Biography
Nima Kiann:
A Visionary in Dance, Culture, and Scholarship
Early Life and Artistic Beginnings
Born in Tehran, Iran, and raised by a devout mother, Nima Kiann began his journey as a child memorizer (Hafez) and reciter (Qari) of the Quran. His early interest in theology and religious history remained a constant thread, even as his path evolved towards the arts and a dedicated career in dance and cultural scholarship.
His artistic talent surfaced early when, at the age of thirteen, he won first prize in the City of Tehran’s Students Competition in Calligraphy Art in Naskh style. This early exposure to calligraphy introduced him to the world of artistic expression. Two years later, in 1985, he enrolled in the School of Fine Arts in Tehran, where he received multidisciplinary training in painting, calligraphy, and graphic arts.
Dance Education and Artistic Development
Nima Kiann’s passion for dance led him beyond Iran’s borders. He pursued formal dance education at the Gothenburg Ballet Academy in Sweden and the prestigious École supérieure de danse de Cannes Rosella Hightower in France. These institutions provided him with a rigorous classical ballet foundation while nurturing his artistic vision. His training in both the visual and performing arts would later shape his unique approach to choreography, merging the essence of Persian culture with the discipline of Western ballet.
In preserving what was nearly forgotten, I did not simply revive a lost tradition—I reimagined it, so it could speak again with dignity, beauty, and meaning to our time and the world.Nima Kiann
Reviving Persian Ballet: Les Ballets Persans
In 1998, Nima Kiann introduced his concept for an international Persian ballet ensemble, inspired by the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Iran. His vision had an immediate international impact, resonating across artistic and cultural circles. After years of unwavering dedication, his dream became reality in 2002 when he founded Les Ballets Persans, effectively reviving the rich legacy of the former Iranian National Ballet.
Under Kiann’s leadership, Les Ballets Persans has grown into a leading cultural institution representing Middle Eastern ballet in Europe. Today, the organization unites distinguished artists from across the world with a common goal: to preserve, develop, and enrich an invaluable artistic heritage.
Choreographic Contributions and Repertoire
As the principal choreographer of Les Ballets Persans, Kiann has developed a diverse thematic repertoire, drawing inspiration from Persian history, literature, and mythology. His creations range from classical ballets such as “Scheherazade” and “Seven Beauties” to neoclassical works like “Babek.”
Dance remains the most suppressed art form in 21st-century Iran. It is often relegated to silence, its very mention discouraged. This stands in stark contrast to its revered position in classical Persian literature and mystical traditions, where dance is celebrated as a sacred act of human expression.Nima Kiann
His contemporary productions—”Femme,” “The Hanging Gardens of Lost Dreams,” and “Symphony of Elegy in Green”—explore literary, historical, spiritual, and social themes, showcasing his innovative storytelling through movement.
Education and Mentorship: Nurturing Future Generations
In 2005, Kiann founded the Academy of Les Ballets Persans, providing courses in classical and contemporary dance to inspire and train young dancers. Recognizing the transformative power of dance, he also launched the European Dance Project in 2007, offering a platform for young ballet graduates to refine their skills while engaging with themes of war, exile, dislocation, and artistic suppression.
Through these initiatives, he has guided countless emerging artists, fostering a new generation of dancers committed to the intersection of art and social change.
International Collaborations and Cultural Exchange
In 2012, Nima Kiann was invited to Tajikistan as the Principal Choreographer of the Tajik National Ballet, introducing neoclassical and contemporary ballet to the country for the first time. His exclusive choreographies provided fresh artistic direction for the company, expanding its repertoire and influence. Under his guidance, the Tajik National Ballet made its first post-Soviet appearance in Europe, opening doors for further artistic exchange and development.
Two years later, in 2014, Kiann continued his efforts in Central Asia by visiting Kyrgyzstan to create a dance performance for Marjan Television Network’s (Manoto1 TV) Nowruz program. His work was endorsed by Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Culture, Mr. Sultan Rayev, who welcomed Kiann’s expertise in developing the country’s National Ballet. A subsequent press conference with Ms. Baktygul Belekova, Deputy Culture Minister of Kyrgyzstan, marked the beginning of an official artistic collaboration between Les Ballets Persans and the Kyrgyz National Ballet. Later, the company’s choreographies were performed at the Bishkek International Dance Festival, earning high acclaim from local critics.
Scholarly Contributions and Academic Engagement
Beyond his work as a choreographer and director, Nima Kiann is a dedicated dance scholar, historian, and cultural theorist. His extensive research on Iranian dance history has been published in academic journals, cultural magazines, and online platforms, making substantial contributions to the global understanding of Middle Eastern dance traditions.
He has been a frequent guest speaker at international conferences and cultural forums, where he presents lectures on topics ranging from Persian ballet’s historical evolution to the sociopolitical role of dance in Iranian culture. His deep knowledge in history, theology, and dance theory—combined with his fluency in six languages—has enabled him to engage in cross-cultural dialogues, fostering greater appreciation for the artistic and intellectual heritage of Persian dance.
Cultural Administration and Consulting
As a cultural leader, Nima Kiann has played a pivotal role in various international initiatives. His active consultancy work extends to prominent organizations such as the International Peace Culture Festival, the Biennial Arts and Culture Festival of Tirgan, and Peace Quest International.
Additionally, he has been involved in radio and media projects, managing Parnian Radio in Sweden as its founder and feature editor. Through these efforts, he has promoted cultural awareness and artistic advocacy, furthering the mission of preserving and elevating Iranian artistic heritage.
A Lasting Legacy
Today, Nima Kiann stands as a pioneer in the world of dance and culture, seamlessly blending artistic mastery with academic scholarship and cultural diplomacy. His unwavering dedication to reviving Persian ballet, educating new generations, and fostering international artistic collaboration has cemented his reputation as a transformative figure in the global dance community.
Through his choreography, research, and advocacy, he continues to shape the future of Persian ballet and cultural heritage, ensuring its endurance for generations to come.
NIMA KIANN CHOREOGRAPHERDANCE SCHOLARARTISTIC DIRECTORDANCE IMPRESARIOLINGUIST
Artistic Advisor
Ministry of Culture of Kyrgyzstan
State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre of Tajikistan
Arts and Culture Festival of Tirgan – Canada
Verein Zur Föderung Persischer Traditioneller Musik – Austria
Dance Connection – Sweden
Global Campaign for Free Expression – England
Academic Contribution
UCLA – USA
University of London – England
University of Cambridge – England
St. Pölten University – Austria
State College of Dance and Choreography – Tajikistan
University of Illinois – USA
Université Lumière Lyon 2 – France
Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main – Germany
Tehran University of Art – Iran
Isfahan University of Art – Iran …
Producer
Kiann Artist and Production Management
Forum of Persian and Middle Eastern Dance
Academie de Danse de Ballets Persans
European Youth Dance Project
International Young Artists’ Camp
manoto1 TV (Marjan television Network)
Principal Choreographer
National Ballet of Kyrgyzstan
Bishkek International Dance Festival
Kyrgyzstan National Ballet of Tajikistan
Les Ballets Persans
Nowoczesne Dance Company
Board Member
Peace Quest International
Les Archives Interculturelles de Danse
Institute of Middle Eastern Cultures
European Peace Initiative Association
Falu Iranska Förening
(Iranian-Swedish Cultural Association in Falun, Sweden)
Featured in Academia
Oxford Dictionary of Dance – Oxford University Press
Encyclopedia of World Ballet – Rowman & Littlefield
Dance Guide – European Directory of Dance
When Men Dance – J. Fisher & A. Shay
Romance & Revolution – Clair Symonds
The Oxford Handbook of Musical Revival
PAYE – Directory of Performing Arts for Europe
Marquis Who’s Who