Sonja Hinz has studied Iranian and Central Asian dance for a majority of the past decade.  As much as any dance is rooted in culture and history, Iranian and Central Asian dances are adaptable and expressive art forms; art forms that, Sonja believes, are well suited to her personal aesthetics and artistic vision. 

In her home state of Washington, she choreographed and performed with Shourangeez, a Persian classical and folk music ensemble.  Shourangeez performed at elementary schools, community colleges, universities, and festivals throughout Washington state as well as within Seattle's Iranian-American community from 2001-2003.  Shourangeez was a part of the Folklife in the Schools program, and performed at more than a dozen elementary schools via a grant through the Washington State Arts Commission.  In 2004, Sonja moved to Honolulu to pursue graduate studies in dance ethnology through the University of Hawaii at Manoa's unique program. 

Sonja finished her Master’s degree in dance ethnology in May of 2007.  She spent six months in Tajikistan, from June 2006 to January 2007, where she completed fieldwork for her degree.  As she engaged in extensive observation and practice of Tajik dance forms, her husband, Andrew Rick, spent his time learning the musical traditions of Tajikistan.  Sonja plans to obtain a Doctorate degree in Anthropology, and she believes strongly in the knowledge and experience that comes from living and studying abroad.  Her and her husband intend to return to Tajikistan for her Doctorate fieldwork.

Currently, Sonja is the co-artistic director for the group Delshodeh.  Sonja and her dance partner, Heather Rastovac, have created this performance group dedicated exclusively to the dance and music of Iran and Central Asia.  This includes the countries of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Iran, amongst others. 

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