“Any harmonious movement or rhythmic exercise, if it is for pleasure seeking, is haram,” forbidden under Shiite leaders’ interpretation of Islam, Hossain Ghayyomi, a Tehran-based cleric told the newspaper. Zumba’s reputation as a “corrupting” Western import is likely another driving factor. (Dance your way fit with Women’s Health’s High-Intensity Dance Cardio DVD!)
Unfortunately, it comes at a time when Zumba has been increasing in popularity in Iran, and has become a way for women of all socioeconomic statuses to fit in exercise in a joyful, fun way. One woman in Tehran told the LA Times: “I feel wonderful—the body rhythm and the music in the background are fascinating.”
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Reactions on social media were filled with dismay over the news:
Ridiculous! Iranians voted for greater openness and moderation in order not to have to deal with nonsense like thishttps://t.co/ZdG6iiPvW0
— Trita Parsi (@tparsi) June 14, 2017
#Iran bans #Zumba classes. Nukes missiles? No problem.https://t.co/uJvx80IkPO pic.twitter.com/g4i2p6wof7
— Anne Bayefsky (@AnneBayefsky) June 14, 2017
Oh no, my favorite danse #Zumba threatened to be banned in Iran, according to the Sports Ministry’s official website https://t.co/T1GppwdAhK
— Delphine Minoui (@DelphineMinoui) June 12, 2017
When asked to comment, Zumba’s CEO Alberto Perlman told Women’s Health that, additionally, Zumba is currently unable to hold training sessions or authorize licensed instructors in Iran due to trade embargoes. “Zumba is taught all over the world with a few exceptions per U.S. law. We are always gratified to see the passion, love and support for our programs by anyone who loves to dance and practice a healthy and fit lifestyle,” Perlman said via email. “As required by current U.S. law, we are unable to hold training sessions or authorize any licensed instructors to teach our programs in Iran or any of the other prohibited countries due U.S. trade embargoes in place.”
Try these squats that double as dance moves:
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Iran isn’t the first country to ban women’s sports and other fitness activities. According to Human Rights Watch, women in Saudi Arabia have been barred from participating in state-organized sports leagues and physical education programs. Female competitors were left off the Olympics roster in Qatar and Brunei until the 2012 London Olympis, per The Washington Post. And The Guardian reports that in 2008, Muslims in Malaysia were forbidden to do yoga.