Honoring Shahrzad Khorsandi
For the Preservation and Advancement of Iranian Dance and Culture WHEREAS, May is recognized as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to honor the history, contributions, and cultural heritage of the AAPI community; and
WHEREAS, Shahrzad Khorsandi is a master artist, educator, and author who has pioneered the formalization and instruction of Iranian-Persian dance in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Khorsandi is the first artist to publish a book in English on Persian dance—The Art of Persian Dance — which presents a structured approach to this traditional art form using established principles of Western dance pedagogy, thereby creating a foundation for academic and artistic recognition of Persian dance, and supporting efforts to teach, promote, and preserve Iranian culture; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Khorsandi is a professional dance instructor who teaches at California colleges, has established the Shahrzad Dance Academy, and has trained many Bay Area residents, as well as dance communities across the globe, of diverse ethnic backgrounds in Persian dance, using the art form to promote peace, cultural understanding, and connection; and
WHEREAS, she has served for many years as a beloved dance instructor for Iranian - American children at the Nima Farsi Language School, nurturing cultural identity and confidence through movement and performance; and
WHEREAS, she has dedicated decades of service to the community through dance education in academic institutions and libraries, public performances, and the creation of a teacher-training program to support the next generation of Iranian dance instructors; and WHEREAS, Ms. Khorsandi co- founded Central Stage, an inclusive, community- driven performance venue in Richmond, providing a home for Iranian- American arts and cross- cultural dialogue; and
WHEREAS, her visionary leadership and passion for cultural preservation have inspired students and audiences across generations and geographies.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Mayor Eduardo Martinez, and the Richmond City Council do hereby formally recognize Shahrzad Khorsandi for her exceptional contributions to cultural preservation, education, and the artistic life of the Iranian American and broader AAPI community.
___________________________ ______________________________ Mayor Eduardo Martinez Council Member Soheila Bana City of Richmond District 4 April 22, 2025