Ballet in Iran (ایران) has a historical presence that dates back to the early 20th century. Ballet was introduced to Iran in 1928, and it developed formally with the establishment of the Iranian National Ballet Company in 1958. This company was the only state ballet institution in Iran and one of the most recognized dance companies in the Middle East. However, following the Islamic Revolution of 1979, the company was disbanded due to cultural and political changes, and ballet was banned in the country.
After the disbandment of the Iranian National Ballet Company, there are no public state-supported ballet companies or official theatre companies dedicated to ballet within Iran. The original company was based at Tehran’s Roudaki Hall Opera. Some former members and enthusiasts now live abroad, and a revival of the Iranian ballet tradition has been pursued outside Iran, notably with Les Ballets Persans in Sweden.
There are no widely known or officially recognized ballet schools or drop-in ballet studios openly operating in Iran today due to restrictions on ballet and Western dance forms. Ballet training and dance classes are often held in private and underground settings rather than public institutions.
Public ballet auditions, events, or competitions within Iran are not documented or officially recognized due to the ban on this form of dance. Some ballet activities linked to Iranian dancers take place in the diaspora, including in cities like Washington D.C. and Stockholm.
Regarding ballet supplies, two ballet-specific supply shops are available in Tehran, identified through local listings and social media: Leo Ballet Shop and Ballet Store Iran. These shops provide ballet shoes and accessories and allow walk-in shopping, catering mainly to dancers within the constraints of the local market.
In summary, ballet dancers in Iran often face significant restrictions and many travel abroad for more opportunities to train, perform, and participate in ballet events. Neighboring countries and international cities with established ballet communities therefore serve as important centers for Iranian ballet dancers seeking broader access to professional ballet resources and education.
