Alper Akçay | Dancer and Performance Artist
Medicinal, Creative Movement Instructor, Bodywork Therapist, Whirling Dervish
He was born in Istanbul, Turkey and curently lives in Fethiye and İstanbul.
He graduated from Istanbul Bilgi University, the Department of Visual Communication Design MFA. During his post-graduate studies, he worked as a research assistant at Photo and Video department in Bilgi University.
In addition his education on visual art he improved himself in body and movement disciplines. He shaped his art related workswith deepened workshops focusing on dance and traditional, mystic, meditative movement practice of Sema and Semah. He produced various pieces in new media, performance art, dance, video and photography disciplines. He also took part in mixed exhibitions, various projects and performances as an artist.
He has performed in local and international events, festivals and projects in various regions including Europe, South Asia and Middle East. He has collaborated with different artists especially musicians from all around the world. He has been performing with Turkish punk rock singer Hayko Cepkin and world-renowned world music artist Mercan Dede.
He shares his knowledge and teachings in local and international art festivals, retreats, community gatherings and healing events. He carries out heart centric workshops and collaborates with international teachers and instructors about Creative - Medicinal Movements, Anatolian-Central Asian Sacred Dances, Meditative and Circle Peace Dances. In previous years, he worked with children as well.
He has recently collaborated with Turkish photography artist Dilan Bozyel for “Portrait of Humanity” project. Her photoshoot of Alper, doing Sema was selected to be part of the exhibition that is ascending 13.000 feet into stratosphere.
He practiced Skinner Releasing Technique, Japanese Butoh Dance and many Improvisational, Contemporary Movements and Dance, Yoga as well.
He is member of VAWAA International artist platform and Unesco International Dance Council CID.
He is walking on Sufism and Tasavvuf (Islamic mysthicism) path and practicing Sufi whirling rituals like Mawlawi Sema and Alevi – Bektashi Semah more than 15 years.
Read more...For collaboration and sessions you may contact with me @
alperakcaytr@gmail.com
