Dear Friends,
A big thank you to all who joined my Los Angeles workshops, sema, and meditations, in dance, ritual, and divine movement last month. We had such a beautiful gathering. Thank you to all the devoted souls who attended. I look forward to facilitating similar sacred gatherings again soon.
This month and those coming will be full of author meet-and-greet events and book talks as I promote my new book Companions of the Sun. Within my book I share my meticulous research on Iranian/Persian rituals, mysticism, and sacred dance. I examine how these ancient practices shaped global music, dance, and spirituality to evolve into movements infused with mystical poetry, art, and storytelling. More than history, this book is a spiritual guide, revealing how sacred dance and whirling serve as meditative practices, aligning body and soul with the Divine. Look here for some of the online lectures or gatherings at libraries and bookshops for engaging talks and performances in support of this exceptional book. The book should be shipping by mid-September, but order an advance copy now for a pre-sale discount.
I am excited to be a featured panelist, artist, and workshop instructor at the World Arts West Festival this year on August 17 in Berkeley. The 2025 World Arts West Dance Festival will focus on the theme “Dance as Health and Healing,” exploring what constitutes a healthy community. Following a panel discussion of non-western sacred dance and healing (3-4:40pm) I will lead a mini-workshop on techniques of Sufi whirling, history, and theory. Read below for details. I look forward to seeing you there.
Finally, mark your calendars for next month when the Simorgh Dance Collective and I perform on-stage at the SpARC 2025 festival, a showcase of incredible South Bay dance talent September 20 at the Mexican Heritage Theater, San Jose.
Yours in dance,
Farima
There is a secret medicine given only to those who hurt so hard they can’t hope.
– Rumi