“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
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May 2019
Armenian Traditional Dance Workshop
Learn fun traditional and modern Armenian line dances, including some that have been influenced by Assyrian and Greek cultures. The dances will be taught by guest instructor Armen Gabrielian. All levels of skill are welcome. Price $25. Simorgh Dance Collective members receive a $5 discount. Register Armen Gabrielian Armen Gabrielian has more than 30 years of experience in folk dancing on the East Coast, in Southern California and more recently in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has attended four…
Find out more »Cultural & Mystical Tour of Iran
Cultural & Mystical Tour of Iran Discover Iran’s beautiful cultural heritage and mysticism of the Silk Road! Led by Farima Berenji, internationally recognized dance scholar and award-winning world dance choreographer and performer. This unique travel experience and opportunity focuses on the history, mysticism, art, music, and dance traditions of Iran and the Silk Road. Guests will study dance, poetry, music, history, and visit mystic and ancient sites. Destinations include Tehran, Yazd, Kashan, Isfahan, Shiraz, Qashqai and Bakhtiar Nomads, Persapolis, Pasarghad,…
Find out more »June 2019
Warriors of Light
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwbCOURXSYE?&theme=dark&autohide=1&modestbranding=1&showinfo=0&rel=0&w=560&h=315] DEADLINE FOR EARLY REGISTRATION ENDS APRIL 1 Farima Berenji is proud to present a five day dance workshop and tour of ancient temples and sacred sites from Edirne, Turkey to the Aegean coastline of mainland Greece. Learn the ancient dances, whirling and ritual practices of the Sufi Warriors and hear of their great stories. Our warrior journey will be an experience like no other. We will channel our inner warrior and learn to practice the sacred dances of…
Find out more »Sufi Dance Workshop
Join Farima Berenji for a four hour workshop in Sufi dance. Venture deep into your heart to meet your sacred self and learn various styles of Sufi whirling practices including breathing techniques and moving meditation. The workshop will be divided into two parts: Part I: Fundamentals, 10 am to 12 pm Breathing, basic techniques, and whirling exercises (beginners only). Part II: Advanced, 2 to 4 pm Moving meditation, breathing, and various styles of Sufi whirling theory. Lunch break will be…
Find out more »Whirling Workshop for Kids
Does your child like to spin? Join Farima Berenji for a 1 hour Sufi Workshop and venture deep into the heart to meet your sacred self! Many of us felt the exhilaration of spinning in circles as a child. Based on the centuries-old Sufi ritual known as whirling, spinning yourself about an axis can unite mind, heart and body. Your kids will learn spinning technique for sustained whirling without dizziness to fun kids' music in this energetic class designed to…
Find out more »Sufi Dance Workshop (Beginner/Intermediate)
"The desire to know your own soul will end all other desires ~Rumi Join Farima Berenji for a 2 hour Sufi Workshop and venture deep into the heart to meet your sacred self through various styles of Sufi whirling practices, breathing techniques, and moving meditations. Workshop suitable for beginners and intermediate level whirling for only $40. Registration Space is limited. To register kindly contact the Shatki Wellness Center at 70 803875 ~ 01 219597
Find out more »Dance of the Soul
Join Farima Berenji for a 3 day intensive retreat and venture deep into the heart through sacred circles and sufi whirling practices, practices based on the sacred number seven in Iranian mystical traditions and Sema rituals, Zikr (sufi prayers), and Shamanic healing, music, and sohbet (Sufi spiritual talk). Retreat and training will focus on Farima’s intensive breathwork technique, her unique whirling techniques, and styles based on the Seven Pathways of Love. The number seven has always been a sacred and…
Find out more »July 2019
Connecting with Sacred and Traditional Dance
A Lecture by Farima Berenji Internationally acclaimed dance artist, choreographer, and scholar Farima Berenji is passionate when she speaks of the role dance has played in her life. At her core, she believes dance rituals invoke healing and harmony. This was the legacy of these dances but over time, people have lost connection to them. She feels strongly that bringing these ancient rituals back to life will help bring positive change to our lives. Guests are cordially invited. Free will…
Find out more »Dance of the Soul Workshop
Discover the power and mystery of whirling as a gateway for self-growth and spiritual enlightenment through movement, music, and meditation. Inspired by nature, ancient Iranic rituals, the science of whirling, and the beautiful spiritual traditions of Sufism, join Farima to learn the essentials of whirling meditation including preparation, balance and posture, controlling dizziness, self-focus, breathwork, and more. Whirling in the practice of devotion, healing, and meditation originated thousands of years ago with the ancient Persians using it as way of…
Find out more »August 2019
Silk Road Bazaar and Fundraiser
Meet members of the Simorgh Dance Collective and take home some ethnic treasures from a Silk Road bazaar. Find specialty ethnic clothing, hand-made articles, veils, and jewelry for sale from our travels to Iran, Azerbaijan, Kurdistan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. Come browse for rare and unusual ethnic costume dresses, skirts, vests, jewelry, and more, vintage as well as new and unused, from our company collection. All proceeds help benefit the work of the Simorgh Dance Collective. Simorgh Dance Collective The Simorgh…
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