Persian Sacred and Traditional Dance Workshops

Persian Sacred and Traditional Weekend Dance Intensive with Farima Berenji

Sema Gathering and Dance Performances

Friday April 15th, 7:30-10:30pm
An evening of dance performances, poetry, and Sufi whirling. We will start the evening with dance performances by our special guest Farima. Also, prepare to see performances by the Simorgh Dance Collective of Comox Valley and guest dancers. Following the dance performances, with Farima’s guidance we will learn personal and spiritual Sema (Sufi Whirling) as well as other turning practices, while listening to sacred poetry and music. Everyone welcome.

Dances of Azerbaijan

Saturday April 16th, 10:30am-4:30pm. Includes potluck lunch/Q&A 12:30-1:30pm.
We will take the legendary Silk Road to Azerbaijan and learn the history, culture, music, and costuming of Azerbaijan. The people of Azerbaijan are proud, rich in tradition, and are extremely melodious. Azeri dances are often performed at formal celebrations such as weddings and birthdays. Azerbaijani dances illustrate the nation and its people. They are distinguished by their quick tempo, optimism, and portrayal of bravery.

The workshop is followed by a series of fun choreographies such as the flower dance and saucer dance and, if time, Farima will teach some Kafkaz/Lezghi style dance! Please make sure to bring with you a set of thimbles and a set of teacup (small) saucers.

Healing Circle/Zikr

Saturday April 16th, 7:30-9:00pm
Farima will lead a healing circle/Zikr. All welcome.

Dance of the Seven Sacred Birds

Sunday April 17th, 10:30am-4:30pm. Includes potluck lunch/Q&A 12:30-1:30pm.
Dance styles, turns, and healing movements based on the seven sacred Indo-Iranian/Persian birds.
In ancient Persia, there were seven sacred animals, birds, and flowers believed to have carried the spirit of the Gods. In this workshop, students will learn to incorporate the movement, feeling, expression, and healing power of these birds and to discover their own spiritual bird!
Persian sacred dance is inspired by Persian poetry and miniature artwork. These enchanting movements and feelings come from a ancient past spanning 10,000 years. Numerous archeological antiquities and temples have been found that show the connection between animals and dance. These animals were a symbol of the power of life and represented as a spiritual instrument and these seven sacred birds each represented a certain Persian God or Goddess. These rituals and movements are considered the earliest known form of Persian dance and the origin of sacred dance.

Price

Full weekend dance intensive including Friday and Saturday evening events.
$175 before March 15th or $225 thereafter

Dance workshops, one day only 10:30PM-4:30PM (please specify Friday or Saturday)
$100 before March 15th or $125 thereafter

Registration

Register ONLINE WITH PAYPAL
OR
Register by mailing a cheque made out to: Cathy Stoyko, PO Box 1196, Cumberland B.C. V0R 1S0
OR
To register with cash or cheque at the Abbey Studio, bring payment to scheduled classes or call to arrange a drop off time: (250) 218-0704

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