Instructors

Beshkan Dance Academy

Sharareh Ghahremani & Razieh Oghabian

Razieh Oghabian and Sharareh Ghahremani, co-founders of Beshkan Dance Academy, began their journey in Silicon Valley in 2003. With over two decades of individual experience in dance instruction and active involvement in cultural organizations, this dynamic pair bring a wealth of expertise to their artistic pursuits.

Their collaboration began during their undergraduate years at UC Davis, where they co-founded the Iranian Student Cultural and Aesthetic Organization (ISCAO). Despite the challenges of negative media portrayal of the Middle East at the time, Razieh and Sharareh, along with five other dedicated students, introduced the university’s student body to Iran’s rich cultural heritage. The enduring success of ISCAO, still thriving after over 20 years, reflects the strength of its core values. Beshkan Dance Academy has been honored with invitations to perform at various ISCAO events over the years.

Both Razieh and Sharareh earned their degrees from UC Davis. Despite their full-time careers and family responsibilities, they remain dedicated to Beshkan. Sharareh, a Stanford University graduate and physician’s assistant (PA), practices in a successful medical establishment in San Jose and Razieh serves as a Program Manager for a prominent software company in Silicon Valley. Their unwavering passion for Iranian culture drives their commitment to Beshkan, even amidst busy schedules.

Beshkan Dance Academy has made significant contributions to cultural and artistic events across the United States, participating in prestigious gatherings such as the New York Norooz Parade, Orange County (OC) Mehregan Festival, Persian Cultural Club Norooz Celebration, San Jose Norooz & Mehregan Festivals, Pars Equality Center, Moms Against Poverty Gala, Houston Norooz Festival, Noor Iranian Film Festival, and various student and cultural organizations’ events nationwide.

Yasaman Fathi

Instructor, choreographer, soloist

Yasaman’s journey with dance and music began at the young age of 5 when she joined Beshkan Dance Academy during its inaugural year. While dance was her first true passion, her artistic pursuits expanded to include ballet, and later, a deep love for music. Her talents having no bounds, Yasaman has mastered the piano, guitar, and Persian percussions like Daf and Zarb, and she aspires to learn the saxophone.

Yasaman’s engagement with the arts community blossomed at the age of 14 when she began as a teaching dance assistance and by age 16 teaching her own students. Outside of dance she also began holding piano classes for young children who shared her love for music. Her enthusiasm for learning, mastering new forms, and passing along her knowledge has been a constant throughout her journey.

In 2022, Yasaman earned a BS in microbiology from San Francisco State University. Presently, she is contributing her skills to the biotech industry and has plans to embark on a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) program next year. Yasaman’s love for children and her passion for dance remain integral aspects of her life. She finds joy in sharing her expertise and enthusiasm with her students at Beshkan, creating a harmonious blend of her professional and artistic pursuits.

Tannaz Azimi

Instructor, choreographer, soloist

Tannaz started her journey in the arts and dance at Beshkan Dance Academy when she was just 3 years old, where she developed a deep love for Iranian dance. Her early years marked by determination and enthusiasm, she transitioned from being a dedicated student to becoming an assistant instructor and eventually lead instructor at age 17.  Teaching young girls from age two and beyond, Tannaz masterfully imparts the excitement and beauty of Iranian dance and culture by fostering connection with her students.

In parallel to her dance pursuits, Tannaz achieved a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from Santa Clara University in 2022. While working as a Life Science Research Professional in the Otolaryngology department at Stanford School of Medicine, she continues to seamlessly balance her passion for the sciences with her love for instructing dance. Beshkan Dance Academy is an integral part of Tannaz’s life, serving as a place of discovery and growth beyond dance.

Kiana Esna-Ashari

Instructor, choreographer, soloist

Kiana’s passion for the Iranian culture, especially Persian dance, ignited early on when she joined Beshkan Dance Academy at the age of 6, remaining a constant in her life. As an instructor with the academy since 2018, Kiana blends passion, dedication, and responsibility seamlessly in her role.

Working with students aged 3 to 10, Kiana fosters a fun, inclusive, and safe environment. Beyond teaching dance, she aims to instill skills and qualities that empower her students to become confident and successful women.

While teaching, Kiana is pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration at San Jose State University, reflecting her commitment to growth. Inspired by her mentors Razieh and Sharareh, who guided her journey at Beshkan, Kiana aims to be a role model for her students and inspire the next generation of strong Iranian young women.

Donya Derakshandeh

Instructor, choreographer, soloist

Donya’s artistic journey began at the age of 3, when she immersed herself in dance and performing as a dedicated member of Beshkan Dance Academy. Inspired by her mother and aunt’s passion for artistic and cultural expression, Donya found a deep connection to her Iranian heritage through dance, even founding a Persian Dance Club in high school to share her passion and customs.

At 5, Donya’s love for music expanded with learning the violin, later adding piano to her repertoire. After mastering the piano, she embarked on a self-taught journey to learn the ukulele and guitar.

Donya’s commitment to education and inspiring the next generation is evident in her current studies at Foothill College, where she is pursuing a career as a mathematics teacher, while teaching young dancers in her own class at the academy. With a harmonious blend of artistic prowess, cultural connection, and a passion for education, Donya embodies the values of our community.

Dance

Poetry in Motion

Beshkan Dance Academy

contact info

(408) 378-3234

Dance Boulevard

1824 Hillsdale Ave, San Jose, CA 95124