At Photo Elysée in Lausanne, the exhibition 'Why don't you dance?' by Iranian-born artist Hannah Darabi examines Iranian popular dance as an act of identity resistance. The project, which runs until [date not verified], features photographs, videos, and archival materials centered on three emblematic figures of Iranian dance.
Darabi, whose work often addresses Iranian culture and politics, uses dance to highlight how movement and expression can challenge restrictive norms. The exhibition includes rare archival footage and contemporary works that trace the evolution of dance in Iran, where public dancing has been heavily restricted since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The three figures at the core of the project represent different eras and styles of Iranian dance, from traditional folk to modern interpretations. Darabi's research draws on interviews and historical documents to reconstruct the stories of dancers who used their art as a form of protest.
Photo Elysée, a museum dedicated to photography, has hosted the exhibition as part of its ongoing program exploring the intersection of art and social issues. The museum's website describes the project as 'a visual essay on the political power of dance.'
