The Founder and Artistic Director of Les Ballets Persans, Nima Kiann, was born in 1970 in Tehran, Iran, where at the age of 13 he began his studies in painting, Persian calligraphy and graphics at the School of Visual Arts. His work has been presented at art exhibitions in Iran, Turkey and Sweden.

Shortly after arriving in Sweden, his burning desire for dance compelled him to begin his education in classical and contemporary dance at the Ballet Academy of Gothenburg. He later continued his education in Cannes, France, at Centre de Danse International de Rosella Hightower. He has since pursued his education in dance by participating in various ballet master classes throughout Europe.

Nima Kiann has a wide range of cultural and artistic experience in various fields, which include: teaching painting, calligraphy and classical ballet, directorship of several cultural associations, and engagement as founder and feature editor of Parnian Radio in Sweden. His educational background in history, theology and dance theory, as well as his fluent command of six languages, has provided a rich resource for many published articles and research material. Kiann is the promoter of an on-line research center and Forum for Persian and Middle Eastern Dance. His articles are used for study and research by several universities in the United States, Europe and Middle Eastern countries.

Nima Kiann's concept and vision of establishing an international Persian ballet ensemble, inspired by the cultural and artistic heritage of Iran, was introduced in 1998 and had an international impact. Since then, this vision has gradually evolved into one of the greatest and most extensive Iranian artistic projects ever realised outside of Iran. Les Ballets Persans, also known as The New Iranian National Ballet, has become a representative cultural institution for the Middle Eastern art form of ballet in Europe.

Today, this accomplishment has brought together the talents and creative resources of distinguished artists from all around the world, with the common goal of working for the revival and enrichment of a great cultural and artistic asset. Nima Kiann's organizing abilities combined with a strong artistic vision have made him one of the most successful cultural administrators of Iranian community in Europe.

On March 9th, 2008, Toos Foundation organized a Gala Performance in London to celebrate the works and artistic achievements of Nima Kiann through his 29 years of artistry. An enthusiastic audience of more than 1000 encouraged him during the three and a half hours long Gala Performance with 24 times of standing ovations. He received his Award from the founder of Toos Foundation, Ms. Jamileh Kharrazi "For his untiring efforts to give life to a forgotten Iranian cultural and artistic heritage, and for recreating and reestablishing the Iranian National Ballet through his dance company of Les Ballets Persans". Read more in Nima Kiann's official homepage.