UK-based dancer spreads Bahai doctrine through dance

Jun 23, 2008 News

— amazed at Guyanese hospitality

(By Alex Wayne)

A UK-based dancer has followed his calling and is presently spreading the Bahai doctrine through dialogue and dance in Guyana.
While his ‘dance doctrine’ techniques are already a popular feature at many locations in and around the city, this dancer/mathematics teacher is totally blown away with the level of hospitality and warmth he has received from citizens since he arrived here some four months ago.
He has also been selflessly giving of his services at the School of the Nations’ not-for-profit branch in New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Twenty-year-old Shafa Youssefian was born and raised in Japan, where he lived until he was fifteen.
He then moved to Canada to attend boarding school, but now attends university in the United Kingdom.
All smiles, Shafa, in a recent interview, explained that he is a firm believer in the Bahai Faith.
He says that, before coming to Guyana, he had spent six months in Wales, UK, doing community service related to the Bahai Faith.
Led by what he describes as ‘an intense, strange calling,’ Shafa came to Guyana on March 8th of this year and will remain until June 25.
Though he had no idea of what to expect, he nevertheless ventured to this strange land, and is elated at the reception he received at the hands of the inhabitants.
“I have never visited or lived in any Third World country before. I was a bit scared at first to travel here, but now I am applauding myself for the decision I made, since I am totally swept away with the charm and hospitality of these people.”
Shafa is even more excited at the openness and readiness of Guyanese to embrace the Bahai Faith.
He said that, in Canada and other areas, the Bahais are not at liberty to spread their doctrine in the streets, since people act as if the doctrine bearers are ‘crazy’. He shared experiences of having doors closed in his face and persons dismissing him abruptly.
Presently, Shafa is spearheading dance workshops for students at the form 2 level in New Amsterdam, Berbice.
He explained that the dance sends messages of the need for serenity, holiness and Divine guidance in dealing with social issues.
On his agenda also is a four day tour to Essequibo, where he and several local dancers he has trained will perform at several schools in the area.
While in Canada, he created the ‘unusual’ dances at Maxwell’s, a Bhai Inspirational School from which he graduated. He has been involved in dancing for over three years now.
The dances showcased touched on racism, poverty, social issues, domestic violence, and equality of the sexes, among others.
Shafa is trying to move away from the ‘one on one’ lecture strategy adopted worldwide, and concentrate more on using the creative art form of dance to get his doctrine to his target audience.
He feels that if one depicts relevant issues through dance they will be better able to attract interest and make a more positive impact.
“I am trying to move away a little from the lecture practice which can become boring at times. I feel that by using dance, which is an attractive feature, I will be able to get my message across to my audiences more effectively’.
The locals who dance with Shafa have received a month’s training and are doing exceptionally well, according to the mathematics teacher.
Shafa, who seems to be in a trance when talking about Guyana’s beauty, declared in a rush that he would be more than ready to visit again, should the opportunity arise.
“I did not expect to love Guyana so much. I feel a lot at home, and I am just totally amazed at how people readily accepted my teachings. The people here are so ready, they seem to be thirsting for something,” Shafa concluded with a wide grin.
Shafa has taken a year off from university and has been sent here by the Bahai Faith to share his skills.
He says he feels inspired to do what he is doing, and knows deep inside him that he ‘must follow the voice that directs him.’
Shafa also has a small band back home, and adores music, as he loves to dance.
While he is an excellent singer, he also plays the base guitar in his band.
Shafa came to Guyana to offer his services as a teacher, and started the dance workshop out of inspiration. He says he feels blessed being able to teach the dances, which he says have impacted greatly on the lives and souls of many who came into contact with the routine.
“Anybody can make a change; given the right resources, any man can move a mountain.”
When asked to best describe Guyana, Shafa burst into merry laughter before blurting, “It’s a hot country, where the sun shines beautifully, and I have fallen in love with their soca music.”