His collaborations with Ahmad Alimaddadi and other leading figures of the era helped elevate Iranian folk dance into a respected art form on the world stage. Through teaching, coaching, and mentoring younger generations, he helped ensure the continuity of folk dance traditions despite political and social changes. His legacy continues to inspire scholars, dancers, and audiences who seek to understand the depth and diversity of cultural expression. Gholamreza Sakhaei was born in Malayer in 1947, a city known for its strong cultural traditions and artistic communities.
From an early age, he showed a natural inclination toward rhythm, movement, and performance. His passion for the performing arts led him to pursue formal training at the Dance Academy of the National Folklore Organization of Iran and the National and Local Dance Conservatory in Tehran. There, he immersed himself in the study of classical and regional dances, as well as theater arts. One of the most important influences in his artistic development was his training under Robert Duvaren, a globally recognized dancer and movement designer.
