Banafsheh Sayyad is a Persian master sacred dancer, choreographer, acupuncturist, transformational teacher, activist, and founder of Dance of Oneness^®. A deeply profound and highly accessible spiritual teacher of embodiment, Banafsheh performs and teaches internationally, initiating people into the wisdom of their bodies. Her signature style of “holy wildness infused with ancient wisdom” activates transformation and illumination in all those who watch and dance with her from around the globe.

Banafsheh invites the dancer within to remember, reclaim, and resource the innate healing intelligence spiraling both in us and all around us. Her easeful instruction and welcoming spirit empower students to feel a true sense of belonging in their bodies. Students also experience more passion in their lives by integrating wisdom teachings from throughout the ages.

She is among the few virtuosos of authentic Persian dance in the world, and a pioneer in creating a liberated feminine expression in the Sufi dance genre, previously performed only by men. Her modality, Dance of Oneness^®, is both a spiritual path and a science of embodiment. It is a fusion of three dimensions — healing, wisdom teachings, and the rigorous technique and self-expression of the art of dance.

Banafsheh has a master’s degree in dance and choreography from UCLA, and a master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Her award-winning work has been presented throughout North America, Europe, and Australia. Her dance film In the Fire of Grace, with Andrew Harvey, traces Rumi’s journey of the soul in dance.