A new form of protest against the government is rocking Iran: a viral dance craze set to an upbeat folk song where crowds clap and chant the rhythmic chorus: oh, oh, oh, oh.
In cities across Iran, men and women of all ages are gyrating their hips, swirling their arms in the air, and chanting the song’s catchy lines, according to videos posted on social media, television news channels such as BBC Persian, and Iranians interviewed.
People are dancing on the streets, in shops, at sport stadiums, in classrooms, malls, restaurants, gyms, parties, and everywhere else they congregate. In Tehran, traffic was stopped in a major highway tunnel for an impromptu dance party to the song. Young women, hair uncovered and flowing, dance in parks, and young men performed a choreographed hip-hop dance.
It’s obvious that joining this dance trend sends a strong message, Mohammad Aghapour, 32, a DJ who goes by the professional name DJSonami, said in an interview from Tehran. It’s a way of protesting and demanding our freedom and happiness.
The dance trend, known as the oh, oh, oh, oh movement, has gained immense popularity among Iranians, frustrating the country’s leaders who have tightly controlled cultural expressions for years. Dancing in public, especially by women, has been banned since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, with authorities deeming it as indecent and contrary to Islamic values.
However, the viral nature of this dance trend has provided a platform for Iranians to express their discontent and push back against the restrictions imposed by the government. Through their synchronized movements and joyful spirit, the participants are making a bold statement: they long for freedom, happiness, and the right to express themselves without fear of retribution.
The oh, oh, oh, oh movement has gained momentum through social media platforms, where videos showcasing the lively dances are shared widely. The catchy folk song, with its infectious rhythm, has become the anthem of this rebellion, capturing the attention and support of not just Iranians, but people across the globe.
Although dancing on the streets may seem like a simple act, it carries significant symbolism in Iran. It challenges the authorities’ control over personal freedoms and highlights the desire for change within the country. The unity displayed through these mass dances is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Iranian people, who yearn for a more inclusive and liberal society.
Despite the risks involved, Iranians continue to embrace the dance movement, organizing spontaneous gatherings and sharing videos of their performances online. This widespread defiance has put the government in a difficult position, as the dance trend becomes increasingly difficult to ignore or suppress.
While the authorities have issued warnings and threats of consequences for participating in the dance trend, it has only fueled further defiance and stoked the flames of resistance. Iranians are using their bodies as instruments of peaceful protest, sending a powerful message without uttering a single word.
The oh, oh, oh, oh movement is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Iranian people in their pursuit of freedom and self-expression. As the dance trend continues to captivate hearts and minds, it remains to be seen how the government will respond. Will they clamp down on the movements even more forcefully, or will they recognize the desires of their people for change?
For now, the streets of Iran reverberate with the infectious rhythm of the oh, oh, oh, oh movement—a defiant dance against oppression, a joyous celebration of unity, and a declaration that the people will not be silenced.
