Farima Dance

Christmas and its Ancient Persian Tradition
2021-12-19 11:00 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center, 938 The Alameda, San Jose, CA, 95126, United States
A Lecture by Scholar and Ethnologist, Farima Berenji
We have always known of Christmas on December 25th, with a traditional decorated tree, candles, and gifts. Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ yet its rituals and traditions far precede that time. Unquestionably, our ancestors adopted the rituals from an ancient Iranian pagan religion known as Mithraism, a form of nature worship based on the Sun God/Goddess Mithra.
On the darkest night of the year (December 20 or 21) legend has it Mithra gives birth to “Light” causing each day thereafter to grow longer until the Summer solstice. In this lecture learn of the remarkable parallels between ancient Mithraism beliefs and rituals to those of Christmas today.
Hosted by the Center for Creative Living, the program starts at 11am with a song, prayer, meditation, and announcements. Farima will be introduced and speak 30 to 40 minutes.
Park in the Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Center parking lot and enter through the gate in the back. Do not go to the front door, enter through the gate in the back, show proof of vaccination, and wear a mask.
Farima Berenji
Farima Berenji is an award winning, internationally acclaimed performing artist, instructor, choreographer, and dance ethnologist. A master instructor and performer in Persian and Sufi dance, she specializes in ancient, sacred, classical, and folkloric dances of Persia and Central Asia. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective, founder of Dance of the Soul, she is the advisory council member of Mosaic America, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO), Eastern Arts, National Folk Organization, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology, she travels worldwide to record, research, lecture, perform, educate, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more…

Yalda: A Festival of Light
2021-12-21 19:30 - 22:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Join us for an evening celebrating Yalda (winter solstice), the longest night of the year.
Shab-e Yalda (Yalda Night) is the Persian Winter Solstice Celebration on the eve of the Winter Solstice. The Persians believed that this night is the night of the birth of Ahura Mazda and Mithra, Persian God of Light and Truth.
The longest and darkest night of the year is a time when friends and family gather together to eat, drink and read poetry (especially Hafez) and Shahnameh until well after midnight. Fruits and nuts are eaten and pomegranates and watermelons are particularly significant. The red color in these fruits symbolizes the crimson hues of dawn and glow of life. The poems of Divan-e Hafez, which can be found in the bookcases of most Iranian families, are read or recited on various occasions such as this festival and Nowruz. Shab-e Yalda was officially added to Iran’s List of National Treasures in a special ceremony in 2008. Yalda is observed in Iran, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, by Iraqi Kurdistan, and in Turkey by Kurds and Azeris.
Presented by Eastern Arts and the Simorgh Dance Collective, this second annual online gathering will be accompanied by traditional music, dance, poetry reading, presentations, quizzes, stories, and more!
All are welcome. Please register in advance to obtain a link to the online presentation.
Register
Please consider making a donation at http://donate.farimadance.com to support our artists below
Artists
Simorgh Dance Collective
Simorgh Dance Collective The Simorgh Dance Collective is a world community of artists devoted to cross-cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration through traditional, classical, and sacred dance styles of the Silk Road. The Collective currently has member companies and artist affiliations in Alaska, British Columbia, Turkey, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Read more..
Eastern Arts
Eastern Arts Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Eastern Arts is a non-profit organization of dancers, artists, musicians, and scholars who present the folkways and traditions of many lands and peoples. Eastern Arts originated in 1960 and has been active internationally presenting dance and music of lands from Asia to North Africa, from India to the Balkans in concerts, workshops, publications, audio and video productions.
Farima Berenji
Farima Berenji Farima Berenji is an award winning, internationally acclaimed performing artist, instructor, choreographer, and dance ethnologist. A master instructor and performer in Persian and Sufi dance, she specializes in ancient, sacred, classical, and folkloric dances of Persia and Central Asia. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective, founder of Dance of the Soul, she is the advisory council member of Mosaic America, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO), Eastern Arts, National Folk Organization, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology, she travels worldwide to record, research, lecture, perform, educate, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more..

Seyed Salman Hosseini
Seyed Salman Seyed Salman Hosseini possesses a bachelor degree in music ethnology and is an Iranian traditional music researcher, composer and a master musician of tambour, setar, tar, and rebab. He directs the traditional Persian music ensemble Cherikeh which has been performing sacred and traditional music for many years. Seyed has produced many albums including Javdanegni and Tabeh Ghaleh. He is the music director and composer for films such as Song of God and Gadam Yar. Seyed has composed and performed more than 40 concerts and TV programs including composing music for national broadcasts of Iran. He has performed professionally in Iran, Germany, Syria, and the Iraqi Kurdistan region. Additionally, he is a Sufi master and has his own school of music and mysticism.

Nariman Assadi
Nariman Assadi Nariman Assadi was born in Hamedan, Iran on January 1, 1992. Raised in Tehran, he always felt drawn to percussion instruments. At the age of thirteen, he began studying tombak under Master Amir Mogharab Samadi. From 2008 to 2013, Nariman performed at Vahdat Hall as a soloist and with the Persian Percussion Ensemble at Pars Academy, the premier music academy for children. After mastering tombak, he then began learning Daf under the great Master Bijan Kamkar. With a strong understanding of the daf and tombak, Nariman started learning barbat (Oud) under Master Mohammad Firouzi.
In 2015, Nariman immigrated to the United States. He immediately began his professional music career by performing and attending festivals. In 2017, he started learning percussion performance and world music with Professor Daniel Kennedy at Sacramento State University. Along with being a member of various ensembles, Nariman teaches daf, tombak, other percussions, and music for children in Davis, Sacramento, and the Bay Area. He also offers music classes and workshops online. Read more..
Dr. Lloyd Miller
Dr. Lloyd Miller Dr. Lloyd Miller received his PhD in Persian Language and Literature from the University of Utah after spending seven years living in Iran where he had a weekly prime time television program titled “Kurosh Ali Khan va dastan”. His program featured musicians and other artists from around the world. Lloyd was urged to leave Iran during the revolution in the late 70s, though he had never planned to leave. An expert in world music including American jazz, Lloyd has made numerous recordings. The most popular being “Oriental Jazz” first released in 1968 and recently re-released by Vinyl Me Please selling thousands of copies worldwide. A film about Lloyd’s extraordinary life, including 6 years in Europe as a jazzman and university student where he played with some of the most well-known musicians of the time, was released in 2019 as Sufi, Saint & Swinger. It was in Paris that Lloyd met Dr. Daryush Safvat who became his lifelong mentor and who taught Lloyd the importance and significance of Persian classical music. Founder of Eastern Arts, with the blessing of Dr. Safvat, Lloyd has taught music, philosophy, history, dance and culture to thousands of students at various universities for over 40 years. Read more…
Katherine St. John
Katherine St. John Katherine St. John received a Master’s degree in dance pedagogy from Brigham Young University and a Master’s in Persian from the University of Utah and completed coursework for a PhD in dance history and theory from the University of California. Katherine has performed and choreographed for theater, dance companies, operas and at universities for 30 plus years. She was an artist in residence teaching world dance to students throughout Utah and neighboring states for 20 years. Her Master’s thesis is about dance in Herat Afghanistan from 1970-1980 during Russian interference. Read more..
and others…

Sepandārmazgān: The Day of Love
2022-02-27 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Sepandārmazgān was a day when women rested and men had to bring them gifts. Learn of the history and origins of Sepandārmazgān, the Persian festival of love, in this enchanting one hour lecture by Persian Scholar Farima Berenji.
Sepandārmazgān is dedicated to Spenta Armaiti also known as “Diana” the Persian Goddess of love, beauty, and desire. The day Diana was born, February 24th, is known as the “Spendarmad,” which means “Day of Love.” This day is the annual celebration to honor the female being and mother earth. According to Iranian scholar al-Biruni, it was a day where women rested and men had to bring them gifts. The observation of this ancient festival has been revived in modern Iran as a celebration day of love towards mothers and wives.
Listen as Farima explains what the festival represents and its legacy, as well as the mythological origins of the Goddess of Love. Learn of the ancient festival’s rituals and those customs that are celebrated today. Invite your sweetheart and join us for fun in a tribute to the Iranian day of love.
Dr. Mehravar Sorush Kaboli We are also very privileged to have Dr. Mehravar Sorush Kaboli as guest speaker. Dr. Sorush Kaboli is a scholar of Iranic Studies and Mythology and Zoroastrianism. Her doctoral thesis was on the Gathas of Zoroaster.
Register

Ancient Wisdoms: Mithraism, Zoroastrianism, and our Cultural Roots
2022-03-08 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Mithrasim, Zoroastrianism, and our cultural roots
The roots of mystical thinking were found in ancient Iran. The philosophy of Iranian mysticism by nature fosters adoption of other cultures. It is not based on a single source but is based on many, and that philosophy traveled to emerge among many civilizations.

Many of today’s modern holidays, festivals, religious traditions, dance, and even children’s fairy tales or Hollywood movies have been based upon the myths and beliefs of the ancient Persian religions of Mithraism and Zoroastrianism. This lecture by Farima reveals some of the mysteries of these religions and how they shaped our modern culture, beliefs, and traditions.
Register

Naw-Ruz Festival
2022-03-20 11:00 - 12:15 (America/Los_Angeles) | Cultural Integration Fellowship, 2650 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA, 94118, United States
Cultural Integration Fellowship Spring Celebration of the Naw-Ruz Festival, The Baha’i New Year
Please join us for a presentation hosted by Nushin Mavaddat and Baha’i friends celebrating the Spring renewal in the worlds of nature, ideas, and spirit. Farima Berenji is one of the guest presenters in this online celebration.
Dr. Elena’s talk, The Spiritual Psychology of Unity and Healing, will explore the understanding of reality and the skills needed in order to develop right relationships to ourselves, others, and society in this new and historic era of the emergence of planetary unity.
Guests are cordially invited
Meeting ID: 865 5877 5442; Passcode: [REDACTED] One tap mobile: 616699009120 065507754420 US (San Jose)

Caravan of Mystics Sufi Retreat Mistikler Kervanı-Sufi İnzivası
2022-05-06 - 2022-05-09 | Yalıköy Koru Restaurant & Otel, İstanbul Çatalca Yalıköy Şahintepe Caddesi,, Çatalca/İstanbul, Kırklareli, 34560, Turkey
Music and Sema Workshops, Zikr, Sema Gathering, Sacred Circles, Sohbet

With Yarsan Pir (Master) Seyed Salman Hosseini, Sufi Dance Master, Farima Berenji, and musicians and teachers Evren Evin, Evan Phillips, Hatice Gülbahar Hepsev and others…
UPDATE: Master Seyed Vessal Hosseini from Iran (vocalist), the amazing Fatih Kocer from Turkey (vocalist and musician), and Dr. Reza Alizadeh, scholar and professor of spiritually and mysticism in Konya have joined our Caravan!
Join us for three days and two nights of ancient wisdom, dance, music, whirling and healing ritual practices of the Anatolian, Khorasan, and Yarsanai mystics. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to experience and discover the ancient roots of mysticism, to connect with your inner Divine, and to learn sacred music and dance from internationally acclaimed artists and scholars.
Note registrants may now stay until Monday morning May 9.
Retreat includes:

In-depth studies of the origin/roots of mysticism and Sufism of Khorasan and Yarsan.
Turkish, Khorasani, and Yarsani Zikr, poetry, sema and semah (Shams Sema, Rast Sema, Yarsan Sema)
Music workshops and studies of Yarsani and Iranian Sufi makhams with daf, ney, and tanbour.
Sunrise Zikr and meditation.
Sohbet (Sufi discussion) by Pir Salman Hosseini of Yarsan Order of Iran and Farima Berenji

Our setting is the beautiful Koru Retreat Center, located in a small coastal village of Yalıköy in Kırlareli, Turkey, in the European part of Turkey about 70km from the Istanbul Airport. See map below and visit the venue web site for more details.
Payment and Rules
$375 – Early-bird price until April 10, 2022
$450 – After April 10, 2022
Payment does not include transaction fees or visa fees. Payment may also be by Paypal or other methods. Contact us for details.
Online Registration
Space limited. Registration required. Register early to ensure your spot and obtain a discount.
A refund is given if for any reason the retreat is canceled.
Contact us for a full list of activities, schedule, and questions on registration prior to the start of the retreat.
Payment Includes

Shared lodging in beautiful cabins
Breakfast and dinner. Lunch is not provided but there are plenty of restaurants, grocery stores, and a cafe nearby, or you may use the common area to make your own lunch or use the retreat cafe or restaurant.
Daily refreshments and snacks. Tea, coffee, and water are always at your  disposal.
All music and dance workshops

Payment Does NOT Include

Visa fees (based on your departure country)
Airfare
Personal transportation or taxi fees
Personal expenses or extra stay
Personal sightseeing
Extra food and drink not included on the menu
Tips or extra services you may require

Contact us for more info and registration.
Faculty

Seyed Salman Hosseini
Seyed Salman
Pir Seyed Salman Hosseini (Sufism, Sufi music, maqams, tanbur) possesses a bachelor degree in music ethnology and is an Iranian traditional music researcher, composer and a master musician of tambour, setar, tar, and rebab. He directs the traditional Persian music ensemble Cherikeh which has been performing sacred and traditional music for many years. Seyed has produced many albums including Javdanegni and Tabeh Ghaleh. He is the music director and composer for films such as Song of God and Gadam Yar. Seyed has composed and performed more than 40 concerts and TV programs including composing music for national broadcasts of Iran. He has performed professionally in Iran, Germany, Syria, and the Iraqi Kurdistan region. Additionally, he is a Sufi master and has his own school of music and mysticism.

Farima Berenji
Farima Berenji Farima Berenji (Director and master classes) is an award winning, internationally acclaimed performing artist, instructor, choreographer, and dance ethnologist. A master instructor and performer in Persian and Sufi dance, she specializes in ancient, sacred, classical, and folkloric dances of Persia and Central Asia. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective, founder of Dance of the Soul, she is the advisory council member of Mosaic America, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO), Eastern Arts, National Folk Organization, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology, she travels worldwide to record, research, lecture, perform, educate, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more..

Evren Evin
Evren Evin

Evan Phillips
Evan Phillips

Hatice Gülbahar Hepsev
Hatice Gülbahar Hepsev

Also Dr. Reza Alizadeh, scholar and professor of spiritually and mysticism in Konya, Master Seyed Vessal Hosseini from Iran (vocalist) and the amazing Fatih Kocer from Turkey (vocalist and musician).

Mistikler Kervanı-Sufi İnzivası
Müzik ve Sema Uygulamaları, Zikir, Sema Buluşması, Zikir Halkaları, Sohbet
6-9 Mayıs 2022, Kırklareli
Pir Üstad Yarsan Seyed Salman Hossaini, Sufi Dans Hocası Farima Berenji ile müzisyenler Evren Evin, Evan Philips, Hatice Gülbahar Hepsev ve daha niceleri…
Anadolu, Horosan ve Yaresan’ın kadim bilgeliğini, danslarını, müziğini, sema ve şifa ritüelleri çalışmalarını hayata geçirececeğimiz üç gün ve iki gecelik programımıza katılımınızı bekleriz. Uluslararası alanda kendini kanıtlamış sanatçı ve öğretmenlerden; mistisizmin kadim köklerini tecrübe etme ve keşfetme, içsel sezgilerinizle bağlantı kurma ve kutsal müzikleri öğrenme fırsatını kaçırmayın.
İnzivanın İçeriği:

Mistisizmin kökenleri, Horosan ve Yaresan Sufismi ile ilgili derinlemesine çalışmalar
Türk, Horosan ve Yaresan zikirleri, şiirleri, sema ve semahlar (Şems Seması, Rast Sema, Yaresan Sema)
Müzik uygulamaları; def, ney ve tamburla Yaresan pratikleri ve İran Sufi müziği makamları
Gündoğumu zikri ve meditasyonu
İran Yaresan Öğretisine mensup Üstad Salman Hosseini ve Farima Berenji ile sufizm üzerine sohbetler

Programımız Kırklareli’nde küçük bir sahil köyünün huzurlu bir korusunda yer alan Yalıköy Koru-Beach Resort’ta gerçekleşecek.
Ödeme ve Kurallar
Konaklama, yemekler vs dahil toplam fiyat: 1700
Katılım sınırlıdır. Rezervasyon gereklidir. İnziva herhangi bir nedenle iptal edilirse geri ödeme yapılır.
İnziva başlamadan önce faaliyetlerin tam listesi, programı ve kaydı için bizimle iletişime geçin.
Bilgiler:

Erken kayıt indiriminden yararlanmak için ödemeyi öndecen yapmak gerekiyor. Geç ödemeler dolar versiyonu üzerinden olacaktır.
Erken Kayıt avantajı 15 Nisan’a kadar geçerlidir.
Etkinlik iptal olursa geri ödeme yapılacaktır.
Ödeme için Evan Philips’le irtibata geçiniz.

Ücrete Dahil Olanlar:

Şirin Pansiyonlarda Ortak Konaklama
Kahvaltı ve Akşam Yemeği. (Öğle Yemeği tarafımızdan sağlanmayacaktır. Fakat yakınlardaki çok sayıda restoran, bakkal ve kafeyi kullanabilir veya kendi öğle yemeğinizi yapmak için ortak alandan faydalanabilir ya da bulunduğumuz işletmenin kafesini veya restoranını kullanabilirsiniz).
Günlük içecekler ve atıştırmalıklar. Çay, kahve ve su sınırsızdır.
Tüm müzik dinletileri ve dans atölyeleri

Ücrete Dahil Olmayanlar

Vize ücretleri
Uçak bileti ücreti
Kişisel ulaşım ve taksi ücretleri
Kişisel harcamalar ve fazla konaklama
Kişisel geziler
Menüde olmayan ekstra yiyecek ve içecekler
Bahşişler ve ihtiyaç duyabileceğiniz ekstra hizmetler

Ulaşım
Gidiş-Geliş servis ücreti: 300
Daha fazla bilgi için lütfen bizimle iletişime geçin: Evan Phillips (evanjanos@gmail.com) 0535 898 28 60.

The Lioness
2022-12-04 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Legends of the Ancient Iranic Female Warriors and Commanders
In ancient Persia, women were considered living goddesses and many had important positions in court of law, ministries, military, state departments, and other official administrative positions. Many ancient Persian cities and states were ruled by women and had their army under full control of female commanders. They were known to be great warriors, had great sword skills, and went into battle side by side with their king or husband. The significant role of women in ancient Iran both horrified and fascinated the ancient Greek and Roman male-dominated societies.
In this lecture Farima will present the history and legends of:

The ancient Iranic empresses, Hamazons (Amazon warriors), and commanders.
Ardalans – “The Mighty Fighters” and great horseback riders
Sarmatians and Scythians – The great spear fighters and women archers.
Hazarabam – Known for their great sword skills and famously known as the “Immortal Army.”
The role of women in the epic book of the Shahnahmeh (The Book of Kings)

Free for those taking the full Warriors of Light workshop.
Register
Farima Berenji
Farima Berenji is an award winning, internationally acclaimed performing artist, instructor, choreographer, and dance ethnologist. A master instructor and performer in Persian and Sufi dance, she specializes in ancient, sacred, classical, and folkloric dances of Persia and Central Asia. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective, founder of Dance of the Soul, she is the advisory council member of Mosaic America, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO), Eastern Arts, National Folk Organization, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology, she travels worldwide to record, research, lecture, perform, educate, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more…

Quest of the Magi
2022-12-11 11:00 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center, 938 The Alameda, San Jose, CA, 95126, United States
A Lecture by Scholar and Ethnologist, Farima Berenji
Learn the little known background of the Persian Magi who journeyed toward the sacred star on Christmas in this delightful holiday lecture by Farima Berenji. There are many stories of the Magi. Were the Persian Magi priests, a coven of sorcerers, or a class of highly educated and honored physicians, astronomers, engineers, and scientists who allied with their beliefs sought to help humankind? Farima will help unshroud the mystery of the Magi for their origins, life, and beliefs.
Hosted by the Center for Creative Living, the program starts at 11am with a song, prayer, meditation, and announcements. Farima will be introduced and speak 30 to 40 minutes.
Park in the Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Center parking lot and enter through the gate in the back. Do not go to the front door, enter through the gate in the back.
Farima Berenji
Farima Berenji is an award winning, internationally acclaimed performing artist, instructor, choreographer, and dance ethnologist. A master instructor and performer in Persian and Sufi dance, she specializes in ancient, sacred, classical, and folkloric dances of Persia and Central Asia. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective, founder of Dance of the Soul, she is the advisory council member of Mosaic America, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO), Eastern Arts, National Folk Organization, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology, she travels worldwide to record, research, lecture, perform, educate, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more…

Yalda: Calling in the Light
2022-12-21 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Join us for an evening gathering sharing stories, poetry, and more for Yalda, the winter solstice. This year we dedicate our evening with prayers and sacred rituals honoring the bravery of the Iranian people who are facing a long period of unrest. Feel free to share stories or poetry during this third annual online Yalda gathering. Together let us bring back the light and call in peace and unity.
Shab-e Yalda (Yalda Night) is the Persian Winter Solstice Celebration on the eve of the Winter Solstice. The Persians believed that this night is the night of the birth of Ahura Mazda and Mithra, Persian God of Light and Truth.
The longest and darkest night of the year is a time when friends and family gather together to eat, drink and read poetry (especially Hafez) and Shahnameh until well after midnight. Fruits and nuts are eaten and pomegranates and watermelons are particularly significant. The red color in these fruits symbolizes the crimson hues of dawn and glow of life. The poems of Divan-e Hafez, which can be found in the bookcases of most Iranian families, are read or recited on various occasions such as this festival and Nowruz. Shab-e Yalda was officially added to Iran’s List of National Treasures in a special ceremony in 2008. Yalda is observed in Iran, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, by Iraqi Kurdistan, and in Turkey by Kurds and Azeris.
All are welcome. Please register in advance to obtain a link to the online presentation.
Please consider making a donation at http://donate.farimadance.com to support our work.

State of the County 2023
2023-01-31 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | County of Santa Clara Office, 70 West Hedding Street, San Jose, CA, 95110, United States
The annual State of the County held by the Santa Clara County Supervisors includes 2023 State of the County address by Santa Clara County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg. The event celebrates our community with

Dance performances by Mosaic America and the Simorgh Dance Collective
Music with the Lincoln High School Orchestra
Student Art Gallery Exhibition by ArtHouse
Santa Clara County Office of Education Alternative Education Department
Silicon Valley Creates
Reception by Zanotto’s Markets

Sepandārmazgān: The Day of Love
2023-02-19 11:30 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Sepandārmazgān was a day when women rested and men had to bring them gifts. Learn of the history and origins of Sepandārmazgān, the Persian festival of love, with Scholar Farima Berenji. This enchanting one hour program includes lecture on the origins of the Day of Love, ritual dances honoring Goddess Diana, Iranian Goddess of Love, and instructions for mixing an ancient Iranian “love” potion based on an ancient Iranian recipe.
Sepandārmazgān is dedicated to Spenta Armaiti also known as “Diana” the Persian Goddess of love, beauty, and desire. The day Diana was born, February 24th, is known as the “Spendarmad,” which means “Day of Love.” This day is the annual celebration to honor the female being and mother earth. According to Iranian scholar al-Biruni, it was a day where women rested and men had to bring them gifts. The observation of this ancient festival has been revived in modern Iran as a celebration day of love towards mothers and wives.
Listen as Farima explains what the festival represents and its legacy, as well as the mythological origins of the Goddess of Love. Learn of the ancient festival’s rituals and those customs that are celebrated today. Follow us online as we prepare a healthy “love” potion based on an ancient Iranian recipe.
Invite your sweetheart and join us for fun in a tribute to the Iranian day of love.

Register and contact us in advance and you will receive an ingredients list in order to prepare the ancient Iranian “love” potion as we do online.
Register

Rituals, Dances, and Samas in Ancient Iran
2023-05-24 17:30 - 19:30 (Asia/Tehran) | International East Music Center
Lecture online and on-site by Dr. Farima Berenji.
Registration: http://www.eroidad.com

Caravan of Mystics Sufi Retreat
2023-06-02 - 2023-06-12 | Metanoia Wellness and Retreat Center, Baakline, Lebanon
Music and Sema Workshops, Zikr, Sema Gathering, Sacred Circles, Sohbet
Sacred dance, music, and mysticism workshops with masters Farima Berenji, Pir Salman Hosseni, Pir Darush Hosseni, Evan Phillips, and more.
Discover the magic of Metanoia Wellness and Retreat Center nestled in the heart of the Chouf Nature Reserve. Accommodation, high-quality food, and transportation included.
Join us for one or two weeks (June 2 – 5 and June 9 – 12) of ancient wisdom, dance, music, whirling and healing ritual practices of the Anatolian, Khorasan, and Yarsanai mystics. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to experience and discover the ancient roots of mysticism, to connect with your inner Divine, and to learn sacred music and dance from internationally acclaimed artists and scholars.
Retreat includes:

In-depth studies of the origin/roots of mysticism and Sufism of Khorasan and Yarsan.
Turkish, Khorasani, and Yarsani Zikr, poetry, sema and semah (Shams Sema, Rast Sema, Yarsan Sema)
Music workshops and studies of Yarsani and Iranian Sufi makhams with daf, ney, and tanbour.
Sunrise Zikr and meditation.
Sohbet (Sufi discussion) by Pir Salman Hosseini of Yarsan Order of Iran and Farima Berenji

More details…
Contact us for more info and registration. Limited availability.
+961 71 678 794
Faculty

Pir Salman Hosseini
Seyed Salman
Pir Seyed Salman Hosseini (Sufism, Sufi music, maqams, tanbur) possesses a bachelor degree in music ethnology and is an Iranian traditional music researcher, composer and a master musician of tambour, setar, tar, and rebab. He directs the traditional Persian music ensemble Cherikeh which has been performing sacred and traditional music for many years. Seyed has produced many albums including Javdanegni and Tabeh Ghaleh. He is the music director and composer for films such as Song of God and Gadam Yar. Seyed has composed and performed more than 40 concerts and TV programs including composing music for national broadcasts of Iran. He has performed professionally in Iran, Germany, Syria, and the Iraqi Kurdistan region. Additionally, he is a Sufi master and has his own school of music and mysticism.

Farima Berenji
Farima Berenji Farima Berenji (Director and master classes) is an award winning, internationally acclaimed performing artist, instructor, choreographer, and dance ethnologist. A master instructor and performer in Persian and Sufi dance, she specializes in ancient, sacred, classical, and folkloric dances of Persia and Central Asia. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective, founder of Dance of the Soul, she is the advisory council member of Mosaic America, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO), Eastern Arts, National Folk Organization, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology, she travels worldwide to record, research, lecture, perform, educate, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more..

Evan Phillips
Evan Phillips

Connecting with the Elements Retreat
2023-10-19 - 2023-10-23 | Metanoia Wellness and Retreat Center, Baakline, Lebanon
Music and Sema Workshops, Zikr, Sema Gathering, Sacred Circles, Sohbet

Join us on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and healing at Metanoia Retreat Center, Lebanon for five days of immersion of heart centric prayer and movement medicine. We will open the portal to a deeper space of healing and transformation. Your day will be filled with 6 hrs of ancient Persian and Central Asian sacred healing rituals and whirling, sacred dance, meditation, intensive training in metaphysical practices and yoga.
With Dr. Farima Berenji, Professor of Mysticism, Sufi Master/Reverend and Doctor of Metaphysics
Fire, Water, Earth, and Air are considered so valuable in Persian mystic and Sufi tradition. Among the four elements, Fire is the most holy element as it pervades the entire creation. Ancient Persian culture revered the Elements as the basic building blocks of the universe. The mystic beliefs from early times attribute the interactions between the elements as the cause of development for everything in the universe. Each element is of spiritual growth and vibrations of the root energy. Each element contains 7 sacred elements within it self that connect us to our spirit or one with the Wheel of Mitra (Divine Light). The symbolism of the four elements is found in the Tree of Life, the four directions, the four seasons, and the four Archangels.
Retreat includes:

Sharing Circle and Lecture
Dance Medicine and Healing Circles
Connection, Visualization and Breathing Meditation
Poetry, Music, Iranian Zikr (Prayers and Remembrance), and Sama (Sufi Whirling)
Sightseeing or Rest (your option)

Our setting is the beautiful Metanoia Retreat and Wellness Center, Lebanon. Secluded in lush forest, free from civilization’s grasp, experience the pure, healing embrace of nature within nearly 2,500 square miles of pure tranquility.
Payment and Rules
$600 – Early-bird price until September 18, 2023
$700 – After September 18, 2023
Payment does not include transaction fees or visa fees. Payment may be by Paypal or other methods. Contact us for details.
Online Registration
Space limited. Registration required. Register early to ensure your spot and obtain a discount.
A refund is given if for any reason the retreat is canceled.
Contact us for questions prior to the start of the retreat.
Payment Includes

Shared lodging in beautiful cabins
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, except as noted in the retreat schedule
Daily refreshments and snacks. Tea, coffee, and water are always at your  disposal.
All healing and dance workshops

Payment Does NOT Include

Visa fees (based on your departure country)
Airfare
Transportation or taxi fees
Personal expenses or extra stay
Personal sightseeing
Extra food and drink not included on the menu
Tips or extra services you may require

Retreat Schedule
Come with an open heart and please be receptive to what comes up for you.

Day
Timeline

Thursday
Air – An uplifting session in finding softness and length in the body and connecting with a sense of lightness.
Breakfast – Welcome
-Sharing Circle and Lecture
-Connection, Visualization and Breathing Meditation: Air
-Dance Medicine and Healing Circles: Silence – Calling the Angel of Air.
Lunch
-The Ouj – Earth to Sky: Mystical Dances, Rituals, and Whirling based on Air.
Dinner
Sacred Circle Gathering: Poetry, Music, and Iranian Zikr (Prayers and Remembrance) and Sama (Sufi Whirling).

Friday
Water – This session focuses on extension, the fluid flow of complete range of motion movements.
Breakfast
-Sharing Circle and Lecture
-Connection, Visualization and Breathing Meditation: Water
-Dance Medicine and Healing Circle: Solitude, Water Therapy, Calling the Angel of Water.
Lunch
-The Moj – The Waves and Frequencies: Mystical Dances, Rituals, and Whirling based on Water
Dinner
-Sacred Circle Gathering: Poetry, Music, and Iranian Zikr (Prayers and Remembrance) and Sama (Sufi Whirling)

Saturday
Rest or Sightseeing Option
Breakfast
-Sightseeing – Fun Day
Dinner and Free time

Sunday
Fire – A high intensity session to invigorate the senses, make you sweat and connect you with the power and energy that burns inside you.
Breakfast
-Sharing Circle and Lecture
-Connection, Visualization and Breathing Meditation: Fire
-Dance Medicine and Healing Circle: Fire Rituals, Gwati (Ancient Iranian Healing Dance) and Gazing – Calling on the Angel of Fire.
Lunch
-Fana – The Ecstatic Realm: Mystical Dances, Rituals, and Whirling based on Fire
-The Calling: Farima’s Unique Healing Mediation Ritual based on the 7 Senses and the 7 Sacred Realm.
Dinner
-Sacred Circle Gathering: Poetry, Music, and Iranian Zikr (Prayers and Remembrance) and Sama (Sufi Whirling)

Monday
Earth – a grounding and stabilizing view of posture and movement that generates from natural energy relationship between your body, your heart center and the earth beneath your feet.
Breakfast
-Sharing Circle and Lecture
-Connection, Visualization and Breathing Meditation: Fire
-Yoga Session
Lunch
-Forud – The Return and Awakening: Mystical Dances, Rituals, and Whirling based on Earth
-Dance Medicine and Healing Circle: Heart Connection and Stone Therapy – Calling on the Angel of Earth.
-Ancient Iranian Sun Set Ritual based on the 4 Elements
Dinner
-The Wheel of Mitra – Ancient Prayer and Mystical Circle Dance of Unification and Purification.
-Closing Ceremony

Tuesday
Option – People may stay or leave

Farima Berenji
Farima Berenji Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions, Sufism, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning, internationally acclaimed performing artist, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden, the EU, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts, founder of Dance of the SoulTM, advisory council member of Mosaic America, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO), National Folk Organization member, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology, she travels worldwide to research, lecture, perform, educate, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more..

A Storytelling of the Simorgh
2023-12-13 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Asian Art Museum, SF, 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
The annual Storyteller Holiday Party at the Asian Art Museum will feature storytelling thru dance with the story of the Simorgh. With dance performances by Farima Berenji and the Simorgh Dance Collective.
The Simurgh is a mythical flying creature in Iranian or Persian mythology that’s regarded as a benevolent and generous creature. Read more…

Christmas and its Ancient Persian Tradition
2023-12-17 11:00 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center, 938 The Alameda, San Jose, CA, 95126, United States
A Lecture by Scholar and Ethnologist, Dr. Farima Berenji
We have always known of Christmas on December 25th, with a traditional decorated tree, candles, and gifts. Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ yet its rituals and traditions far precede that time. Unquestionably, our ancestors adopted the rituals from an ancient Iranian pagan religion known as Mithraism, a form of nature worship based on the Sun God/Goddess Mithra.
On the darkest night of the year (December 20 or 21) legend has it Mithra gives birth to “Light” causing each day thereafter to grow longer until the Summer solstice. In this lecture learn of the remarkable parallels between ancient Mithraism beliefs and rituals to those of Christmas today.
Hosted by the Center for Creative Living, the program starts at 11am with a song, prayer, meditation, and announcements. Farima will be introduced and speak 30 to 40 minutes. A sacred dance performance will follow in honor of light.
Park in the Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Center parking lot and enter through the gate in the back. Do not go to the front door.
The program will be broadcast on Zoom. Please join or register using the following invitation:
Join by Zoom
Meeting ID: 217 611 8333
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Please remember to send a donation to the Center for Creative Living so they can keep the doors open. More details…
Farima Berenji
Farima Berenji Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions, Sufism, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning, internationally acclaimed performing artist, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden, the EU, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts, founder of Dance of the SoulTM, advisory council member of Mosaic America, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO), National Folk Organization member, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology, she travels worldwide to research, lecture, perform, educate, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Visit her online at http://farimadance.com.
Read more…

Norouz Online Celebration
2024-03-13 20:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Join us for an evening celebrating Norouz, the coming of Spring!
Norouz is the traditional spring and new year celebration of the Persian and Central Asian people. Norouz means “New Day” and it falls on the March equinox, the first day of spring. Families on Norouz gather together and wait for the exact time it is declared, exchange gifts and eat a feast of traditional food. It’s a time to celebrate ancestry and family. Norouz has been celebrated by people from diverse ethnic communities and religious backgrounds for thousands of years.
Presented by the Simorgh Dance Collective and Eastern Arts, activities for our online gathering will include:

Traditional performances of sacred, classical, and folkloric dances of the Silk Road
Live traditional Persian music
Story telling and lectures of Norouz and rituals across the Silk Road
Poetry reading

All are welcome! Please register in advance to obtain a link to the online presentation.
Register
Please consider making a donation at http://donate.farimadance.com to support our artists below
Simorgh Dance Collective
Simorgh Dance Collective The Simorgh Dance Collective is a world community of artists devoted to cross-cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration through traditional, classical, and sacred dance styles of the Silk Road. The Collective currently has member companies and artist affiliations in Alaska, British Columbia, Turkey, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Read more..
Eastern Arts
Eastern Arts Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Eastern Arts is a non-profit organization of dancers, artists, musicians, and scholars who present the folkways and traditions of many lands and peoples. Eastern Arts originated in 1960 and has been active internationally presenting dance and music of lands from Asia to North Africa, from India to the Balkans in concerts, workshops, publications, audio and video productions.
Farima Berenji
Farima Berenji Farima Berenji is an award winning, internationally acclaimed performing artist, instructor, choreographer, and dance ethnologist. A master instructor and performer in Persian and Sufi dance, she specializes in ancient, sacred, classical, and folkloric dances of Persia and Central Asia. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts, founder of Dance of the SoulTM, advisory council member of Mosaic America, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO), National Folk Organization, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology, she travels worldwide to record, research, lecture, perform, educate, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more..

Mitramass
2024-12-29 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Mitramass: Christmas and its Ancient Iranic Origins
A Lecture by Scholar Dr. Farima Berenji
We have always known of Christmas on December 25th, with a traditional decorated tree, candles, and gifts. Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ yet its rituals and traditions far precede that time. Unquestionably, our ancestors adopted the rituals from an ancient Iranian pagan religion known as Mithraism, a form of nature worship based on the Sun God/Goddess Mithra.
On the darkest night of the year (December 20 or 21) legend has it Mithra gives birth to “Light” causing each day thereafter to grow longer until the Summer solstice. In this lecture, learn more of the role and history of Mitramass whose beliefs and rituals were the inspiration to those of Christmas today. Dr. Farima Berenji will include fun anecdotes of Mitramass and how to prepare a table for the celebration.
The program will be broadcast on Zoom. Please register in advance
Join by Zoom
Meeting ID: 217 611 8333
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Please remember to send a donation to the Center for Creative Living so they can keep the doors open.
Farima Berenji
Farima Berenji Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions, Sufism, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning, internationally acclaimed performing artist, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden, the EU, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts, founder of Dance of the SoulTM, advisory council member of Mosaic America, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO), National Folk Organization member, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology, she travels worldwide to research, lecture, perform, educate, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more…

Sepandārmazgān: The Day of Love
2025-02-15 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Sepandārmazgān was a day when women rested and men had to bring them gifts. Learn of the history and origins of Sepandārmazgān, the Persian festival of love, with Scholar Dr. Farima Berenji. This enchanting one hour program includes lecture on the origins of the Day of Love, ritual dances honoring Goddess Diana, Iranian Goddess of Love, and instructions for mixing an ancient Iranian “love” potion based on an ancient Iranian recipe.
Sepandārmazgān is dedicated to Spenta Armaiti also known as “Diana” the Persian Goddess of love, beauty, and desire. The day Diana was born, February 24th, is known as the “Spendarmad,” which means “Day of Love.” This day is the annual celebration to honor the female being and mother earth. According to Iranian scholar al-Biruni, it was a day where women rested and men had to bring them gifts. The observation of this ancient festival has been revived in modern Iran as a celebration day of love towards mothers and wives.
Listen as Farima explains what the festival represents and its legacy, as well as the mythological origins of the Goddess of Love. Learn of the ancient festival’s rituals and those customs that are celebrated today. Follow us online as we prepare a healthy “love” potion based on an ancient Iranian recipe.
Invite your sweetheart and join us for fun in a tribute to the Iranian day of love.
Register and contact us in advance and you will receive an ingredients list in order to prepare the ancient Iranian “love” potion as we do online.
Register

Norouz Online Celebration
2025-03-15 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Join us for an afternoon celebrating Norouz, the coming of Spring!
Norouz is the traditional spring and new year celebration of the Persian and Central Asian people. Norouz means “New Day” and it falls on the March equinox, the first day of spring. Families on Norouz gather together and wait for the exact time it is declared, exchange gifts and eat a feast of traditional food. It’s a time to celebrate ancestry and family. Norouz has been celebrated by people from diverse ethnic communities and religious backgrounds for thousands of years.
Hosted by Dr. Farima Berenji and the Simorgh Dance Collective, activities for our online gathering will include:

Traditional performances of sacred, classical, and folkloric dances of the Silk Road
Traditional Persian music
Story telling and lectures of Norouz and rituals across the Silk Road
Poetry reading

All are welcome! Please register in advance to obtain a link to the online presentation.
Register
Please consider making a donation at http://donate.farimadance.com to support our artists below
Simorgh Dance Collective
Simorgh Dance Collective The Simorgh Dance Collective is a world community of artists devoted to cross-cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration through traditional, classical, and sacred dance styles of the Silk Road. The Collective currently has member companies and artist affiliations in Alaska, British Columbia, Turkey, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Read more..
Farima Berenji
Farima Berenji Farima Berenji is an award winning, internationally acclaimed performing artist, instructor, choreographer, and dance ethnologist. A master instructor and performer in Persian and Sufi dance, she specializes in ancient, sacred, classical, and folkloric dances of Persia and Central Asia. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts, founder of Dance of the SoulTM, advisory council member of Mosaic America, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO), National Folk Organization, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology, she travels worldwide to record, research, lecture, perform, educate, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more..

Companions of the Sun Author Talk
2025-08-03 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Companions of the Sun
A Lecture by Scholar Dr. Farima Berenji
Rooted in one of the world’s oldest civilizations, the traditions of Iranian/Persian sacred dance and music embody the profound wisdom of our ancestors. Observing nature, the stars, and the rhythms of life, they crafted movements expressing love, strength, and spiritual transcendence. These rituals continue to inspire cultures worldwide, preserving a legacy of mysticism and artistic expression.
Author Dr. Farima Berenji presents her research upon the evolutionary origins and practice of Iranian rituals, beliefs, and dances, exploring how Iranian culture permeated global music and dance traditions, developing distinctly from its sister nations. All this is explored in her soon-to-be released book Companions of the Sun
The program will be broadcast on Zoom hosted by the Center for Creative Living as part of their weekly Sunday gathering. Please register in advance
Join by Zoom
Meeting ID: 217 611 8333
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Please remember to send a donation to the Center for Creative Living so they can keep the doors open.
Farima Berenji
Farima Berenji Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions, Sufism, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning, internationally acclaimed performing artist, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden, the EU, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts, founder of Dance of the SoulTM, advisory council member of Mosaic America, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO), National Folk Organization member, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology, she travels worldwide to research, lecture, perform, educate, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more…

Iranian Dance and Ritual (Lecture & Performance)
2025-08-10 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Sunnyvale Library, 665 W Olive Ave, Sunnyvale, CA, 94086, United States
Learn about the origins and practice of Iranian dance in this talk and performance by Dr. Farima Berenji. She will discuss Iranian rituals and beliefs in relation to dance, as well as how Iranian culture has impacted global music and dance traditions. There will be a short performance and audience participation dance as part of the program.
Rooted in one of the world’s oldest civilizations, the traditions of Iranian/Persian sacred dance and music embody the profound wisdom of our ancestors. Observing nature, the stars, and the rhythms of life, they crafted movements expressing love, strength, and spiritual transcendence. These rituals continue to inspire cultures worldwide, preserving a legacy of mysticism and artistic expression. Author Dr. Farima Berenji presents her research upon the evolutionary origins and practice of Iranian rituals, beliefs, and dances, exploring how Iranian culture permeated global music and dance traditions, developing distinctly from its sister nations. All this is explored in her soon-to-be released book Companions of the Sun
This event is part of the will be held in the Sunnyvale Library Program Room. Registration is not required.
This August, go back to school with the Sunnyvale Library Level Up Your Learning: Adult Lecture Series. Learn about history and culture around the world from the following talks:

Sunday, Aug. 10 – Iranian Dance and Ritual (this event)
Monday, Aug. 11 – The Silk Road: Globalization in the Ancient World
Tuesday, Aug. 19 – Muslim Women and Global Feminism
Thursday, Aug. 21 – The Chinese Exclusion Act
Monday, Aug. 25 – Transgender Histories in Imperial China

Dr. Farima Berenji
Farima Berenji Dr. Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions, Sufism, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning, internationally acclaimed performing artist, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden, the EU, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts, founder of Dance of the SoulTM, advisory council member of Mosaic America, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO), National Folk Organization member, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology, she travels worldwide to research, lecture, perform, educate, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more…

Sounds of Silk: Discover Music and Dance from the Silk Road
2025-08-16 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Phoenix) | Salt Lake City Public Library, 210 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT, 84111, United States
Dr. Farima Berenji and Qais Essar will perform and discuss dance and music from the cultures along the ancient Silk Road. This event draws connections with the musical instruments and textiles from the vast collections of Eastern Arts on display in the Special Collections Reading Room, Level 4 of the SLC City Libraray to celebrate the diverse cultures of the historic Silk Road.
Dr. Farima Berenji is an award winning, internationally acclaimed dance artist, ethnologist, choreographer, instructor, and archaeologist specializing in ancient, sacred, classical, and folkloric dances spanning the millenniums of Persian civilization, the Silk Road, and the Near East.
Qais Essar is an Afghan-American musician based in Phoenix, Arizona. A rabab player and songwriter, he is noted for the song “The Crown Sleeps” from the 2017 animated film The Breadwinner, which won the Best Original Song prize at the 6th Canadian Screen Awards in 2018.

Book Talk and Performance on Iranian Dance and Rituals
2025-09-16 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | North Beach Branch Library, 850 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, 94133, United States
Learn about the origins and practice of Iranian dance in this talk and performance by Dr. Farima Berenji. She will discuss Iranian rituals and beliefs in relation to dance, as well as how Iranian culture has impacted global music and dance traditions. There will be a short performance and audience participation dance as part of the program presented in the North Beach Library community room.
Rooted in one of the world’s oldest civilizations, the traditions of Iranian/Persian sacred dance and music embody the profound wisdom of our ancestors. Observing nature, the stars, and the rhythms of life, they crafted movements expressing love, strength, and spiritual transcendence. These rituals continue to inspire cultures worldwide, preserving a legacy of mysticism and artistic expression. Author Dr. Farima Berenji presents her research upon the evolutionary origins and practice of Iranian rituals, beliefs, and dances, exploring how Iranian culture permeated global music and dance traditions, developing distinctly from its sister nations. All this is explored in her soon-to-be released book Companions of the Sun
Dr. Farima Berenji
Farima Berenji Dr. Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions, Sufism, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning, internationally acclaimed performing artist, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden, the EU, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts, founder of Dance of the SoulTM, advisory council member of Mosaic America, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO), National Folk Organization member, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology, she travels worldwide to research, lecture, perform, educate, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more…

Companions of the Sun Author Talk
2025-10-03 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Casa Clara, 218 E 25th St, New York, NY, 10010, United States
Companions of the Sun
A Lecture by Scholar Dr. Farima Berenji
Rooted in one of the world’s oldest civilizations, the traditions of Iranian/Persian sacred dance and music embody the profound wisdom of our ancestors. Observing nature, the stars, and the rhythms of life, they crafted movements expressing love, strength, and spiritual transcendence. These rituals continue to inspire cultures worldwide, preserving a legacy of mysticism and artistic expression.
Author Dr. Farima Berenji presents her research upon the evolutionary origins and practice of Iranian rituals, beliefs, and dances, exploring how Iranian culture permeated global music and dance traditions, developing distinctly from its sister nations. All this is explored in her book Companions of the Sun
Dr. Farima Berenji
Farima Berenji Dr. Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions, Sufism, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning, internationally acclaimed performing artist, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden, the EU, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts, founder of Dance of the SoulTM, advisory council member of Mosaic America, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO), National Folk Organization member, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology, she travels worldwide to research, lecture, perform, educate, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more…

Companions of the Sun Author Talk
2025-10-11 13:30 - 14:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Companions of the Sun
A Lecture by Scholar Dr. Farima Berenji
Rooted in one of the world’s oldest civilizations, the traditions of Iranian/Persian sacred dance and music embody the profound wisdom of our ancestors. Observing nature, the stars, and the rhythms of life, they crafted movements expressing love, strength, and spiritual transcendence. These rituals continue to inspire cultures worldwide, preserving a legacy of mysticism and artistic expression.
Author Dr. Farima Berenji presents her research upon the evolutionary origins and practice of Iranian rituals, beliefs, and dances, exploring how Iranian culture permeated global music and dance traditions, developing distinctly from its sister nations. All this is explored in her book Companions of the Sun
Register Now!
Dr. Farima Berenji
Farima Berenji Dr. Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions, Sufism, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning, internationally acclaimed performing artist, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden, the EU, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts, founder of Dance of the SoulTM, advisory council member of Mosaic America, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO), National Folk Organization member, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology, she travels worldwide to research, lecture, perform, educate, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more…

Companions of the Sun Book Launch
2025-10-19 16:00 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Noe Valley, Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA, 94131, United States
Celebrate the launch of Dr. Farima Berenji’s Companions of the Sun with a book signing, talk, and performance. Refreshments will be served. Copies of Companions of the Sun will be on hand for purchase and signing.
Venue is in San Francisco’s Noe Valley district. Please register and we will reply with the venue address.
RSVP
Companions of the Sun by Dr. Farima Berenji
Rooted in one of the world’s oldest civilizations, the traditions of Iranian/Persian sacred dance and music embody the profound wisdom of our ancestors. Observing nature, the stars, and the rhythms of life, they crafted movements expressing love, strength, and spiritual transcendence. These rituals continue to inspire cultures worldwide, preserving a legacy of mysticism and artistic expression.
Author Dr. Farima Berenji presents her research upon the evolutionary origins and practice of Iranian rituals, beliefs, and dances, exploring how Iranian culture permeated global music and dance traditions, developing distinctly from its sister nations. All this is explored in her book Companions of the Sun
Dr. Farima Berenji
Farima Berenji Dr. Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions, Sufism, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning, internationally acclaimed performing artist, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden, the EU, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts, founder of Dance of the SoulTM, advisory council member of Mosaic America, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO), National Folk Organization member, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology, she travels worldwide to research, lecture, perform, educate, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more…

Companions of the Sun Author Talk
2025-12-03 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA, 95192, United States

Companions of the Sun and Mitramass
2025-12-04 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Dr. Farima Berenji will present her book Companions of the Sun and will discuss the resemblance of winter rituals of Mithra to Christmas.
We have always known of Christmas on December 25th, with a traditional decorated tree, candles, and gifts. Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ yet its rituals and traditions far precede that time. Unquestionably, our ancestors adopted the rituals from an ancient Iranian pagan religion known as Mithraism, a form of nature worship based on the Sun God/Goddess Mithra.
On the darkest night of the year (December 20 or 21) legend has it Mithra gives birth to “Light” causing each day thereafter to grow longer until the Summer solstice. In this lecture, learn more of the role and history of Mitramass whose beliefs and rituals were the inspiration to those of Christmas today. Dr. Farima Berenji will include fun anecdotes of Mitramass and how to prepare a table for the celebration.
Register Now!
Farima Berenji
Farima Berenji Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions, Sufism, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning, internationally acclaimed performing artist, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden, the EU, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts, founder of Dance of the SoulTM, advisory council member of Mosaic America, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO), National Folk Organization member, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology, she travels worldwide to research, lecture, perform, educate, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more…

Companions of the Sun Author Talk
2025-12-06 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Astralab, 678 La Fayette Park Place, Los Angeles, 90057, United States
