Bederkhan, Leila (b. around 1903)

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Bederkhan, Leila (b. around 1903)

Persian interpretive dancer. Born c. 1903 in Kurdistan.

Raised in Egypt after Turkish invasion of Kurdistan, and later exiled during the conflict between Egypt and Turkey (1917), studied both music and medicine for some time in Switzerland; made professional debut in Vienna (1926), performing native and interpretive dances; won acclaim throughout Austria, US and Italy; appeared as exotic dancer in production of Belkis, Reine de Saba at Teatro alla Scala in Milan (1934), but otherwise performed mainly own works; solo choreographies include Snake, Heirogliphe, Bridal Song, Profane, On the Island and Kurdistani Dances.

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