"We are most grateful for the many contributions of Nejad and Haideh (Aida) Ahmadzadeh which have enriched both the history of Iran and the world of dance. Personally, I remember taking company class in the 1970's when an elegant woman briefly entered the studio. Before I knew who this lady was, I knew that she was a dancer by her posture and the way she moved. There would never have been the Iranian National Ballet without the tireless efforts of the Ahmadzadehs. They are an Iranian treasure." John (Jay) Seaman - Iranian National Ballet (1977 - 1979)
"A phenomenally deep and profound impact has been made in my life through the visionaries that are the Ahmadzadeh's. Aida and Nejad Ahmadzadeh are true pioneers and to carry on their precious legacy and bright light is one of the many missions behind the film, Arezou. I am so grateful for the Ahmadzadehs, for the seed that they planted, the Iranian National Ballet, has deeply impacted my life in indescribable ways. Their legacy is timeless and their contribution towards the ballet movement in Iran and throughout the world is historical. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, Aida khanoum and Nejad agha. May your light continue to shine forevermore. " Sophia Moghaddam-Kiapos, writer and director, Arezou.
"I would not be who I am today if it was not for the legacy and ground breaking path that was blazed by Aida and Nejad Ahmadzadeh! Today I am the first Persian-American prima ballerina living my dream in America and performing for audiences throughout the world. This dream was only made possible because of Aida, Nejad and the Iranian National Ballet. Their vision and deep dedication to ballet was the first of its kind for our motherland of Iran. They brought the spirit of classical dance to our people with such beauty, grace, purity, and love that no darkness, no matter how dark, can ever smudge out that loving bright light. I want to thank you both from the bottom of my heart for all that you have done for our homeland, the arts, the people of Iran, and for myself. It is my greatest honor to continue your legacy Aida and Nejad, as your undying Persian swan, shining the light of our culture through my pointe shoes and beyond!" Tara Ghassemieh, choreographer for the film Arezou, and the first Persian-American prima ballerina.
"I have seen how the impact of the Ahmadzadehs' art has fuelled Sophia’s beautiful script (for the film Arezou), witnessed first hand the beauty with which Tara dances and therefore, in the footsteps of their legacy, met incredible women and men from a rich culture I would have otherwise never known." Chelsea Winstanley, film producer, Arezou.
“The close lifetime relationship of our families goes back to our parents, as Aida and I are like sisters. Her brilliant achievements as the first Iranian ballerina and the founding of classical ballet together with her late beloved husband, Nejad Ahmadzadeh is well worthy of the highest praise. I will always cherish the fifteen years of being their colleague in the Iranian National Ballet as a composer and pianist both at the school and the Roudaki Hall Company." Marianna Surgunovi (Carapetian), composer and musician.
'You accomplished so much in the birth and furthering of the Iranian National Ballet and you should be very proud of your efforts. Our friendship started at Mme. Cornelli's dance school and although our paths diverged over the years our friendship has endured. With my love." Wilma Pennacchio, dancer.
"The best time of my life was when I joined the group. Aida was a second mother to me. All the beautiful memories I have were the ones with Mr Ahmadzadeh and Aida introducing me to the world. These memories will stay with me till the end of times." Mercedeh Tahvildari, dancer.
"Aida was my role model. Her dedication inspired me. Mr Ahmadzadeh was the best director and I always treasure our reunions in the United States. We shared our memories and laughed and had very happy times together that will stay in my heart and mind for ever. I have great respect for both of them." Clara Avanessian, dancer.
“Aida khanoom ( the way we called her when she was our senior in the company, and still call her today as a dear friend) is the most determined, positive, and cool person that I have known in my life. She was the most qualified dancer in her time and had the perfect acting capacity in her roles." Banafsheh Bahramian (Pejhan), dancer.
Haideh, my first dear ballet teacher and Nejad, director of ballet school and national ballet company, gave me the inspiration and love of dancing that followed throughout my life and allowed me to open my ballet school in Paris. Their arms and hearts were always open and provided a warm and loving place for the whole company. I am extremely thankful to them. Today I hope that I can in turn have the same effect on some of my students. With all my love and respect." Gîta Ostovani, Cadence Dance, Paris.
"I have the best memories of you, Mr. Ahmadzadeh and his brother and dancing at the school. My first year at the school was attending afternoon classes when I was in 3rd grade. I was selected for the Academy and attended the school of Ballet from 4th, 5th grade and part of 6th grade before the revolution. I continued dancing in the US and still love ballet." Setareh Mehrabanzad, student and dancer
"When I first saw the photograph of Aida dancing, I thought how wonderful, that someone with my own name was doing what I was never permitted to do when I was growing up in Iran: dance, tour, teach dance, and be famous for it. You were so fortunate to have lived in a time that to my generation looks more advanced than ours and futuristic, yet it had happened in the past. Your journey of life is like the sweetest fairytale, and I feel privileged to have known you. You are my role model in spirit - you are unique and unrepeatable! I hope that in the future girls in Iran will once again get the chance to do what you did in the past." Dr Aida Foroutan, artist (painter, performer, sculptor) Art Historian (PhD on Iranian art & literature)
"Aida, I wish you all the best. You were very special, dedicated ballerina." Naeri Gharakhanian, pianist.
پیش از ملاقات با هایده ی احمدزاده کتاب خاطرات وزندگی اش را با شگفتی خوانده بودم. خاطراتی بسیار زیبا، گرانبها ونادر که تکه ای از تاریخ گمشده ی کشورم بود ومن مدت زیادی در جستجوی آن بودم. با کنجکاوی تلفنش را یافتم وتنها دو مکالمه ی تلفنی کوتاه با او برقرار شد واو اجازه داد به دیدنش بروم. این برای من شبیه به یک رویا بود. آرزو داشتم کنار او بنشینم، به چشمانش از نزدیک نگاه کنم واز زبان خودش بشنوم که بر او در چهل سال گذشته وپیش از آن چه روی داده است. برای دیدنش بسیار هیجان داشتم. انگار به جستجوی عزیزی می رفتم که او را می شناختم ولی سالها بود، ندیده بودمش. نخستین دیدار با هایده احمد زاده از بهترین لحظه های زندگی من بوده وهست. همواره با خود می گویم چه خوشبخت هستم که با او ونژاد از نزدیک آشنا شدم وعمیقا درک ودریافت کردم که چه نازنین وبزرگ افرادی در تاریخ کشورم دارم. سروناز علم بیگی Sarvnaz Alambeigi, film maker and painter