“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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March 2018
Journey of the Simorgh
A dance concert by the Simorgh Dance Collective of Alaska, adapted from the Persian epic Conference of the Birds by Farid ud-Din Attar. Featuring Persian sacred, classical, and folkloric dance choreographed by Farima Berenji. Admission includes ethnic dance performances, dinner, silent auction, and open dance floor. "It was in China, late one moonless night, The Simorgh first appeared to mortal sight. He let a feather float down through the air, And rumors of its fame spread everywhere." ~Farid ud-Din Attar…
Find out more »Sacred Spring Gathering
A sacred dance gathering with whirling, meditation, and poetry in nature celebrating the new life that surrounds us in nature. Lead by Farima to honor the Spring Equinox. Contact us for more details.
Find out more »Houston Nowruz Festival
The 11th Annual Houston Nowruz Festival is the largest Persian New Year celebration in the state of Texas. Featured artists include Kamyar, Hamid Talebzadeh, Nikita, DJ Alireza, and dance performances by Farima Berenji and the Simorgh Dance Collective. Tickets: $25 (if purchased in advance) and $30 at the door Nowruz Festival Tickets
Find out more »April 2018
Sufi Whirling Workshop
Learn the basic technique of Sufi whirling (Iranian and Turkish style), history, and theory. Farima’s teachings are based on Indo-Iranian ancient rituals, science of whirling, and the sacred geometry of whirling. We will learn essential techniques of whirling preparation, maintaining balance and posture, controlling dizziness, self-focus during turning, breath work, and more. For this workshop please wear comfortable clothing, whirling skirt (optional), socks or soft-soled shoes. Avoid eating a large meal 2 hours prior. Register online
Find out more »June 2018
Poetry in Motion
Where Movement Becomes Devotion An interpretive, improvisational, and devotional dance form inspired by mystical and classical Persian poetry. Persian poetry contains spiritual messages representing the Divine essence. The words in Persian poetry speak to us, revealing the emotion of our soul. Persian poetry is rhythmic—it has an essence of melody, which guides us to dance. The great Persian poets extolled dance in their poems to symbolize the power of life. Hafiz, Saadi, Omar Khayyam, Attar, and Rumi each represented dance…
Find out more »TEDxYYC Conference Lecture
TEDxYYC has spent eight years bringing some of the brightest and best minds to Calgary, and 2018 will continue the legacy of inspiration! You’re invited to join us for an important journey far beyond your known boundaries of thought at TEDxYYC 2018 on June 22. Farima Berenji will be guest speaker at this conference. Her topic: healing by dance. More details... Tickets
Find out more »Azerbaijani and Kafkaz Dance Workshop
Learn Azeri and Kafkaz dance styles in this 2hour dance workshop with master instructor, performer, and leading authority of Azeri dance: Dr. Gürbüz Aktaş. Dr. Aktaş will teach Azerbaijani men's and women's dance including the fast footwork, and some Lezginka. Both men and women may participate in this workshop. Dr. Aktaş is visiting from Turkey and will be here in the Bay Area only for a limited time. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a master! Registration Register online…
Find out more »Azerbaijani and Kafkaz Dance Workshop, Part 2
In the first part of this series, Dr. Gürbüz Aktaş presented a 2hr session of Azeri dance technique for men and women. By overwhelming request, this additional session to teach traditional Kafkaz dance style has been added before Dr. Aktaş leaves the Bay Area this weekend. Learn Kafkaz and review Azeri dance styles in this additional 1.5hour dance workshop with master instructor, performer, and leading authority of Azeri dance: Dr. Gürbüz Aktaş. Dr. Aktaş will teach men's and women's dance…
Find out more »Ancient Persian Shamanic Healing and Essential Oils Retreat
With Dance Scholar Farima Berenji and Essential Oil Specialist Anna Tao Join Farima Berenji, Sufi Dance Master and Magi (Iranian Shaman) and Essential Oils Specialist Anna for a day of self-care and rejuvenation! A one day healing retreat near the beach including Ancient Persian healing rituals, sacred dances, chanting and essential oils. Relax and experience the purification of your being on all levels: physical, mental, heart, soul, and spirit. Unite with the sacred elements and find improved connection to your…
Find out more »July 2018
Soul of the Sema
From Balkh to Khorasan – Summer Sufi Retreat in Armatlu, Turkey Metaphysical Movements, Rituals, Whirling and Music of the Mystics Join world renowned Sufi Dance Master and Dance Scholar Farima Berenji for a three day dance immersive retreat for whirling and Sufi traditions of Ancient Iran, Greater Khorasan (Land of the Rising Sun), Samarkand, and the Indus Valley. We will take on the path of the mystics, a journey of discovery, in space and time, reconnecting with our ancient ancestors.…
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