Living To Dance: an Interview with Niosha Nafei Jamali
Interview by Pantea Izadi
TBT: Would you please introduce yourself?
NJ: I was born in Tehran, Iran in 1971. I have two older sisters and one younger brother which we all live here in U.S. now. I entered the U.S. when I was 19 years old in 1990. I am the artistic director of Niosha Dance Academy.
TBT: When was the first time that you realized you had a passion for dancing, and when did you start the Niosha Dance Academy (NDA)? What was your motivation?
NJ: From what I remember I always loved dancing and movements (gymnastic). I took dance lessons back in Iran when I was 12 years old and started teaching it to my friends at age 16. That is when I realized this is my passion. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, and since I love dancing, dance teacher was my ideal job! I started NDA officially in the U.S. in 1991. My motivation was loving dance and culture, and loving kids and loving being a teacher (good enough to get me started and get me keep going).
TBT: Did you have any role models?
NJ: Not in the world of dance at the beginning, but I always had and have my great uncle (Mr. Aminsharee) as a role model, and like to live like him so when I die everyone remembers good stuff about me. I want my funeral to be packed with people that I have made a difference in their life while I was alive!
TBT: When was the first time you went on the stage and started dancing professionally?
NJ: My first stage appearance was in 1992 when I won first place in a talent/beauty pageant and was crowned Miss Iran/Negin-e-Iran in Los Angeles. I chose to dance for my talent section. It was in front of 1,000 people and a panel of judges.
TBT: You also have been awarded and recognized by different people and organizations multiple times.
NJ: Most awards were for dance-related stuff. I was awarded best choreographer once at the West Valley College competition. I got an award for our outstanding performances in different multicultural festivals. We got first place and commendations from the Los Gatos mayor for American Cancer Society top fundraiser.
TBT: Could you please briefly talk about some of your cultural events that you and your dancers were involved in?
NJ: Every year NDA performs at Yalda (the longest night of the year) and Nowruz (Persian New Year) events through the Bay Area and California. We have performed in a Mehregan event in LA last year. We have been invited to multicultural nights in New Mexico at Albuquerque, and for the past five years: events for the American Cancer Society in Northern California, for the Wheel Chair foundation, and we also performed at a fundraiser for Hurricane Katrina.
TBT: Do you have any advice for the young college students or even younger children who have passion and talent for dancing who want to become a professional dancer like you?
NJ: Never stop learning. Take as many classes and learn as many styles as you can and keep dancing with the music and learn how to teach or treat your audience and gain their respect by being the most passionate performer and artist.
TBT: In 2002 you were diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, a form of cancer that affects the Lymphatic system of the body. How did you overcome this challenge?
NJ: By not losing hope and keep dreaming, I never stopped believing that I would get through this. I have to stay to raise my kids and continue teaching all my students. I knew there must be a reason that I was diagnosed with this disease, and there shall be a good reason. Now I can help and share my experience with everyone and maybe it can help someone. To all cancer patients I say don’t lose hope and don’t question why and don’t try to figure out what you did wrong, just accept the fact that you have cancer and you can beat it. There is a much better chance of wining a battle when you accept that you are in a war and you have to fight rather than denying it and not believe it. You can easily lose if you are not prepared and fully aware of it.
TBT: every year, you hold a special charity event for a good cause where the money goes to The American Cancer Society. Could you please share your experiences with us about that?
NJ: After my diagnosis with cancer I prayed to God and I told Him that if I have the chance to dance again and be on stage I will donate the proceeds from my annual show to ACS and kids with cancer in Iran, and so far from 2003 until now we have been doing that.
TBT: What is the purpose of the Niosha Dance Academy?
NJ: Our aim is to create a platform for aspiring talent—young and the young at heart to receive structured dance training in various styles of traditional and modern Persian dance as well as belly dancing. Since 1991 the Niosha Dance Academy has been dedicated to providing a fun and healthy learning environment for performing arts, dance, and choreography. Our aim is to make each student achieve their goal and be the best dancer they can be.
TBT: If you have to describe your personality in three words, what would it be?
NJ: Hardworking. Optimistic. Goal oriented.
TBT: What is your biggest wish in life after being healthy?
NJ: Actually my biggest wish comes before being healthy and that is being happy! Being happy with what you have and what you have to do and who you are. You can be healthy and very unhappy and miserable but you can be not healthy but happy and enjoy your life to the fullest no matter how long. It is the quality that counts not the quantity.
TBT: How can people find out about your upcoming events and performances?
NJ: you can always find our about NDA plans and events and classes through website www.niosha.com and or email me.
TBT: Any parting messages?
My message is a great quote: “Some see the hopeless end, while I see the endless hope….”
