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Member Spotlight: Q&A with Asal Ahadi & Shalaleh Rismani | Chichak Performing Arts Company

How would you describe Chichak Performing Arts Company in a sentence?

AA: Chichak Performing Arts is an Azerbaijani Contemporary dance company dedicated to community-building, using the rich cultural heritage of Azerbaijani and Caucasus mountain music to educate, empower, and celebrate our heritage.

What was the artistic path that led to creating the company?
SR: I started training in Azerbaijani folk dance at the age of 8 in Iran. At that time we did not have a major platform to perform dance on stages and public in Iran as it was illegal. When I moved to Canada at the age of 13, I saw how dance is valued as an art form and I got to share this beautiful folk dance on stages and in the public – something I could never do in Iran in my childhood. That inspired me to start teaching and performing in Canada. Seeing the increased support in the community, I formally founded the group in 2009. It was delightful to have Asal join in 2011. We slowly grew and took on more projects. However, we always operated in part-time capacity as this was a passion project for all company members and directors.

AA:  It was the perfect opportunity for me to join the company, train together, and connect with my cultural roots through dance. Over time, I found that Chichak Performing Arts became a way for us to nurture our community through movement and storytelling.

What inspires the work the company creates?
AA: Our work is deeply inspired by our ancestral cultures, specifically the traditional music, songs, and movements of the Azerbaijani people. We are driven by a desire to preserve and share these traditions, not only for their beauty but also for their power to foster connection and understanding in our community.

How long have you been dancing?
AA: I’ve been dancing since I was 13 years old.

SR: I have been dancing since I was 8 years old – it is almost 27 years 😊

How does dance fit into your life currently?
AA: Dance is an essential part of my everyday routine. It has been a constant source of strength and solace, especially during challenging moments in my life. I took a long break during the pandemic, but I found my way back by starting a daily dance challenge with Shalaleh.  Since then, the daily dance practice has become a cornerstone of my life. It has shaped my identity as a woman, mother, and artist, giving me a sense of purpose and balance.

SR: Dance has been such a constant in my life. Dance has never been my main career path but it has been what has shaped how I think about my life choices, challenges, and how I approach my current career path as an engineer and researcher examining how autonomous technology impacts our lives. I absolutely love and admire how dance makes me feel connected to myself and others in a way that is authentic, real and irreplaceable.

How would you describe dance’s impact on your life?
AA: Dance has been a transformative force in my life. It has provided me with an outlet to express myself, whether during difficult times or moments of joy. Dance has impacted my decision-making, helping me find clarity, unwind, and even process grief. It’s a continuous journey of self-discovery and healing, and I am grateful for its profound role in my life.

What three core values drive your engagement with dance?

AA: Community Building – Dance connects us, helps us share experiences, and fosters belonging. Creative Process – I thrive in the creative process, which allows me to explore and express my emotions and ideas through movement. Musicality – Music is the heart of everything I do. The rhythms and melodies drive my movements, guiding and inspiring my choreography.

SR: I agree and resonate with all the values that Asal has said – especially the first two! Authenticity – For me dance is a place of authenticity. It is a place where we can bring our entire self, share and invite others to be fully present. To me it is critical to maintain that authenticity and to create from there as a starting point. Culture and tradition – We perform and teach folk dance which has a rich history. I often think about how our moves represent years of tradition, and culture. Every step we take is a step that some others have taken in the past and that is something that feels so empowering – it also brings a huge sense of responsibility.

Do you have a particular practice that you carry out each day or have you implemented new practices over these last few years?
AA: Since 2021, I’ve been part of a daily dance challenge with Shalaleh. This practice has allowed me to explore new music, try new styles, and embrace the bravery of experimenting with various dance disciplines, all through the lens of Azerbaijani culture. This challenge has become an essential part of my personal growth as a dancer, helping me remain disciplined and inspired.

SR: I completely agree with Asal on this one and that is exactly how I feel.

What would you say are the most significant benefits for you in being a Dance Centre member?
AA: The Dance Centre holds a special place in my heart. It’s more than just a studio; it’s my home and my refuge. Being a part of this community makes me feel included, safe, and valued. The sense of belonging I experience at The Dance Centre allows me to express myself freely and connect with others who share my passion. Over the years, I have built incredible connections and friendships with amazing artists and dancers, which has enriched my journey both personally and professionally. The Dance Centre has also provided me with numerous opportunities to learn, attend workshops, and stay updated on events and developments within the building. It’s truly a place where I can grow, collaborate, and continue to evolve as an artist, and I’m deeply grateful for all the experiences it offers.

SR: Our company has had such a long standing and meaningful relationship with The Dance Centre. We have been teaching classes and rehearsing for performances at the center before and after the pandemic. It is incredible to have a place where dancers from around the world and from all backgrounds are welcomed and seen. This is incredibly rare and I feel grateful that we have this space where we can express ourselves and also learn from other incredible artists.

Chichak Dance Group Member Profile
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Photos: Carla Alcántara