“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
Norouz is the traditional spring and new year celebration of Persian and Central Asian people. Norouz means “New Day” and it falls on the March equinox, the first day of spring. Families on Norouz get together and wait for the exact time it is declared, exchange gifts and eat a traditional food. It's a time […]
Whether you are an actor or dancer this workshop will help you identify how to improve your performance on the stage. Stage presence refers to the ability to command the full attention of a theater audience by the impressiveness of one's performance. When combined with skill, experience and hard work, stage presence can create a […]
A lecture with 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. […]
In ancient Persia, much of Persian mythology is based on the idea of a good or positive force battling an evil force for control of humankind. This universal struggle between the forces of good and evil was the central vision of Persian religion. In this lecture by Farima Berenji Learn how ancient Persian gods were […]
Enjoy amazing folk stories from Persia in this one hour lecture by scholar Farima Berenji. Hear of the ancient stories that inspired and have been adapted many times throughout history to become classic tales as well as Disney films such as • Rapunzel • Sword in the Stone • Romeo and Juliet • The Game […]
A special virtual gathering (Zoom Conference) to celebrate Mehregan and conduct the ICF annual general assembly. The gathering features invited celebrities including Dr. Abbas Kheirabadi and Dr. Alireza Ghiamati of Mashad University, Ms. Ziba Shirazi and Ms. Farima Berenji. Attendance is open and free for the general public. Hosted by patrons of Houston Poetry Night […]
Mehregan is the Persian festival of autumn, one of the most ancient Iranian festivals known, when the community gathers together for prayers of thanksgiving and blessings. On Mehregan, friends and family gather to celebrate the beginning of fall and its colors. Hosted by the Roya Foundation, the 2020 Mehregan Celebration is held entirely online with […]
Free lecture on sacred and Sufi music, musical instruments, and dance of Iran followed by Q/A presented in collaboration with the Center of Eastern Music of Iran, University of Tehran, and the Yarasan Sufi Order. Special lecturers include Dr. Lloyd Miller, Seyed Salman Hosseini, Farima Berenji, Rouhollah Kalami, and Koroush Shokouhi. Online webinar from Iran […]
Free lecture on sacred and Sufi dance and music of Iran followed by Q/A. Presented in collaboration with the Center of Eastern Music of Iran, University of Tehran, and the Yarasan Sufi Order. Special lecturers include Dr. Lloyd Miller, Seyed Salman Hosseini, Farima Berenji, and Rouhollah Kalami. Online webinar is in Farsi and English. Registration […]
Persian dance inherits a historic culture of 8000 years in history with a blend of enchanting sacred movements rich in the elemental beauty of nature: birds, animals, flowers, and the elements. In ancient Persia, it was believed that these beings and elements carried the spirit of the Divine. Dance is inspired by mystical Persian poetry, […]