritage and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Texas Folk Dance Association.