Nowruz Dance Performances and Sema Gathering

Plan to join Farima, the Simorgh Dance Collective, and friends and celebrate the Persian New Year and Spring Equinox with dance performances followed by a Sema Gathering (Sufi Whirling) led by Farima.

Learn personal and spiritual Sema (Sufi Whirling) as well as other turning practices, while listening to sacred poetry and music. Feel free to bring a poem to share or play us your favorite musical instrument. Anyone may participate in the Sema Gathering, join the whirling, move in a circle, listen, or be present.

If you plan to whirl bring soft soled shoes or socks. It is suggested but optional to wear white or light clothing for Sema.

Doors open: 7PM
Dance performances: 7:30PM
Sema Gathering (Sufi Whirling) and Zikr: 8:30-10PM

Suggested donation $10 at the door, all welcome

The Abbey is wheelchair accessible and seating considerations have been made to support those with mobility issues.

Farima Berenji

Farima Berenji is a scholar and an award winning, internationally acclaimed performing artist, instructor, dance ethnologist, and archaeologist. Farima is a third generation artist, both her mother and grandmother were performing artists, poets, musicians and provided the foundation for Farima’s devotion to the world of arts. Her love and passion for dance and history has led her on an extraordinary life-long journey throughout the world, from her home countries Iran and Azerbaijan to other neighboring Silk Road countries such as Armenia, Kurdistan, and Turkey. Her scholarly background includes in-depth studies of dance, music, poetry, art, history, as well as mythology, and the ancient and spiritual traditions of Iran and Central Asia. Farima travels worldwide to perform and teach dance and wellness. Read more…

For more information call Cathy Stoyko at (250) 218-0704, or email cdstoyko@uniserve.com.