Story:
It is a Kurdish costume—shiny material with stones and a special scarf. It’s a traditional outfit, and I dance in it. When I wear it and dance, I feel so happy. It’s often used in group dances, which remind me of the unity and unshakeable originality of my people.
The costume also reminds me of my grandmother, who lived for 103 years and always wore Kurdish clothes. I loved her very much. She had such energetic hands, and when I had a headache, she would massage my head. Her warm hugs stay with me, and this costume brings her memory alive.
I left my country because of dance. In Iran, dance is forbidden for women, except when performed among women. Four years ago, I made the decision to leave, and the costume now connects me to my heritage and my love for dance.
– Elaheh Nourmohammadian