“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
Silent Whirling: Sema and Dancing to the Rhythm and Melody of the Heart Whirling in silence, solely to the rhythm of one’s heart, enables us to focus on finding calm and peace within moving meditation. Although circumstances vary, those who practice silent whirling meditation within a group are often more likely to experience and share […]
Poetry in Music and Motion for a Millennium An online workshop for musicians and dancers with Persian dance scholar Farima Berenji and music scholars Dr. Lloyd Miller and Nariman Assad. A dastgah is one of the basic melody types of traditional Persian music as identified by music masters originating from the nineteenth century. It is […]
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, […]
Join us for a prayer session and meditative whirling in memory of the casualties and widespread devastation caused by an unbelievable explosion Tuesday at the Port of Beruit. Together we wish the people of Beruit healing in the face of this tremendous tragedy, to all those who have been wounded or have had homes, offices, […]
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 […]
Where Movement Becomes Devotion "Everything in Persian dance is poetry. Every movement describes a story, a feeling. The dancer takes the audience into a world of fairy tales."~ Farima Berenji Poetry in Motion is interpretive, improvisational, and devotional dance form popularized by Farima Berenji that is inspired by mystical and classical Persian poetry. It originates […]
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 […]
For 10 years, International House Davis has celebrated culture and community with I-Fest. On Sunday, October 4th from 5-8 pm, International House Davis will be broadcast a dynamic show of over 20 performances for at-home viewing. I-Fest will also feature the new Culture Commons, an online directory of local cultural groups. Read more... Includes a […]