Rose and the Nightingale

Love-Longing-Beloved
Sufi Dance Retreat, 3rd Edition

A 3-day intensive retreat with Sufi dance master and dance ethnologist Farima Berenji. Join Farima to venture deep into the heart through sacred circles and Sufi whirling practices. The retreat includes training in Sufi and mystical dance, ancient rituals, poetry (focus on the valley of love), music studies (understanding the Dastghah and Makhams of Sufi music), prayers, ancient mantras and Zikr based on the rotation of the Sun and Moon (Rose and Nightingale).

We will be taking the path to the ‘Valley of Love’ through training and lectures on the symbolism and changes of the meaning of Rose and Nightingale from ancient rituals, to the Golden Age of Islam.

The retreat by day will include:

• Element therapy and breathwork
• Meditation and Visualization
• Music therapy based on 7 Maghams (Iranian Sufi Music Modes)
• Basic whirling techniques for beginners (Turkish & Iranian)

with these nightly activities and healing ceremonies:

• Drum Circles, Zar, Gwati, and Zikr (Sufi Prayer and Indo-Iranian Shamanic Rituals and Medicine Dance)
• Sema Gathering and poetry reading Please poetry or a story of your own to share.
• Sohbat – Sufi talk based on the Seven Pathways of Love

About Farima

Farima Berenji is an Iranian-American scholar and dance ethnologist, an award winning internationally acclaimed dance artist, a choreographer, instructor, and an archaeologist specializing in ancient, sacred, classical, and folkloric dances of Persia, Ionia, and the Silk Road. She is a third generation artist—her devotion to the world of arts inspired by both her mother and grandmother as performing artists, poets, and musicians of Azerbaijani heritage. Farima has spent her lifetime studying Persian/Iranian and Central Asian dance, culture, and history. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology, she travels worldwide to lead people to the historic beauty and richness of Persia and the Silk Road culture and to aid them find inner bliss through dance, music, and spirituality. Read more…

About the Venue: Moonlight Farms and Resort

Our setting is a beautiful and magical farm and resort atop the mountains of Barouk near the Cedars, an amazing place in nature, combining the very best of comfort and tranquility—a paradise hideaway where seclusion meets exotic natural beauty. The resort is situated in El Barouk, in the district of Chouf. It is located 15 minutes from the historic Cedar forest. Designed to reflect the native culture, Moonlight Farms and Resort is a beautiful, rustic resort that benefits from a strongly defined sense of community and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. At its center lies a zoo that contains deer, lama, ostriches, rabbits, and more, plus a nearby horse pavilion. Moonlight Farms and Resort’s organically grown vegetables and fruits makes it a favorite place for health loving customers. The generous, devoted staff seeks to create magic moments to make your stay truly unforgettable. Read more…

Our retreat accommodations are beautifully-built wooden bungalows with outdoor sitting area and wooden pergolas.

Payment and Registration

Retreat fee: $250
A deposit of $100 sent by October 1st, 2019 will secure your registration. Balance to be paid upon arrival. No refunds.

Payment for the retreat includes all workshops and evening events for 3 days, 2 nights including homemade vegetarian meals and bungalow lodging (shared occupancy of 2, 4, and 6 people). Bungalows mainly have shared double beds.

Payment options:

• We can meet anywhere in Beirut and you can pay by cash
• Western Union (under the name: Suzan Talhouk – Beirut)

Hurry, reserve your spot. The retreat is limited to 21 registrants.

Contact

For coordination and questions contact us by

• WhatsApp: 009613686908
• Email: Susan Talhouk