Business Details
34 Years
experience
Premier Persian & Contemporary Dance Classes in San Jose, CA
Founded in 1992 by Niosha Nafei-Jamali, we have established ourselves as the premier Persian dance academy in Northern California. Our mission is to preserve and promote Iranian cultural heritage through traditional and contemporary dance, offering structured training for aspiring dancers of all ages and skill levels. With over three decades of experience, we provide a diverse range of classes including Persian dance, contemporary dance, fitness, and yoga, both in-studio and online. Our world-renowned performance team has graced national and international stages, while our workshops and events feature globally recognized artists.We are committed to fostering a supportive environment that nurtures talent, celebrates cultural identity, and connects communities through the universal language of dance. Our students benefit from personalized instruction, performance opportunities, and access to authentic cultural resources, including traditional costumes and educational materials. Recognized as a cultural icon in the Persian community, we continue to innovate while staying rooted in the rich traditions of Iranian dance.
Services
Persian Dance
Contemporary Dance
Online Classes
Workshops
Performance Team
Costume Rentals
Fitness Programs
Yoga Sessions
Cultural Events
Merchandise Sales
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of experience in Persian dance education and cultural preservation.
- Our performance team has graced national and international stages with award-winning shows.
- We provide personalized instruction in traditional and modern dance styles for all skill levels.
- Our workshops feature globally recognized artists from diverse dance disciplines.
- We maintain a supportive environment that celebrates cultural identity through movement.
What people say
Tears of joy
On cloud 9
Graceful dancers
Icon in Persian community
Rave reviews
Services
Persian Dance
Our Persian dance program teaches traditional Iranian movement techniques while incorporating modern interpretations. Students learn cultural significance, rhythmic patterns, and costume presentation. Classes cater to all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced performers.
Contemporary Dance
Contemporary dance classes blend Persian influences with global modern styles. We focus on creative expression, technical proficiency, and performance readiness. Students develop versatility through choreography that bridges traditional and contemporary aesthetics.
Workshops
Specialized workshops feature guest artists teaching specific techniques like Lavand dance and Kereshmeh style. These intensive sessions offer skill development in focused areas, with options for both technical mastery and performance preparation.
Online Classes
Live and recorded dance instruction connects global students with our curriculum. Online classes maintain interactive elements while covering Persian dance fundamentals, fitness routines, and cultural context for remote learners.
Costume Rentals
Our extensive costume collection includes authentic Persian garments and performance wear. Available for events, weddings, and productions, these traditional outfits showcase cultural heritage through detailed craftsmanship and historical accuracy.
People
Niosha Nafei-Jamali
Founder & Head Instructor
Persian dance icon with 30+ years experience, recognized for cultural preservation through movement. Created Niosha Style technique combining traditional and modern elements.
Shaghayegh Shariyat
Instructor
Specializes in Lavand dance instruction, bringing expertise in traditional Persian movement patterns and choreography development for performance groups.
Amir Etemadzadeh
Workshop Instructor
Middle Eastern musician and Daf master with formal training in Persian rhythms. Teaches drumming techniques that complement dance instruction at advanced levels.
Pari Tejdan
Guest Instructor
Belly dance specialist offering intensive workshops focusing on technical precision and expressive movement for intermediate to advanced students.
Masoumeh Ataei
Community Advocate
Survivor and advocate featured in special workshops promoting strength through dance. Collaborates on events raising awareness about women's issues.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We specialize in Persian dance and contemporary dance, with additional offerings in belly dance, ballet, and cultural movement styles.
Do you offer online classes?
Yes, we provide virtual instruction options for Persian dance, fitness programs, and select workshops with global accessibility.
Are there performance opportunities?
Our performance team regularly participates in cultural events, arts festivals, and community celebrations across the United States.
What age groups do you serve?
We offer classes for children, teens, and adults, with specialized programs for different skill levels and developmental stages.
Do you rent traditional costumes?
Yes, we maintain an extensive collection of authentic Persian and cultural dance costumes available for special events and performances.
Videos
Reviews (2)
Farrah Pour
Jul 26, 2020
Report
I want to call Niosha Jan, Queen of Persian dance
Doesnt matter which part of the world you are, you can still be a part of her academy via Zoom and learn how to dance! We are at the east of US and Niosha Jan,is at the west and my daughter is one of her students, I cant believe my daughter can dance only after a few month! Thank you Niosha Jan for being a great teacher, we are counting down to see you every week and learn something new form you
Doesnt matter which part of the world you are, you can still be a part of her academy via Zoom and learn how to dance! We are at the east of US and Niosha Jan,is at the west and my daughter is one of her students, I cant believe my daughter can dance only after a few month! Thank you Niosha Jan for being a great teacher, we are counting down to see you every week and learn something new form you
Bruce Bahmani
May 15, 2017
Report
Niosha Dance Academy (NDA) has been teaching young and older students, various traditional classical, and modern Persian Dance since 1991.
NDA students attend classes at least one day per week, at studios in the Bay Area. Although predominantly made up of childrens programs, NDA also has classes for adults. Teaching consists of regimented and meticulously choreographed dances in traditional Persian, Persian Pop, as well as the high demand for Belly Dancing. The more advanced students to exercise their creativity by choreographing new dances an important part of moving Persian dance forward
NDA students attend classes at least one day per week, at studios in the Bay Area. Although predominantly made up of childrens programs, NDA also has classes for adults. Teaching consists of regimented and meticulously choreographed dances in traditional Persian, Persian Pop, as well as the high demand for Belly Dancing. The more advanced students to exercise their creativity by choreographing new dances an important part of moving Persian dance forward
