Ahmet Lüleci, World-renowned Turkish Dance Scholar and Choreographer Continues Decades-long Tradition of Inspiring BYU Students Through Dance
When Turkish dance scholar and choreographer Ahmet Lüleci came to teach at BYU, his energy filled the studio. His enthusiasm for Turkish dance was clear in every step and explanation, and students quickly responded to the love of dance he brought to class.
Faculty member Jeanette Geslison first met Lüleci in 1989 at the Idlewild Folk Dance Camp in California. “I was so impressed with his amazing energy and teaching charisma,” she said. Decades later, that same passion was evident at BYU. “Ahmet is so passionate about the dance styles that he knows so intimately. He shared cultural and contextual information to help the students understand the meaning and symbolism behind the dances he taught, making it so much more vivid for them.”
This was Lüleci’s fourth visit to campus, and Jeanette explained its value. “The students were able to embody the Turkish dance styles more deeply because of the direct transmission from Ahmet. He has danced these dances since he was young, and to see his clear demonstrations was key in the students’ learning.” She added, “I’m glad we can continue our friendship with professionals in the field.”
Student Ellie Geslison reflected on the impact. “Ahmet is an incredibly vibrant and lively person. It was very impactful to hear from him and better understand the contexts and stories behind the steps and songs that we learned. Having that cultural background and understanding is what gives the dances and music meaning beyond the steps and notes themselves. It gives us a gateway into the lives of others who are different from us and encourages more compassionate understanding.”
She also noted how his teaching style influenced her. “Ahmet was a great teacher. He gave specific critiques to specific individuals and encouraged us to help each other become more comfortable with this new dance style. His focus on teamwork and productive criticism encourages humility and develops skills that extend beyond the classroom and into a professional career.” For Ellie, the cultural knowledge he shared also carried spiritual weight. “Through the process of learning to understand others from their own perspective we gain a greater appreciation for how people's circumstances have shaped their life experiences,” she said. “This is one of the best things we can do to prepare to go into the world where we will serve those people.”
Student Levi Hancock emphasized Lüleci’s long-term relationship with BYU. “What stood out most to me was seeing just how deeply Ahmet loves BYU and our students. He has been coming here for decades, and he continues to return because he trusts us to represent his choreography well. That trust goes so far that he even donated many of his personal costumes from his Turkish ensemble for us to use in our own performances.”
Although Hancock is a physics major, he appreciated the unique opportunity. “Learning choreography from Ahmet is another example of the unique opportunities BYU has given me to engage with cultures I may never have encountered otherwise. These experiences have deepened my love for culture, broadened my perspective and taught me to value diverse ways of expression.” He also connected Lüleci’s teaching to BYU’s mission: “The dances we learn from guest choreographers like Ahmet don’t stay in the classroom. They become part of the performances we share with audiences across the country and even internationally. Every year, thousands of people experience joy through these shows, and it’s inspiring to realize that something we learned in just a few days with Ahmet can ripple outward to touch so many lives. In that way, our learning directly translates into service as we share culture, joy and connection through performance.”
Lüleci will return in December for “Christmas Around the World” to see students perform two of his Turkish dance choreographies. Jeanette said it will be especially meaningful for them to have him back to offer final guidance and encouragement.
For the BYU Department of Dance, his visit was more than just another class. It was an experience that showed students how dance comes alive when taught with energy, passion and a deep connection to culture—one they now carry forward into their own lives and performances.
