“Everything in dance is poetry. Every movement describes a story, a feeling. The dancer takes the audience into a world of fairy tales.” ~Farima Berenji
Farima Berenji returns to Comox Valley February 3-5, 2017 for dance performances, a sema gathering (Sufi whirling), zikr healing circle and two full days of dance workshops. On Saturday, Farima will teach Raqs-e-Pari (Dance of the Fairies), a veil/canopy dance. Sunday, we journey in dance along the legendary Silk Road to learn folkloric dances from Uzbekistan.
Registration is closed for Farima’s upcoming weekend intensive at the Abbey Studio in Cumberland.
Friday, Feb. 3rd, 2017
The Abbey Studio in Cumberland welcomes back international dance artist and scholar Farima Berenji for an evening of dance performances, poetry, and Sufi whirling. We will start the evening with Persian traditional, classical and sacred dance performances by Farima and Simorgh (Farima’s Comox Valley Dance Collective). Following the dance performances, with Farima’s guidance we will learn personal and spiritual Sema or Sufi whirling as well as other turning practices, while listening to sacred poetry and music. Feel free to bring a percussion instrument or poem to share. People that wish to participate in the Sema gathering are encouraged to wear white or light coloured clothing and socks or soft soled shoes are recommended for whirling.
Doors open at 7:30PM, performances 8PM-9PM, Sema gathering 9-10PM. Admission is by donation at the door, all welcome, suggested donation sliding scale $10-$15 (included when you register for the full weekend).
Saturday, Feb. 4th 11AM-4:30PM
In Persian folklore the ‘Pari’s’ were beautiful, fairy-like creatures that sometimes visited the realm of mortals. They are known to be the fairest creation of poetical imagination. They are hidden among the flowers or gardens in “Shahr Zarin” (Golden Land) and can be found in the world of angels. No description can equal the beauty of the female Pari and the highest compliment a Persian poet can pay a lady is to liken her to one of these lovely aerial beings. In this workshop we will enter the enchanting world of the Paris and learn the beautiful, gentle movements of Persian dance which portray fairy creatures using hand scarves, veils, and canopy to tell their magical stories. The workshop includes a background on history and costuming, followed by a beautiful fairy dance choreography. Please bring silk veils—large silk veils are best—and hand scarves. There will be some extras here at the studio to lend as well.
We will take a 1 hour break for potluck lunch and Q&A.
Saturday, Feb. 4th 7:30PM-9:30PM
On Saturday evening February 4th, Farima be leading a Zikr (healing circle). Zikr is a Sufi meditation practice which uses repetitive simple movements and rhythmic chanting as a form of devotion. This evening event is also open to everyone and is performed seated, either on the floor or on a chair making it accessible for those with mobility issues. No need to pre-register, suggested donation is $10 at the door.
Sunday, Feb. 5th 11AM-4:30PM
We will take the legendary Silk Road to Uzbekistan and learn about Central Asian dance traditions, culture, and history that have existed for two thousand years. These dances traded influences with the dances of India, China, Persia, Arabia and all the way to Europe. In this workshop you will get an introduction to various styles of Central Asian dance techniques mainly focusing on dances and styles from Uzbekistan. We will learn the beautiful facial expressions, hand and body movements and, various central Asians turns. We will sample various forms of Uzbek dances such as Bukharan, Ferghana, and Khorezm. The workshop will also include a short background history of culture, music, and costuming and will be followed by a fun choreography.
We will take a 1 hour break for a potluck lunch and Q&A.
Total price for the full weekend intensive (includes Friday evening event and dance workshops Sat. & Sun.):
$200 by Jan. 1st, 2017 or $225 thereafter.
Farima would prefer that students attend the full weekend intensive!
Fee for one day workshop:
$115 by Jan. 1st or $125 thereafter.
To secure your place in the weekend intensive, send a deposit of $100 to Cathy Stoyko. When your deposit has been received, your place will be held. The balance is due in cash on the first day of the workshops, by Sat. Feb. 4th, 2017 at the latest. Your deposit is nonrefundable. If the workshop sells out and there is a waiting list, we will do our best to fill your place and provide a refund.
To complete payment of deposit or payment:
Contact Cathy Stoyko at (250) 218-0704 or email cdstoyko@uniserve.com
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