BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Farima Dance - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Farima Dance X-ORIGINAL-URL:http://farimadance.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Farima Dance REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Los_Angeles BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20160313T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20161106T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20170312T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20171105T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20180311T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20181104T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20190310T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20191103T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20200308T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20201101T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/Moscow BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0300 TZOFFSETTO:+0300 TZNAME:MSK DTSTART:20160101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Asia/Tehran BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0330 TZOFFSETTO:+0430 TZNAME:+0430 DTSTART:20180321T203000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0430 TZOFFSETTO:+0330 TZNAME:+0330 DTSTART:20180921T193000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0330 TZOFFSETTO:+0430 TZNAME:+0430 DTSTART:20190321T203000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0430 TZOFFSETTO:+0330 TZNAME:+0330 DTSTART:20190921T193000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0330 TZOFFSETTO:+0430 TZNAME:+0430 DTSTART:20200320T203000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0430 TZOFFSETTO:+0330 TZNAME:+0330 DTSTART:20200920T193000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Anchorage BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0900 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:AKDT DTSTART:20180311T110000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0900 TZNAME:AKST DTSTART:20181104T100000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0900 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:AKDT DTSTART:20190310T110000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0900 TZNAME:AKST DTSTART:20191103T100000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0900 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:AKDT DTSTART:20200308T110000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0900 TZNAME:AKST DTSTART:20201101T100000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Asia/Kolkata BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0530 TZOFFSETTO:+0530 TZNAME:IST DTSTART:20170101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Asia/Karachi BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0500 TZOFFSETTO:+0500 TZNAME:PKT DTSTART:20160101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/Istanbul BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0300 TZNAME:EEST DTSTART:20160327T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0300 TZOFFSETTO:+0300 TZNAME:+03 DTSTART:20160906T210000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190915T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190915T210000 DTSTAMP:20260413T122812 CREATED:20190830T060659Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200204T033828Z UID:19608-1568575800-1568581200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Dance of the Soul (Sema Gathering and Workshop) DESCRIPTION:Join Farima for a Sufi Whirling Workshop and Sema Gathering\, with live/recorded music\, meditation\, whirling\, Zikr (Sufi Prayer) and Sohbet (Sufi Talk). We will create a sacred\, supportive space where we can all release whatever energy no longer serves us\, relax and open our heart\, body\, and mind. We will discover the power and mystery of ancient dances and rituals – a gateway for self-growth and spiritual transformation– through movement\, music\, love\, and stillness. Be moved by beautiful\, sacred music. \nRegister Online \nOverview\nOur gathering is NOT a performance. More details about sacred dance and Sema training may be found here. \n\nFirst join for a welcoming circle and Farima will lead us into her unique 4 element breathing meditation or 7 mode music meditation and relaxation.\nWe will progress into various Sufi whirling workshop techniques\, styles\, and rules (Turkish Sema\, Khorasan Sema\, Ancient Iranic Sema\, Baktashi Sema\, Uyghur Sema).\nNext we will progress into a prayer and open floor whirling with both live and recorded world sacred music\, poetry\, and drumming.\nWe will close with a Zikr (Sufi Prayers)\, ancient Iranian Shamanic rituals\, sharing\, a gratitude circle\, and Sohbet (Sufi Talk) by Dervish and Semazen\, Farima Berenji.\n\nFarima’s teachings are based on ancient Iranic 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. \nFarima’s monthly Sema Gathering offers a unique expression of sacred culture\, inspired by nature\, ancient Iranic rituals\, and the beautiful spiritual traditions of Sufism. We will whirl and journey together to celebrate love\, unity\, and allow the light to enter our soul. \nOpen your heart! Listen! Turn\, dance\, and move in anyway that makes you feel alive! \n \nGuidelines and Tips\n\nPlease bring a yoga mat or pillow to sit on.\nWe kindly ask for no talking on the whirling floor and to keep the Sema area quiet at all times. Respect yourself as well as those around you.\nPlease wear comfortable clothing (white or light colored if possible) and wear socks or soft soled shoes.\nAvoid eating a large meal 1-2 hours prior\n\nFarima Berenji\nFounder and Artistic Director\, Worldwide Simorgh Dance Collective\, 2007\nFounder and Director of Dance of the Soul ® and the Awakening and Lioness Project ® (Ancient Iranic Warrior Dances and Rituals\, 2013) \nFarima Berenji is an award winning Dance Ethnologist and internationally acclaimed dance artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, and Sufi dance master. Recognized and certified as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology by UNESCO\, she travels worldwide to record\, research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. She is a Magi (Iranian Shaman Master) and a Sufi. \nFarima has worked as a UN scholar\, researching and led an excavations team of Iranian archeology emphasizing the preservation of ancient and mystical Iranic dances. Farima’s dance and spiritual training spans years of intensive research with master artists\, scholars\, and spiritual teachers worldwide. She comes from the Sufi Order of Yarsan of Iran and has devoted her life into researching and brining back the ancient Sufi traditions of Iran and the origin of Sema (Khorasan Sema). \nFarima teaches her own original research findings\, methods\, techniques\, and exercises to uncover the connection between the soul and dance movements based on the book she is writing ‘Seven Sema’ the connection of human soul and the 7 sacred elements of life. Her signature dance projects (dance of the soul and the lioness) combines Persian and Near Eastern sacred and mystical dance forms\, history\, poetry\, and the Sufi and healing rituals of ancient Iran Persia\, the Altai Mountains\, and Central Asia. \nAs a scholar\, Farima presents new archaeological discoveries and research upon Sufism and its connection to the ancient Zoroastrianism and Sufism\, the human body\, and its symbolic meaning in the Universe along the pathway to the soul. She will introduce you to ritual movements celebrating the grace and joy of life and to a society where and when people lived in harmony with each other and with nature. She teaches her own unique movement and techniques that are researched and inspired during her various studies in Khaneqas (Sufi Houses) and Fire temples of Khorasan\, Kurdistan\, Tehran\, and Shiraz. \nFarima is one of the few Iranian women who has been allowed to teach\, write and perform the Gwati and Vahishta Sema Rituals in Iran and around the world and has been recognized by Iran and UN as the pioneer of bringing back the original mystic Rituals of Khorasan. She is the first Iranian woman to have received the CID-UNESCO award and certification and is currently the dance ambassador of UNESCO\, the first Iranian woman artist to receive the National Folk Dance Association award\, and the first Iranian woman healer and dancer to have been chosen for TED Talk. Farima is the recipient of the prestigious UN award and has been recognized by Congressman Mike Honda\, by the Iranian Women’s Rights Committee “30 Voices\,” Music and Cultural Organization of Turkey. Farima was the first Iranian\, to have been invited and perform during a reception for US President Obama\, Governor of Alaska\, UN\, EU\, Ambassador of Canada\, and Ambassador of Spain. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/sema-gathering-anatolia/ LOCATION:Yoga Studio\, Anatolia Clubhouse\, 11828 Chrysanthy Blvd\, Rancho Cordova\, CA\, 95742\, United States CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema),Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/DanceOfTheSoul-Anatolia.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Shery Allahyari":MAILTO:sherysjewelry@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190721T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190721T113000 DTSTAMP:20260413T122812 CREATED:20190425T224914Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190707T180058Z UID:18663-1563706800-1563708600@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Connecting with Sacred and Traditional Dance DESCRIPTION:A Lecture by Farima Berenji \nInternationally 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. \nGuests are cordially invited. Free will offering accepted. \nDOWNLOAD flier… \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji is an award-winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, instructor\, dance ethnologist\, choreographer\, and archeologist. Recognized as one of few world experts and scholars of Persian dance history\, Farima infuses spirituality into her dance and teachings to impassion\, empower\, and inspire. Farima travels worldwide to research\, perform\, teach\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance. Farima is founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, and a TEDx lecturer. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/connecting-sacred-dance/ LOCATION:Cultural Integration Fellowship\, 2650 Fulton Street\, San Francisco\, CA\, 94118\, United States CATEGORIES:Lecture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/DSC_0044.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Cultural Integration Fellowship":MAILTO:culturalfellowship@sbcglobal.net END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Moscow:20190622T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Moscow:20190622T160000 DTSTAMP:20260413T122812 CREATED:20190604T101232Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190605T171939Z UID:18789-1561197600-1561219200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Sufi Dance Workshop DESCRIPTION: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. \nThe workshop will be divided into two parts: \nPart I: Fundamentals\, 10 am to 12 pm\nBreathing\, basic techniques\, and whirling exercises (beginners only). \nPart II: Advanced\, 2 to 4 pm\nMoving meditation\, breathing\, and various styles of Sufi whirling theory. \nLunch break will be from 12 to 2 pm. For $10 enjoy one of our vegetarian healthy homemade meals prepared with love. \nRegistration\nFull workshop only $70\, one part instead only $40.\nPurchase our vegetarian healthy homemade meal for $10. \nKindly contact us at 70 803875 ~ 01 219597\nSpace limited. Book your spot ASAP. \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji is an award-winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, instructor\, dance ethnologist\, choreographer\, and archeologist. Recognized as one of few world experts and scholars of Persian dance history\, Farima infuses spirituality into her dance and teachings to impassion\, empower\, and inspire. Specializing in ancient\, sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances\, Farima travels worldwide to research\, perform\, teach\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance. Farima is founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, and a 2018 TEDx lecturer. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/sufi-dance-workshop/ LOCATION:Shakti Wellness Center\, 2nd floor\, Ghazaliyeh street\, Haddad Building\, Sioufi sector\, Achrafieh\, Lebanon CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/61935032_3085710324773243_5630211085740015616_n.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Shakti Wellness Center":MAILTO:info@shakti.life END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Tehran:20190530T000000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Tehran:20190609T000000 DTSTAMP:20260413T122812 CREATED:20160615T151630Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T035133Z UID:6036-1559174400-1560038400@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Cultural & Mystical Tour of Iran DESCRIPTION:Cultural & Mystical Tour of Iran \nDiscover 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. \nThis 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\, Chak Chak Village\, Abiane Village\, and includes whirling and ancient Iranic healing rituals in the desert and more… \nThe soul of Persia has been inspiring humans for ages to commune with mysticism. Through poetry\, music\, sacred architecture and carpet patterns\, Persia invites us to travel beyond the realm of duality to meet ourselves\, each other\, and the world to a space beyond mere existence. \nWe invite you to a unique journey meet the soul of Persia. We will travel to the heart of this ancient land\, meet the mystery within and about us. We will rest in a space of deep silence\, where ancient caravans of travelled west to meet the new world. \nPayment Includes\n\nHotel accommodation and taxes\nBreakfast and lunch\nDaily refreshments and snacks (tea\, coffee\, Nescafe\, and mineral water are always at your 
disposal enroute)\nPrivate transport\nDomestic flights\nEntrance fee of the monuments based on itinerary\nWorkshops and lectures\nAll transfers\n\n  \nPayment Does NOT Include\n\nVisa fees (based on your departure country)\nAirfare\nPersonal transportation or taxi fees\nPersonal expenses or extra stay\nPersonal sightseeing\nHotel and transport service tips\nDinner\nExtra food and drink not included in the menu list\nAlcoholic beverages\n\nPayment and Rules\n$800 – Simorgh members\n$850 – Early-bird price prior March 30\, 2019\n$950 – After March 30\, 2019 (For all and including Simorgh Members) \nDEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS APRIL 1ST. A DEPOSIT OF $350 IS REQUIRED TO HOLD SPACE. \nDue to advance reservations and planning requirements we will not register anyone after April 1st. \nVisa\nAll U.S. and Canadian citizens must apply for visa at least 1.5 months before the start of the tour. All other nationalities\, please contact your local embassy to see if a visa is required. For visa requirements please visit evisa.mfa.ir to apply. \nA $300 agent and processing fee is required from US and Canadian Citizens (visa process and background check). Contact your local embassy for more details. We do not provide any legal advice. \nMore Information\nFor more details please contact us. A full schedule details will be given prior to the start of the tour. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/mystical-iran-tour/ LOCATION:Iran\, Iran\, Islamic Republic of CATEGORIES:Retreat,Tour,Workshop ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Anchorage:20190504T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Anchorage:20190504T213000 DTSTAMP:20260413T122813 CREATED:20180703T022014Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230515T021113Z UID:17714-1556996400-1557005400@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Colors of Persia DESCRIPTION:Roya-e-Ranghin\nA Dance and Music Journey Through Persia\nJoin the Simorgh Dance Collective for a dazzling concert that celebrates the diverse cultures\, music\, and dance traditions of Persia. Featuring ethnic dances performed in costume by the Simorgh Dance Collective\, and Farima Berenji. Includes pre-show dinner banquet. \nDoors open at 6:30 PM \nThe Simorgh Dance Collective gratefully acknowledges the support of the Trinity Presbyterian Church and other generous individuals. \nTickets\n\nAdmission includes pre-show dinner banquet.\nAdult: $35 advance\, $40 at the door.\nYouth (6-12): $15 advance or at door. \nIn Anchorage you may call to arrange purchase of printed tickets from Gita Franklin: 907-306-2941 \nLavish new costumes\, live music\, and studio and theater rental poses a great challenge on a limited budget. Your support enables the professional and emerging artists of the not-for-profit Simorgh Dance Collective to bring audiences an appreciation for the culture of the Silk Road in dance and music. \nPlease help us accomplish this huge effort by donating ANY amount above the admission price you can. Be generous as the more we raise the better our production and benefit to the community will be. \nONLINE TICKETS \nFarima Berenji – Artistic Director\, Choreographer\n“I cannot put the concert from tonight in words. Emotional\, full of energy\, oneness and beauty. Especially the last two songs and Farima’s powerful and emotional Sufi whirling left me so affected. I am still shaking from the energy. Will never forget this concert. Thank you again and I hope there will be many more.” \n—Meral Ozturk – Manchester\, England\, on Seven Cities of Love\n\nFarima Berenji \nFarima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, lecturer\, dance ethnologist\, and archaeologist specializing in classical\, folkloric\, and sacred dances of Persia and the Silk Road. Her training spans a lifetime of intensive collaboration and research with master artists\, scholars\, and spiritual teachers worldwide. She is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a worldwide collaborative devoted to teach dance technique\, interpret\, illustrate\, present\, and perform dances of the Silk Road. Farima performs\, offers workshops\, and lectures worldwide upon request and has appeared in the US\, UK\, Austria\, Czech Republic\, Turkey\, Mauritius\, and Iran. Read more..\n \n  \nSimorgh Dance Collective\nSimorgh Dance Collective \nThe 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.. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/colors-of-persia/ LOCATION:Trinity Presbyterian Church\, 12310 Lorraine St\, Anchorage\, AK\, 99516\, United States CATEGORIES:Dinner and Dance Show,Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/36550957_2373768119300804_4151025525818654720_o.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190310T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190310T140000 DTSTAMP:20260413T122813 CREATED:20181219T193534Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190212T075233Z UID:18125-1552215600-1552226400@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Central Asian Dance Workshops DESCRIPTION:Once monthly dance workshop on Central Asian ethnic dance taught by Nancy Rose Aktas\, Farima Berenji\, and Dr. Gurbuz Aktas. Cultural styles taught include Uzbek\, Tajik\, Afgan\, and Azeri. Workshop dates are January 13\, February 10\, and March 10. \nBoth men and women are welcome! Students have an opportunity to perform in a future dance show. \nAzerbaijani Dance with Nancy Rose Aktas\nMar 10\, 11:00am – 12:30pm\, $35\nLearn Kafkaz and Azeri dance choreography and technique including fast footwork and some Lezginka for both men and women. \nMay be taken in conjunction with Uzbek Dance for a combined payment of $60. \nUzbek Dance with Nancy Rose Aktas\nMar 10\, 12:30pm – 2:00pm\, $35\nKhorezm\nHave great fun learning and performing the famous dance Lazgi from the Khorezm region of western Uzbekistan! This style of Uzbek dance is perfect for gatherings large and small\, has lots of animal imitative movements\, and an intriguing shamanic past. We fly like gulls high over the rippling waters of the Aral Sea. The sumptuous costuming and abundant jewelry reflect both the ancient culture of the city of Khiva\, but also of the surrounding Turkmen nomadic tribes. Participants please bring wrist bells if you have them! \nInstructor Nancy Rose Aktas has studied and performed this dance style since the early 1980’s\, emulating the style as taught by Viloyat Akilova\, Kadir Muminov\, and Malika Kalantarova. She has presented this form in concerts and private gatherings in Turkey\, and coaches and teaches privately all forms of Uzbek dance. \nMay be taken in conjunction with Azeri Dance workshop for a combined payment of $60. \nTajik Dance with Farima Berenji\nschedule and details soon… \nAfghan Dance with Farima Berenji\nschedule and details soon… \nInstructor Bios\nNancy Rose Aktas\nMaster Instructor and Costume Designer \nNancy Rose Aktas began her 50 year career in dance in New York at age 13. Fully trained in modern dance\, classical ballet\, and various ballroom styles\, she has also studied\, taught\, choreographed\, costumed\, and performed the dances of Azerbaijan\, Daghestan\, Georgia\, Kabardinia\, North India\, Eastern Turkestan\, Persia\, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. \nShe was the founding co-director of two SF Bay Area dance companies\, Silk Road Ensemble and Kafkaz Dance Company in the 1980’s and 1990’s\, and for 5 years was co-owner and lead instructor of the ballroom studio Dance Arts Izmir\, with her husband Gurbuz Aktas\, in Turkey. She represented Azerbaijan (“Terekeme”) and Uzbekistan (“Zang”) as a featured soloist of SF’s Ethnic Dance Festival in 1993 and 1994. \nIn ethnic costume design her New Leaf Traditions costumes highlight museum quality replicas of ethnic dress\, and she works on commission for domestic and international clientèle. \nDr. Gurbuz Aktas\nDr. Gurbuz Aktas was born into the Kafkas (Caucasian) culture in Kars\, Turkey\, where he performed the dance and music of the area since childhood. His eventual mentors included top teachers of Azerbaijani\, Northern Caucasian\, Georgian\, Daghestani and Russian dances and he has performed with some of the top dancers of the state companies of these areas. During his study of dance at San Francisco State University\, he was the founding director of the renowned Kafkaz Folk Song and Dance Ensemble in San Francisco\, CA from 1986-1996. \nHe went on to become the Director of the Dance Department at Ege University’s State Turkish Music Conservatory in Izmir\, a post from which he retired after 22 years\, in the spring of 2018. \nAs a leading expert in the traditional dances of Azerbaijan he has conducted extensive field research in remote villages interviewing older dancers as well as interviewing founding members of the Azerbaijan State Ensemble. His work was officially sponsored by the Turkish government \nGurbuz Aktas holds a BA\, MA \,and is a Full Professor PhD in Ethnochoreology. \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, lecturer\, dance ethnologist\, and archaeologist specializing in classical\, folkloric\, and sacred dances of Persia and the Silk Road. Her training spans a lifetime of intensive collaboration and research with master artists\, scholars\, and spiritual teachers worldwide. She is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a worldwide collaborative devoted to teach dance technique\, interpret\, illustrate\, present\, and perform dances of the Silk Road. Farima performs\, offers workshops\, and lectures worldwide upon request and has appeared in the US\, UK\, Austria\, Czech Republic\, Turkey\, Mauritius\, and Iran. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/central-asian-dance-workshops/ LOCATION:Vision Dance Center\, 375 Saratoga Ave. Suite B\, San Jose\, CA\, 95129\, United States CATEGORIES:Class,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/48369268_2700107900000156_3335516377107660800_n.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190309T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190309T210000 DTSTAMP:20260413T122813 CREATED:20190127T060917Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250616T073716Z UID:18311-1552147200-1552165200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Femina DESCRIPTION:Sangam Arts & Guru Shradha presents \nFemina\nIn celebration of women… \nLocal master choreographers and artists representing artistic traditions from around the globe will present 75 minutes of glorious music and dance. Featured styles include Cambodian (Charya Burt)\, Chinese (Haiyan Jackson Dance)\, Indian (Bharatanatyam – Vidhya Subramanian & Odissi- Guru Shradha)\, West African (Cheza Nami)\, Cumbia Colombiana (Daybreaker Pro). \nIncludes a dance re-enactment exemplifying the legendary ancient women warriors and goddesses of ancient Persia by Farima Berenji and the Simorgh Dance Collective to traditional Persian music performed live by Homeyra Banejad and Ensemble. \nThe performance will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with artists. \nOne day\, two shows: March 9\, 2019 4:00pm & 7:30pm \nBuy Tickets \n\nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, lecturer\, dance ethnologist\, and archaeologist specializing in classical\, folkloric\, and sacred dances of Persia and the Silk Road. Her training spans a lifetime of intensive collaboration and research with master artists\, scholars\, and spiritual teachers worldwide. She is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a worldwide collaborative devoted to teach dance technique\, interpret\, illustrate\, present\, and perform dances of the Silk Road. Farima performs\, offers workshops\, and lectures worldwide upon request and has appeared in the US\, UK\, Austria\, Czech Republic\, Turkey\, Mauritius\, and Iran. Read more.. \nSimorgh Dance Collective\nThe 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.. \nHomeyra Banejad\nHomeyra Banejad is an Iranian daf player and vocalist. As a member of the Iranian Musician Union of Iran she has performed in Iran and the US with Sima Bina\, Hamed Nikpay\, Simin Ghanem\, and many more artists! URL:http://farimadance.com/event/femina/ LOCATION:Joe Goode Annex\, 401 Alabama Street\, San Francisco\, CA\, 94110\, United States CATEGORIES:Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/50663687_2795392987138313_5525216718948925440_n.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Sangam Arts":MAILTO:info@sangamarts.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190228T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190228T170000 DTSTAMP:20260413T122813 CREATED:20190211T200841Z LAST-MODIFIED:20201008T055543Z UID:18377-1551362400-1551373200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:West Valley College Persian New Year Celebration 2019 DESCRIPTION:Celebrate Persian New Year with dance and musical performance\, as well as food. Special guest Masih Alinejad with dance performances by Farima Berenji and the Simorgh Dance Collective\, and live music by Homeyra Banejad and Ensemble. \nMasih Alinejad\nMasih Alinejad is an Iranian women’s rights activist\, journalist\, and author. Alinejad launched the “My Stealthy Freedom” campaign\, with more than three million followers on social media and one of the many such efforts inside and outside Iran against the oppression of women in the Islamic Republic of Iran. \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, lecturer\, dance ethnologist\, and archaeologist specializing in classical\, folkloric\, and sacred dances of Persia and the Silk Road. Her training spans a lifetime of intensive collaboration and research with master artists\, scholars\, and spiritual teachers worldwide. She is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a worldwide collaborative devoted to teach dance technique\, interpret\, illustrate\, present\, and perform dances of the Silk Road. Farima performs\, offers workshops\, and lectures worldwide upon request and has appeared in the US\, UK\, Austria\, Czech Republic\, Turkey\, Mauritius\, and Iran. Read more.. \n \nSimorgh Dance Collective\nThe 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.. \nHomeyra Banejad\nHomeyra Banejad is an Iranian daf player and vocalist. As a member of the Iranian Musician Union of Iran she has performed in Iran and the US with Sima Bina\, Hamed Nikpay\, Simin Ghanem\, and many more artists! \nDOWNLOAD promotional flier URL:http://farimadance.com/event/west-valley-norouz/ LOCATION:West Valley College\, Campus Center\, 14000 Fruitvale Ave\, Saratoga\, CA\, 95070\, United States CATEGORIES:Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/wvcNorouz2019.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190129T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190129T203000 DTSTAMP:20260413T122813 CREATED:20181228T232147Z LAST-MODIFIED:20181230T012011Z UID:18144-1548790200-1548793800@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Sacred Circle DESCRIPTION:An evening of ancient mystical healing rituals including breath work\, Sufi zikr circle\, Hu meditation\, sufi walk meditation\, and more facilitated by Farima Berenji. \nOpen your heart\, body\, and mind in this mystical session of meditation\, breath work\, and healing led by Farima Berenji. We will seek the foundation of spiritual healing in the mysticism of vibration and sound\, realizing how all life emerges from silence\, and all things have sound hidden within them. We will open by awakening the soul in meditation to the word “Hu”\, the breath of the devine\, God\, then journey into healing with Farima’s unique 5 element breath therapy\, zikr (Sufi prayers)\, candle gazing\, and walking meditation. \nRegister online \nFarima Berenji\nFarima is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, instructor\, dance ethnologist\, and archaeologist. Recognized as one of few world experts and scholars of Persian dance history\, Farima infuses spirituality into her dance and teachings to impassion\, empower\, and inspire. She is the founder and artistic director of the Farima Dance Company and the Simorgh Dance Collective. Exposed from youth to various music and dance styles her love of dance has led her upon an extraordinary life-long journey throughout the world\, including her home countries Iran and Azerbaijan as well as other neighboring Silk Road countries\, where she has researched\, studied\, and performed with master teachers and performing artists. For over 15 years\, Farima has continued her passion traveling great distances to learn\, research\, lecture\, promote\, perform\, and to teach sacred\, classical\, and folk dances of the Silk Road. \nRead more… \nHow to Find Us\nThe nearest cross streets for the Center for Creative Living are 4th St and Koll Circle. Drive into the parking lot and proceed to the left\, AROUND TO THE BACK of the building. It is well lit and there is plenty of parking. Enter through the back door. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/sacred-circle/ LOCATION:Center for Creative Living\, 1460 Koll Circle\, Suite C\, San Jose\, CA\, 95112\, United States CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema) ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/SacredCircle.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190112T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190112T140000 DTSTAMP:20260413T122813 CREATED:20181212T204524Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190107T161406Z UID:18110-1547294400-1547301600@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Embodiment Workshop DESCRIPTION:Channel – Connect – Transform\nBecome outside yourself in dance! Channel your passion into another being or element and uncover how you can use your body to speak and guide you. \nAll forms of life have a language within them. There is a subtle energy in every element\, object\, animal…. and the manifestation of the greater spirit. Learn the language that the mystics used to manifest these beings and how to connect with them. \nUsing ancient Persian rituals and mystical dances connect to your body and emotional self. We will also learn to correct our posture and body lines based on what we manifest. \nWhirling dance experience helpful but not necessary. Everyone welcome. \nRegister online \nFarima Berenji\nCertified and Scholar of International Dance Council-UNESCO\nMagi (Ancient Iranic Shamanic Master)\, Dervish and Sufi Dance Master. \nFarima is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, instructor\, dance ethnologist\, and archeologist. Recognized as one of few world experts and scholars of Persian dance history\, Farima infuses spirituality into her dance and teachings to impassion\, empower\, and inspire. A Dervish and travels worldwide to research\, perform\, teach\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance. Farima is founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, and a 2018 TEDx lecturer and performer. \nAs a scholar\, Farima presents new archeological discoveries and research upon Sufism and its connection to the ancient Zoroastrianism\, the human body\, and its symbolic meaning in the Universe along the pathway to the soul. She will introduce you to ritual movements celebrating the grace and joy of life and to a society where and when people lived in harmony with each other and with nature. She teaches her own unique movement and techniques that are researched and inspired during her various studies in Khaneqas (Sufi Houses) and Fire temples of Khorasan\, Kurdistan\, Tehran\, Azerbaijan\, Altai Mountains\, Turkey\, and Shiraz. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/embodiment-workshop/ LOCATION:Center for Creative Living\, 1460 Koll Circle\, Suite C\, San Jose\, CA\, 95112\, United States CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/48137919_2694592833884996_8596601192992210944_o.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20181223T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20181223T113000 DTSTAMP:20260413T122813 CREATED:20181123T065655Z LAST-MODIFIED:20181123T065906Z UID:18039-1545559200-1545564600@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Christmas and its Zoroastrian Origins DESCRIPTION:A Lecture by Scholar and Ethnologist\, Farima Berenji\nWe 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. \nOn 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. \nFarima’s previous holiday lectures at the Center for Creative Living included: The Star of Bethlehem\, The Persian Magi\, and the Birth of Light. \nHosted by the Center for Creative Living\, the program starts at 10am with a song\, prayer\, meditation\, and announcements. About 10:30am\, Farima will be introduced and speak 30 to 40 minutes. \nFarima Berenji\nCertified and Scholar of International Dance Council-UNESCO\nMagi (Ancient Iranic Shamanic Master)\, Dervish\, and Sufi Dance Master. \nFarima is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, instructor\, dance ethnologist\, and archeologist. Recognized as one of few world experts and scholars of Persian dance history\, Farima infuses spirituality into her dance and teachings to impassion\, empower\, and inspire. A Dervish and travels worldwide to research\, perform\, teach\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance. Farima is founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, and a 2018 TEDx lecturer. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/xmas-origins/ LOCATION:Center for Creative Living\, 1460 Koll Circle\, Suite C\, San Jose\, CA\, 95112\, United States CATEGORIES:Lecture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/XmasAndItsZolooastrianOrigins.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Center for Creative Living":MAILTO:safecorky@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20181222T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20181222T140000 DTSTAMP:20260413T122813 CREATED:20181129T072012Z LAST-MODIFIED:20181217T091153Z UID:18074-1545480000-1545487200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Yalda: A Celebration of Light DESCRIPTION:Join us for ancient Iranic rituals celebrating Yalda (winter solstice)\, the longest night of the year and the birth of Mithra. \nShab-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. He was born on the morning of the longest night of the year. \nThis outside gathering will be accompanied by sacred sounds and music\, poetry reading\, Zoroastrian mantras and prayers\, ancient Zoroastrian blessing rituals\, Persian mystical dance\, and light Yalda treats! \nWe will be meeting at the gazebo of Oak Meadow Park\, Los Gatos. When you arrive please be considerate and find a place on the picnic tables nearby to put your belongings rather than on the floor of the gazebo. \nFarima Berenji\nMagi (Ancient Iranic Shamanic Master)\, Dervish and Sufi Dance Master. \nFarima is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, instructor\, dance ethnologist\, and archeologist. Recognized as one of few world experts and scholars of Persian dance history\, Farima infuses spirituality into her dance and teachings to impassion\, empower\, and inspire. A Dervish and travels worldwide to research\, perform\, teach\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance. Farima is founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, and a 2018 TEDx lecturer. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/yalda-a-celebration-of-light/ LOCATION:Oak Meadow Park Gazebo\, 233 Blossom Hill Rd.\, Los Gatos\, CA\, 95032\, United States CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema) ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/46482333_2657807857563494_2473781556246740992_o.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20181027 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20181030 DTSTAMP:20260413T122813 CREATED:20180803T032103Z LAST-MODIFIED:20181017T171615Z UID:17775-1540598400-1540857599@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Dance of the Soul DESCRIPTION:SOLD OUT. PLEASE CHECK MY EVENT SCHEDULE OR CONTACT ME FOR FUTURE RETREATS AND WORKSHOPS \nA weekend retreat of sacred and mystical dances\, healing circles and Sufi whirling. \nJoin us for a weekend on a path of healing\, awakening\, and self-growth through the power of meditative whirling and sacred dance to live music\, mystical poetry\, and Zikr – at the picturesque village of Baskinta in Lebanon – with award-winning dance ethnologist\, Iranian Shaman\, Sufi Dance Master\, and internationally acclaimed dance artist Farima Berenji. Also joining us is Faysal Macit\, a talented Sufi drummer from Turkey. \nA one of a kind event you won’t want to miss in Lebanon! \nFarima’s Dance of the Soul is an depth whirling and dance journey covering various spotted and non-spotted turns\, spirals and circles based on Sufi whirling traditions\, sacred geometry\, sacred elements\, and ancient Persian rituals. We will connect with the cycles of our life and discover the power of whirling as a gateway for self-growth and spiritual transformation! We will discover the power and mystery of ancient dances and rituals through movement\, music\, love\, and stillness. \nLovers\, Seekers and Watchers – Come and join our sacred circle. You are welcome to set and feel healing energy\, bring a poem or story or music to share\, join our Zikr\, pray with us\, and just laugh or cry…as we journey together to be closer to the light. \nMusicians – bring your instruments and join our music circle. Let your heart guide your music during our open floor Sema. \nSemazens – Open your heart and whirl! \nRetreat includes\n\nFarima’s unique meditative element breathing technique\, relaxation and visualization\nBasic technique of various whirling such as maintaining balance and posture\, controlling dizziness\, and self-focus\nSufi rituals\, gatherings\, and Zikr\nTurns\, circles\, and spirals\, based on ancient Persian\, Turkic and Central Asian Sufi traditions\nAncient Shamanic healing rituals and medicine dance\nPoetry in Motion – Farima’s signature method of expressing inner feelings\, motions\, and movements with poetry (whirling or dancing)\n\nAbout the Venue\nOur 3 day retreat will take place at the beautiful Tobeshrani Guesthouse in Baskinta which can fit a maximum of 20 people (shared rooms with simple beds and sofa beds). Visitors to Tobeshrani guesthouse say it’s almost impossible to leave once you’ve experienced Nader and Mireille’s hospitality. They also offer a wide range of services in their traditional village including hiking\, generous hospitality to make you comfortable and part of their family\, meal sharing\, and great stories. \nAbout Baskinta\, Lebanon\nBaskinta is a small town about forty-four miles from Beirut (70km)\, situated on the lower slopes of Sannine at an altitude of about 4\,500 feet (1\,350 meters). In Aramaic its name would mean apartment or house\, for this village holds the visitor captive\, being of a unique beauty! Baskinta has been inhabited since ancient times\, by Phoenicians\, Romans\, and Greeks\, all of whom have left their remains. It is also the native village of Mikhail Naimeh\, one of Lebanon’s greatest thinkers and men of letters world famous for his spiritual writings. He personified Baskinta’s natural scenarios in most of his writings. It was here in a hut surrounded by extraordinary rock formations that Naimeh drafted much of his monumental work. The family home of award winning novelist and journalist Amin Maalouf at Ain el Qabou is nearby Baskinta where his novel “The Rock of Tanois” is also set. Maalouf also has a summer house there. \nGetting There\nFrom Beirut by public transport\, Baskinta can be reached by the ‘old school’ buses leaving from Dora. Duration: about 2 hrs. / Costs: 2\,500 LBP. \nFor a taxi from Beirut to Baskinta\, expect to pay around 75\,000 LBP. Duration: about 1.5 hr. \nThe easiest way to reach Baskinta from Beirut by car is via Faraya. Duration: about 1.5 hr. \nPrice for 3 Days\nEntire package per person:\nUntil September 30\, 2018: $250\nAfter September 30\, 2018: $280 \nPrice includes \n\nWorkshop fees for 3 days\nHome-made meals for 3 days\nBed / mattress / sofa beds in shared rooms for 2 nights in a humble home\nMirelle\, the home owner\, is also a hiking guide and will lead us to explore the beautiful nature of this area.\n\nPrice for 2 Days\n$190 per person. \nPrice includes \n\nWorkshop fees for 2 days\nHome-made meals for 2 days\nBed / mattress / sofa beds in shared rooms for 1 night in a humble home\n\nPrice for 1 Day Pass\n$65 per person. \nPrice includes \n\nWorkshop fees\nHome-made meals\n\nPayment\n\nonline\, in person\, or by phone using Western Union to Aya El Hibri – tel 00961 76738181 – address: Beirut\, Lebanon\nOr if you’re in Beirut\, we can meet up anywhere so you can pay in cash and I will give you a receipt for it\n\nFor more details contact Aya Hibri \nSPACE IS LIMITED – PLEASE REGISTER EARLY TO ENSURE YOUR SPACE! \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji is an award winning dance ethnologist and internationally acclaimed dance artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, and an archaeologist specializing in ancient\, sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances of Persia\, Ionia\, and the Silk Road. Recognized as one of a few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to record\, research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. \nAs a Magi (Iranian Shaman)\, Sufi\, and Semazen\, Farima is an exceptionally inspiring instructor strongly connected to spirituality and healing. She seeks to lead people to the historic beauty and richness of Persia and the Silk Road culture and to aid them find inner bliss through dance\, music\, and spirituality. Farima teaches her own original findings\, methods\, techniques\, and exercises to uncover the connection between the soul and dance movement and what make an ARTIST instead of just a dancer. \nFarima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective (founded in 2007). She is the first Iranian dance artist to found a worldwide collaborative devoted to preservation\, performance\, and promotion of ancient\, classical\, and folkloric dance of Persia and the Silk Road. Farima is the founder of the Lioness project\, Poetry in Motion project\, and the Awakening project. She has appeared in scholarly documentaries hosted by National Geographic and the U.N.\, and has been highlighted in various international media Farima is the recipient of the prestigious UN award and has been recognized by Congressman Mike Honda\, by the Iranian Women’s Rights Committee “30 Voices\,” Music and Cultural Organization of Turkey\, and is the first first Iranian dancer to be honored in a TEDx talk. Farima and her Simorgh Dance Collective was the first Persian dance company\, directed by an Iranian to perform during a reception for US President Obama. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/dance-of-the-soul-lebanon/ LOCATION:Baskinta\, Lebanon\, Baskita\, Lebanon CATEGORIES:Retreat,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/IMG_4118.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Aya Hibri":MAILTO:aya.hibri@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20181006T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20181007T183000 DTSTAMP:20260413T122813 CREATED:20180829T033812Z LAST-MODIFIED:20180829T045051Z UID:17833-1538823600-1538937000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Dances of Greater Khorasan DESCRIPTION:Sacred and Traditional Dances of Greater Khorasan with Farima Berenji\nTravel to ancient Khorasan and study the sacred rituals\, whirling\, folk dances\, music\, and prayers of this ancient land and learn more about the great mystic masters of this region such as Attar\, Shams\, Rudaki\, Khayyám\, Khwarizm\, and Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Balkhī. Greater Khorasan is a historic region\, the majority of it lies in modern day Iran\, as well as in minor parts of Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. Historically\, Khorasan was named “Parthia” but was renamed to Khorasan in the late Sassanid Dynasty. Khorasan is an area of Eastern Iran known as the place “Where the Sun Arrives from.” Bright and lively\, the dances of this region include elements of the famous Soghdian (Whirling Dance)\, Warrior Dance\, Scarf Dance\, Khorasan Sema and more. Khorasani dances are lively\, festive\, and full of meaning. Men and women\, old and young\, all participate and their dances tell of their nomadic life\, struggle\, unity\, their love for life\, and honor for their glorious ancestors. Both men and woman are welcome to the workshops. \nSaturday Oct. 6th\, 11AM-4;30 PM with potluck lunch 1-2PM\nWorkshop of folk and warrior dances of Khorasan with Farima Berenji\, including Torbat-e-Jam and Bojnourdi. Please bring two medium size sticks or chopsticks for the warrior dance on Saturday (chop sticks will work for practice purposes). \nSunday Oct. 7th\, 1PM-6:30PM\nSoghdian (Whirling Dance) and Khorasan Sema workshop with Farima Berenji. Please stay for potluck dinner and Q&A after workshop. \nRegistration\nFull weekend intensive early price $200\, after Sept. price becomes $225 \nContact Cathy Stoyko to register and FMI (250) 218-0704. \nSend an e-transfer non-refundable deposit of $100 to cdstoyko@uniserve.com to secure your spot in the workshops. \nLocals\, please make arrangements to bring cash deposit to The Abbey Studio at 2687 Penrith Ave. in Cumberland\, BC OR mail a cheque made out to Cathy Stoyko\, PO Box 1196\, Cumberland B.C. V0R 1S0 \nSPACE IS LIMITED. Register early for these workshops to avoid disappointment\, the last two intensives sold out! \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji is an award winning dance ethnologist and internationally acclaimed dance artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, and an archaeologist specializing in ancient\, sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances of Persia\, Ionia\, and the Silk Road. Recognized as one of a few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to record\, research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. \nAs a Magi (Iranian Shaman)\, Sufi\, and Semazen\, Farima is an exceptionally inspiring instructor strongly connected to spirituality and healing. She seeks to lead people to the historic beauty and richness of Persia and the Silk Road culture and to aid them find inner bliss through dance\, music\, and spirituality. Farima teaches her own original findings\, methods\, techniques\, and exercises to uncover the connection between the soul and dance movement and what make an ARTIST instead of just a dancer. \nFarima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective (founded in 2007). She is the first Iranian dance artist to found a worldwide collaborative devoted to preservation\, performance\, and promotion of ancient\, classical\, and folkloric dance of Persia and the Silk Road. Farima is the founder of the Lioness project\, Poetry in Motion project\, and the Awakening project. She has appeared in scholarly documentaries hosted by National Geographic and the U.N.\, and has been highlighted in various international media Farima is the recipient of the prestigious UN award and has been recognized by Congressman Mike Honda\, by the Iranian Women’s Rights Committee “30 Voices\,” Music and Cultural Organization of Turkey\, and is the first first Iranian dancer to be honored in a TEDx talk. Farima and her Simorgh Dance Collective was the first Persian dance company\, directed by an Iranian to perform during a reception for US President Obama. Learn more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/khorasani-dance-workshop/ LOCATION:Abbey Studio\, 2687 Penrith Ave.\, Cumberland\, BC\, V0R 1S0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/39234797_1377852629011562_3425052254657314816_o.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Cathy Stoyko":MAILTO:cdstoyko@uniserve.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20180814T203000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20180814T213000 DTSTAMP:20260413T122813 CREATED:20180406T070437Z LAST-MODIFIED:20180725T200230Z UID:17506-1534278600-1534282200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:"Hu" Meditation and Sema DESCRIPTION:Open your heart\, body\, and mind in this mystical session of meditation\, breath work\, and whirling led by Farima Berenji. We will seek the foundation of spiritual healing in the mysticism of vibration and sound\, realizing how all life emerges from silence\, and all things have sound hidden within them. We will open by awakening the soul in meditation to the word “Hu”\, the breath of the devine\, God\, then journey into healing with Farima’s unique 5 element breath therapy. Finally\, we will conclude by whirling (Sema) in silence with only the vibrations of the heart. \nPlease wear comfortable clothing and wear socks or soft soled shoes. If you choose to turn avoid eating a large meal 2 hours prior. \nFarima Berenji\nFarima is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, instructor\, dance ethnologist\, and archaeologist. Recognized as one of few world experts and scholars of Persian dance history\, Farima infuses spirituality into her dance and teachings to impassion\, empower\, and inspire. She is the founder and artistic director of the Farima Dance Company and the Simorgh Dance Collective. Exposed from youth to various music and dance styles her love of dance has led her upon an extraordinary life-long journey throughout the world\, including her home countries Iran and Azerbaijan as well as other neighboring Silk Road countries\, where she has researched\, studied\, and performed with master teachers and performing artists. For over 15 years\, Farima has continued her passion traveling great distances to learn\, research\, lecture\, promote\, perform\, and to teach sacred\, classical\, and folk dances of the Silk Road. \nRead more… \nHow to Find Us\nThe nearest cross streets for the Center for Creative Living are 4th St and Koll Circle. Drive into the parking lot and proceed to the left\, AROUND TO THE BACK of the building. It is well lit and there is plenty of parking. Enter through the back door. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/hu-meditation-and-sema/ LOCATION:Center for Creative Living\, 1460 Koll Circle\, Suite C\, San Jose\, CA\, 95112\, United States CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema) ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/HuMeditation-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180728 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180802 DTSTAMP:20260413T122813 CREATED:20180512T151914Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200311T012102Z UID:17564-1532736000-1533167999@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Dance of the Devine Nature DESCRIPTION:Release – Receive – Awaken the Soul… A Journey of Self Reflection and Renewal\nJoin us for a special spiritual retreat on Mt Shasta this summer with Sufi dance master and Magi (Shaman) Farima Berenji (CID-UNESCO) and Shaman and Nature Specialist Tim Corcoran. \nTogether we will call upon the spirit of the mountain\, we will dance the spirals of nature\, and we will become one with the spirit of nature. \nWe will explore the sacred geometry and the spirituality of the mountain and nature through Sufi whirling\, ancient Iranic mystic dance movements\, meditation\, shamanic ceremonies\, poetry\, music\, and sweat lodge ritual. We will open to a deeper level of communication and interaction with mother earth and father sky. We will awake the Goddess Ameretat (Persian Goddess of Nature) and discover the many ways in which the Earth speaks to each of us. \nMt. Shasta is considered by many to be one of the seven sacred mountains found on earth and it is called by some The Magical Mountain. Legends and mysteries abound about the ethereal aura felt and seen by some who have trekked near\, around\, and on the natural wonder. It is believed the mountain has a mystical power that exudes peace and harmony. \nThe number seven has been a sacred and symbolic expression among the Iranic culture. It is believed that a seeker must manifest the seven Creations of Life to be one with the divine. \nActivities and lessons include: \n\nSpirals of Nature – Turns\, Circles and Spirals based on the Sacred Geometry found in Nature\nSelf Awareness and Self Observation\nCommunication with Plants and Animals through Dance and Rituals.\nMeditation in Nature and Meditative Hikes\nSweat Lodge Ceremony\nStorytelling\, Poetry\, Music\, and Chanting\nZikr (Sufi Prayer) and Ancient Zoroastrian Prayers (Based on the Number 7)\nEarth Philosophy and Plant Medicine Classes\nAncient Iranic Awakening Ritual and Dance of Ameretat (Persian Goddess of Nature and Mountains)\, led by Farima Berenji\n\nPayment\nEarly bird registration ends June 15\, 2018\n$375 until June 15\, $450 thereafter.\nPaypal purchase includes $13.35 processing fee. \nPayment includes meals and shared accommodations\, 2 per room. Transportation is not included. \nFarima Berenji\nFounder and Artistic Director\, Worldwide Simorgh Dance Collective\, 2007\nFounder and Director of Dance of the Soul® and the Awakening and Warrior and Lioness Project ® (Ancient Iranic Warrior Dances and Rituals\, 2013) \nFarima Berenji is an award winning Dance Ethnologist and internationally acclaimed dance artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, and Sufi dance master. Recognized and certified as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology by UNESCO\, she travels worldwide to record\, research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. She is a Magi (Iranian Shaman Master) and a Sufi. Read more… \nTim Corcoran\nShaman and Nature Specialist \nTim first went to the woods at age six. At seventeen he spent four months alone in the Canadian Wilderness practicing Earth living skills. He began a career teaching wildlife conservation in 1974. During this time he learned how to communicate with the spirits of the animals he worked with.\nIn 1992\, with Headwaters Outdoor School\, Tim realized his lifelong vision to share what he learned from the Earth seeking to inspire people to discover their own connection with the Earth. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/dance-of-the-devine-nature/ LOCATION:Headwaters Outdoor School\, 6615 Shepherds Way\, Weed\, CA\, 96094\, United States CATEGORIES:Retreat,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/32308825_2291460910864859_5240966708033748992_n.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180713 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180716 DTSTAMP:20260413T122813 CREATED:20180511T153205Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230515T020159Z UID:17554-1531440000-1531699199@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Soul of the Sema DESCRIPTION:From Balkh to Khorasan – Summer Sufi Retreat in Armatlu\, Turkey\nMetaphysical Movements\, Rituals\, Whirling and Music of the Mystics \nJoin 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. We will sing\, dance in prayer\, and immerse ourselves in the Soul of the Sema. \nUsing Farima’s unique teachings\, techniques\, and research\, we will come together into deep meditation and rest in the stillness of our authentic hearts. We will study the sacred rituals\, prayers\, and whirling of our ancient past and that of our great masters such as Attar\, Shams\, Rudaki\, Khayyám\, Khwarazmi\, and Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Balkhī (Rumi). We will take the path to ancient Khorasan and explore the wisdom within Sufi legends and learn the seven pathways of love. \nParticipate in \n\nKhorasan Sema\nQalandar Sema\nSogdian Whirling\nBaluchi Sema\nUygur Sema\nVahishta Sema\nWhirling of the Sun (Ancient Iran) and Poetry in Motion\n\nYour days will also include: \n\nFarima’s Hu Meditation and Motion in Silence\nFarima’s 5 Element Breath Therapy\nGawati (Medicine Dance and Zikr) and Turkmen Zikr\nErfa (An Ancient Iranic Metaphysical Gathering)\nSinging\, Chanting\, Drumming\, and Blessing Rituals of Ancient Iran\nSohbet (Sufi Talk)\, Lectures\, and Discussion\n\nNo dance experience is needed just come with an open heart and willingness to learn\, explore\, share\, and have fun. \nLocation\nAlişler Yurdu (Little Ali Village) is in a small town\, about 1 hour drive away from Yalova. The village is famous for its traditional arts\, healing energy\, and beautiful scenery providing a perfect hideaway for those craving privacy and tranquility. It is an ideal place for dance\, creativity\, healing\, nurturing\, and relaxation. The village is also famous for its natural hot spring waters\, olives\, and sea coast. They say it has the cleanest coast in the Marmara Sea. In the village there are horses\, cats\, dogs\, and other friendly local animals. Everyone is welcome to ride the horses if they wish\, or play with animals. The farm applies natural horsemanship principals and has natural ponds filled with natural cold spring water\, which can be very refreshing during warm days. Our retreat area has an amazing panoramic sea view and the beach is only a 15 minute walk away! \nAccommodations\nThe retreat center is a shared facility with one room with 3 beds\, toilet\, and shower\, 6 small rooms of 2 beds\, and one room for a couple or for those who wish more authenticity. There will also be camping ground available for people who wish to experience more nature. Hotels are also available for those who want private accommodation. Please note that the retreat program will NOT cover your private hotel cost. We can help you find a hotel but you are responsible with making the arrangements and payment yourself. Retreat fees only cover accommodation at the shared retreat center. \nMeals\nThe retreat includes 3 healthy meals (breakfast\, lunch\, and dinner) including vegan and non-vegan traditional tastes. Snacks\, water\, coffee\, and tea is available throughout the day. Please note that attendees are expected to help with washing their own dishes after each meal. We do not want to waste any plastic or paper in this village. Helping with food preparation would also be greatly appreciated but not expected. \nPayment\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEarly bird registration ends June 15\, 2018\n$350 until June 15\, $450 thereafter\nIncludes $13.35 processing fee. \nPayment includes: workshop tuition\, meals\, accommodation in the retreat center (shared facility)\, and snacks. Payment does NOT include: airfare\, sea transportation to or from the pier station\, entry visa\, which must be obtained before or at the airport in Turkey\, or your private taxi fee. Payment can be made by PayPal\, check\, or cash (a service charge will be added with PayPal payment). \nDue to high demand and limited space in the retreat center\, no refund will be provided for any cancellations. \nContact us for more details. \nFarima Berenji\nFounder and Artistic Director\, Worldwide Simorgh Dance Collective\, 2007\nFounder and Director of Dance of the Soul ® and the Awakening and Warrior and Lioness Project ® (Ancient Iranic Warrior Dances and Rituals\, 2013) \nFarima Berenji is an award winning Dance Ethnologist and internationally acclaimed dance artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, and Sufi dance master. Recognized and certified as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology by UNESCO\, she travels worldwide to record\, research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. She is a Magi (Iranian Shaman Master) and a Sufi. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/soul-of-the-sema/ LOCATION:Alişler Yurdu\, Armutlu\, Turkey CATEGORIES:Retreat,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/SufiTurkey-Banner-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20180622T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20180622T170000 DTSTAMP:20260413T122813 CREATED:20180403T072334Z LAST-MODIFIED:20180403T072334Z UID:17494-1529672400-1529686800@farimadance.com SUMMARY:TEDxYYC Conference Lecture DESCRIPTION: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. \nFarima Berenji will be guest speaker at this conference. Her topic: healing by dance. \nMore details… \nTickets URL:http://farimadance.com/event/tedxyyc-conference-lecture/ LOCATION:Jack Singer Concert Hall\, 205 8 Ave SE\, Calgary\, British Columbia\, AB T2G 0K9\, Canada CATEGORIES:Lecture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/TEDxYYC2018_FarimaB_Website-700x700.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20180317T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20180317T220000 DTSTAMP:20260413T122813 CREATED:20171207T215400Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230515T021148Z UID:17264-1521309600-1521324000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Journey of the Simorgh DESCRIPTION: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. \n“It was in China\, late one moonless night\,\nThe Simorgh first appeared to mortal sight.\nHe let a feather float down through the air\,\nAnd rumors of its fame spread everywhere.”\n~Farid ud-Din Attar \nDoors open at 6:00 PM\, show starts at 7:00 PM. \nTickets\n\nPRICES REDUCED\nAdults: $35 online and at the door\nChild (6 – 12): $15 online and at the door\nPurchase tickets… \nSimorgh Dance Collective\nA worldwide collaboration of expert and emerging dancers and musicians devoted to cross-cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration through traditional\, classical\, and sacred dance styles of the Silk Road.\nRead more… \nFarima Berenji – Artistic Director\, Choreographer\n“I cannot put the concert from tonight in words. Emotional\, full of energy\, oneness and beauty. Especially the last two songs and Farima’s powerful and emotional Sufi whirling left me so affected. I am still shaking from the energy. Will never forget this concert. Thank you again and I hope there will be many more.” \n—Meral Ozturk – Manchester\, England\, on Seven Cities of Love\n\nFarima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, lecturer\, dance ethnologist\, and archaeologist specializing in classical\, folkloric\, and sacred dances of Persia and the Silk Road. Her training spans a lifetime of intensive collaboration and research with master artists\, scholars\, and spiritual teachers worldwide. She is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a worldwide collaborative devoted to teach dance technique\, interpret\, illustrate\, present\, and perform dances of the Silk Road. Farima performs\, offers workshops\, and lectures worldwide upon request and has appeared in the US\, UK\, Austria\, Czech Republic\, Turkey\, Mauritius\, and Iran. Read more.. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/journey-simorgh-anchorage/ LOCATION:Trinity Presbyterian Church\, 12310 Lorraine St\, Anchorage\, AK\, 99516\, United States CATEGORIES:Dinner and Dance Show,Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/JourneyOfSimorghAK.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20180202T000000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20180209T000000 DTSTAMP:20260413T122813 CREATED:20160902T081804Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T033834Z UID:10173-1517529600-1518134400@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Caravan of Seekers – Sufi and Sacred Dance Retreat DESCRIPTION:With Sufi Dance Master Farima Berenji (CID-UNESCO) and Ashraf Ali \nAn in-depth dance and healing journey to India\, with a curriculum designed specifically around Sufi-based practices of Indo-Iran\, spiritual ecstasy and sacred dance\, heart-opening\, and love. \nJoin Farima and her dear friend and Meditation Guide\, Ashraf Ali\, for an all-inclusive retreat and caravan to the mystical land of India. In this intimate journey we will journey to deserts and temples of India to connect with our ancient past! \nGo deep into the ancient culture of Indo-Iran\, learning the rituals of the Sufi mystics of both lands. Walk path where healers and mystics have walked. Learn Farima’s unique Indo-Iranian healing rituals\, temple dances\, and Sufi teachings. We will open ourselves to the channels of Light in this mystic land… A land is filled with Spiritual Elements! \nThis journey is highly recommended for those who are ready to venture deeper in their inner connection and the Divine. The retreat is also part of the ‘Dance of the Soul’ Certification Program\, and is highly recommended to those who are currently attending an intensive Certificate Training Program with Farima. \nThe journey will include: \n\nFarima’s special Sufi & Mystic Dance and Whirling training of Indo-Iran (Dance of the Soul Certificate Program)\nTemple Dances and Rituals of Indo-Iran\nNightly Sacred Circles and Zikr\nPoetry in Motion: Featuring interpretive dance inspired from Persian and Indian mystical stories and sacred art\, illustrating the connection between Persian classical and Indian classical dance.\nMeditation\, visualization\, and sound healing with Ashraf Ali.\nFarima’s unique 4 Element Breathing Therapy and Element Therapy\nSightseeing of sacred sites and temples of Jaisalmer\nLectures and Sohbet (Sufi Talk) with Farima and Ashraf Ali\nDesert Tour: Camel walk\, Whirling in the desert (with a special Sufi singer & musician) and sleeping under the sky!\n\nPayment and Rules\nEntire package per person:\nBy Jan. 2\, 2018: $510\nAfter Jan. 2\, 2018: $600\nA discount is given to Simorgh Dance Collective members \nA deposit of $250 must be made to secure booking. \nREGISTER ONLINE\nPayment includes all local transpotation\, all meals\, luxury/deluxe rooms for double occupancy\, Jaisalmer sightseeing\, desert tour and camping\, workshops\, caravan\, etc. \nAsraf Ali\nAshraf Ali was introduced to the world of meditation a decade ago. He visited many ashrams\, meditated in different temples and monasteries\, and practiced with Zen masters and Sufis of the desert. In 2007 he was initiated into the Osho commune in Pune and at Osho Nisarga\, Dharmshala. He also became certified in Ayurvedic Yoga Massage. Since then\, Ashraf has been sharing his humor\, love\, and passion by leading meditation and massage therapy in India and Europe. Guided by Osho\, Ashraf continues to unravel the inner world of beauty\, mystery\, and sensuality through moments of celebration. Whenever connecting with people of many different cultures worldwide\, Ashraf humbly describes himself in a few simple words: “I am the travel guide of your inner journey.” \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and dance ethnologist\, an award winning internationally acclaimed dance artist\, a choreographer\, instructor\, and an archaeologist specializing in ancient\, sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances of Persia\, Ionia\, and the Silk Road. Farima has spent her lifetime studying Persian dance\, culture\, and history. She performs\, offers workshops\, and lectures worldwide upon request. Recognized as one of a 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. As a Sufi and semazen\, Farima is an exceptionally inspiring instructor strongly connected to spirituality and healing. She seeks to lead people to the historic beauty and richness of Persia and the Silk Road culture and to aid them find inner bliss through dance\, music\, and spirituality. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/caravan-of-seekers/ LOCATION:Mystic Jaisalmer\, Near Gadisar gate\, Dhibba para\, Old city \, Jaisalmer\, 345001\, India CATEGORIES:Retreat,Tour,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/23561563_2046329208711365_8013442480622352091_n.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20180121T163000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20180121T193000 DTSTAMP:20260413T122813 CREATED:20170114T154042Z LAST-MODIFIED:20180109T215548Z UID:14849-1516552200-1516563000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Sufi Dance and Sound Healing Workshop DESCRIPTION:After a very successful\, soldout sound healing and Sufi whirling workshop in January 2017\, sound healer Gabriel Gold and Persian Dance Artist Farima Berenji decided to collaborate again\, this time focusing on the “Spirals of Life” as the theme. \nHeld in a beautiful\, historic chapel in the heart of San Francisco we will seek the foundation of spiritual healing through sacred sound and movement\, embodying song and movement founded on the Sacred Spirals of Life! \nFarima will teach the basics of “Sufi Whirling” and share her extensive knowledge of Sufi dance traditions and meditation practices. \nGabriel will teach the basics of wordless singing as meditation as well as supporting the Sufi whirling sessions with live musical performance of Hang and Halo Handpans and ending the workshop with a deeply relaxing “Sound Healing Meditation”\, utilizing Crystal Singing Bowls\, to help integrate the day’s learnings. Read more… \nThe doors open at 4:30pm and close at 5pm. Please do not arrive after 5pm as it would be disturbing to flow of the workshop. From 4pm till 4:30pm there will be a complimentary Chinese-Style Tea Service. \nPrice\n$35 via Eventbrite\n$40 at the door (CASH ONLY) \nLimited to 20 participants only\, register ASAP! Last year’s session was highly successful so reserve your space early. \nBring\nBottle of water\, Yoga mat (optional for stretching). \nFarima Berenji\n“I cannot put the concert from tonight in words. Emotional\, full of energy\, oneness and beauty. Especially the last two songs and Farima’s powerful and emotional Sufi whirling left me so affected. I am still shaking from the energy. Will never forget this concert. Thank you again and I hope there will be many more.” \n—Meral Ozturk – Manchester\, England\, on Seven Cities of Love\n\nFarima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, lecturer\, dance ethnologist\, and archaeologist specializing in classical\, folkloric\, and sacred dances of Persia and the Silk Road. Her training spans a lifetime of intensive collaboration and research with master artists\, scholars\, and spiritual teachers worldwide. She is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a worldwide collaborative devoted to teach dance technique\, interpret\, illustrate\, present\, and perform dances of the Silk Road. Farima performs\, offers workshops\, and lectures worldwide upon request and has appeared in the US\, UK\, Austria\, Czech Republic\, Turkey\, Mauritius\, and Iran. Read more.. \nGabriel Gold\n“A mystical\, angelic voice and music that moves one to journey through both the deep joy and sorrows of the Soul.”—Grace Cathedral\, San Francisco\, CA \nGabriel Gold is a San Francisco\, CA\, USA based multi-instrumentalist (a pioneer of the Handpan\, a steel melodic percussion instrument)\, composer and acoustic researcher\, specializing in the study of sacred resonant spaces. His current work is founded on inspiring deeper connections to “sacred spaces” around the world\, both natural and man-made and to help bring awareness to the need to protect and honor them. A selection of Gabriel’s past works include: his latest album “Halo”\, recorded in acoustically resonant sacred spaces throughout the world; his “Healing Voice” workshops and singing circles\, through which he has personally supported thousands of people on the journey of developing a spiritual and fulfilling relationship to their singing voices; the musical score for four feature length ballets with Labayen Dance Co. and Mudita Arts Ballet\, and others. Read more.. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/sufi-dance-and-sound-healing-workshop/ LOCATION:Convent Arts Collective\, 660 Oak Street\, San Francisco\, CA\, 94117\, United States CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/gabrielGoldFarimaBerenji.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20171224T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20171224T113000 DTSTAMP:20260413T122813 CREATED:20171129T164150Z LAST-MODIFIED:20171201T032401Z UID:17248-1514109600-1514115000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:The Star of Bethlehem DESCRIPTION:Learn the little known background on journey of the Persian Magi and the story of the sacred star this Christmas Eve in a lecture by Magi Farima Berenji. \nHosted by the Center for Creative Living\, the program starts at 10am with a song\, prayer\, meditation\, and announcements. About 10:30am\, Farima will be introduced and speak 30 to 40 minutes. Since it is Christmas eve there’ll be a pot luck. Everyone is invited to attend\, bring a dish\, and partake in all activities. \nFarima Berenji\nAs a Sufi from the bloodline of St. Fateme and a Magi (Shaman) from the bloodline of Iranian Zoroastrian Magi\, Farima is strongly connected to spirituality and healing. She is one of the very few Iranian women granted by the Magi and Gwati tribes of Iran to perform ancient healing and sacred rituals. Her Shamanic healing therapies are now in use in hospitals in Iran and the US. Farima infuses spirituality into her dance and teachings to exceptionally impassion\, empower\, and inspire students to deeply understand the meaning of culture and dance and to explore dance as a powerful means to express emotion\, facilitate spiritual healing\, and bridge cultures. \nFarima Berenji is an Iranian-American scholar and dance ethnologist\, an award winning internationally acclaimed dance artist\, a choreographer\, instructor\, and an archaeologist specializing in ancient\, sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances of Persia\, Ionia\, and the Silk Road. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/the-star-of-bethlehem/ LOCATION:Center for Creative Living\, 1460 Koll Circle\, Suite C\, San Jose\, CA\, 95112\, United States CATEGORIES:Lecture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/MagiLecture.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Center for Creative Living":MAILTO:safecorky@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20171224T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20171224T113000 DTSTAMP:20260413T122813 CREATED:20171129T164150Z LAST-MODIFIED:20201216T163058Z UID:22566-1514109600-1514115000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:The Star of Bethlehem DESCRIPTION:Learn the little known background on journey of the Persian Magi and the story of the sacred star this Christmas Eve in a lecture by Magi Farima Berenji. \nHosted by the Center for Creative Living\, the program starts at 10am with a song\, prayer\, meditation\, and announcements. About 10:30am\, Farima will be introduced and speak 30 to 40 minutes. Since it is Christmas eve there’ll be a pot luck. Everyone is invited to attend\, bring a dish\, and partake in all activities. \nFarima Berenji\nAs a Sufi from the bloodline of St. Fateme and a Magi (Shaman) from the bloodline of Iranian Zoroastrian Magi\, Farima is strongly connected to spirituality and healing. She is one of the very few Iranian women granted by the Magi and Gwati tribes of Iran to perform ancient healing and sacred rituals. Her Shamanic healing therapies are now in use in hospitals in Iran and the US. Farima infuses spirituality into her dance and teachings to exceptionally impassion\, empower\, and inspire students to deeply understand the meaning of culture and dance and to explore dance as a powerful means to express emotion\, facilitate spiritual healing\, and bridge cultures. \nFarima Berenji is an Iranian-American scholar and dance ethnologist\, an award winning internationally acclaimed dance artist\, a choreographer\, instructor\, and an archaeologist specializing in ancient\, sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances of Persia\, Ionia\, and the Silk Road. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/the-star-of-bethlehem-2/ LOCATION:Center for Creative Living\, 1460 Koll Circle\, Suite C\, San Jose\, CA\, 95112\, United States CATEGORIES:Lecture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/MagiLecture.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20171110 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20171113 DTSTAMP:20260413T122813 CREATED:20171016T042853Z LAST-MODIFIED:20171101T052411Z UID:17174-1510272000-1510531199@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Heart of Khorasan Sufi Retreat DESCRIPTION:CANCELED DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES OUTSIDE OUR CONTROL \nA weekend Sufi retreat of ancient Iranic whirling traditions and Central Asian Sufi traditions including Khorasan Sema\, Uyghur Sema\, Baktashi Sema\, Turkmen Zikr\, Gwati Zikr\, Vahishta\, and more. \nWe will take on the path of the ancients\, a journey of discovery\, in space and time… reconnecting with our ancient ancestors and the origin of Sema. We will take the path to ancient Khorasan and Central Asia to study the sacred rituals\, whirling\, music\, and prayers of our ancient past and that of our great masters of such as Attar\, Shams\, Rudaki\, Khayyám\, Khwarizm\, and Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Balkhī. \nAt the last day of the retreat\, Farima will be teaching whirling with daf\, double drums\, props\, veils\, double veils\, and double skirt. \nPlease bring a drum/daf\, poetry\, veils\, and whirling skirt. \nRetreat includes: \n\nStay at Badem Han Butik Pansiyon\nFood & Snacks\nAll workshops and healing rituals with Farima\n\nFarima will also be teaching an intensive Sufi Courses and Sacred Dances in Iran\, Georgia\, India\, and US in the coming months… Contact Farima for registration and details. \nLocation\nBademhan Retreat Center\nBadhem Han Retreat Center is near Saros Bay on the Aegean Sea. Within a forest paradise including a 20 acre fruit tree grove and sprawling lawns\, the Badham Han Retreat Center offers the opportunity to connect with nature. \nPayment and Rules\nFee: 400 tl\nPlease contact Farima Berenji or Hatice Sara to make reservations. \nFarima Berenji\nis an award winning dance ethnologist and internationally acclaimed dance artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, and an archaeologist specializing in ancient\, sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances of Persia\, Ionia\, and the Silk Road. Recognized as one of a few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology\, and an award winning instructor of Sacred Dance and Feminine Power through UNESCO\, she travels worldwide to record\, research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. As a Magi (Iranian Shaman)\, Sufi and Semazen\, Farima is an exceptionally inspiring instructor strongly connected to spirituality and healing. She seeks to lead people to the historic beauty and richness of Persia and the Silk Road culture and to aid them find inner bliss through dance\, music\, and spirituality. Farima teaches her own original findings\, methods\, techniques\, and exercises to uncover the connection between the soul and dance movement. \nFarima is the first and only Iranian woman to have been chosen as Dance Ambassador of Iran by the UN. She has been honored with numerous awards in performing arts communities for excellence\, cultural diplomacy and preservation. She is the recipient of the prestigious UN/UNA award for her dance ethnology research and globally advocating ancient Iranian and Central Asian dance education. \nFarima and her company have performed for the UN\, Governor of Alaska\, Governor of CA\, Governor of Spain\, Ambassador of Canada\, Ambassador of Turkey\, and at the EU. Farima is the first Iranian-American woman to perform and be recognized by the National Folk Dance Organization of America\, and her Simorgh Dance Collective was the first Iranian dance company directed by an Iranian woman to perform during a reception for President Obama. \nFarima has also been recognized by California Congressman Mike Honda\, the Iranian Women’s Rights Committee\, and National Geographic. Her research and unique approach to sacred dance and ancient healing rituals are now being used in various institutions\, dance schools\, and healing centers worldwide. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/heart-khorasan-sufi-retreat/ LOCATION:Badem Han Retreat Center\, Çeltik Köyü İç Yolu\, 22880\, Çeltik\, Edirne\, Turkey CATEGORIES:Retreat,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/22491744_2001459503198336_3918505882884818440_n.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20170923T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20170923T210000 DTSTAMP:20260413T122813 CREATED:20170601T001539Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230516T005533Z UID:16985-1506193200-1506200400@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Journey of the Simorgh DESCRIPTION:A dance concert performance by the Simorgh Dance Collective of San Jose\, 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. Live music performed by Jayson Fann\, Homeyra Banejad\, and Steve Robertson. \nTickets\n \nDoors open at 6:30 PM \n$25 Online at http://journeyofthesimorgh.bpt.me\n$30 at the Door \nVisit our Facebook event page for details and discussion. \nFarima Berenji – Artistic Director\, Choreographer\n“I cannot put the concert from tonight in words. Emotional\, full of energy\, oneness and beauty. Especially the last two songs and Farima’s powerful and emotional Sufi whirling left me so affected. I am still shaking from the energy. Will never forget this concert. Thank you again and I hope there will be many more.” \n—Meral Ozturk – Manchester\, England\, on Seven Cities of Love\n\nFarima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, lecturer\, dance ethnologist\, and archaeologist specializing in classical\, folkloric\, and sacred dances of Persia and the Silk Road. Her training spans a lifetime of intensive collaboration and research with master artists\, scholars\, and spiritual teachers worldwide. She is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a worldwide collaborative devoted to teach dance technique\, interpret\, illustrate\, present\, and perform dances of the Silk Road. Farima performs\, offers workshops\, and lectures worldwide upon request and has appeared in the US\, UK\, Austria\, Czech Republic\, Turkey\, Mauritius\, and Iran. Read more.. \nJayson Fann – Musical Director\n“Jayson Fann interweaves architecture and spirit with seamless grace and beauty. His love of art and culture is celebrated in every detail of his work\, his passion is eclipsed only by his exquisite imagination” \nJayson Fann is a interdisciplinary artist\, musician\, designer and producer with a focus on large scale works that weave natural Architecture\, multi-cultural imagery with inspirational messages. The emphasis of his work is creating interactive staged environments for productions that integrate visual arts\, activism\, performance and ritual. His work is rich with mythical imagery\, vibrant colors\, rhythm and symbolism inspired by world culture. Jayson traverses the cultural\, visual\, and musical landscape to create cross cultural collaborations that take place worldwide. \nJayson Fann was featured at the 2008 Pan African film festival\, broadcast across fifty African nations on The Africa Channel\, featured on BBC\, in Conde Naste magazine\, New York Times\, World Architecture News\, In Habitat\, and Universal Studio film Production Wanderlust. He has served as stage designer for the critically acclaimed show Spirit Awakening written by Queen Nana Odede Akuyoe Graham and others. Jayson designed the stages for the Esalen International Arts Festival for nine years consecutively\, served as the visual arts director for First Night Monterey and built a multi stage arts and performance space called the Big Sur Spirit Garden. Read more.. \nHomeyra Banejad – Musician\, Vocalist\nHomeyra Banejad is an Iranian daf player and vocalist. As a member of the Iranian Musician Union of Iran she has performed in Iran and the US with Sima Bina\, Hamed Nikpay\, Simin Ghanem\, and many more artists! She will be accompanied by her amazing company members. \nSteve Robertson – Musician\nMore details soon… \nSimorgh Dance Collective\nThe 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.. \nSponsorship Opportunities\nJourney of the Simorgh is entirely self-funded through ticket sales. Lavish new costumes\, live music\, and studio and theater rental poses a great challenge on a limited budget. Your support enables the professional and emerging artists of the not-for-profit Simorgh Dance Collective bring to audiences an appreciation for the culture of the Silk Road in dance and music. \nAll sponsorships include honourable mention of your name or company name in our concert program\, Facebook page\, and website\, plus a Dance of the Soul DVD and signature tote bag\, plus these items at the following levels of support: \n\nFriends level: $150 donation – 2 tickets\nBronze level: $250 donation – 3 tickets and one dance class pass\nSilver level: $500 donation – 5 tickets and one dance class pass\nGold level: $1000 donation – 8 tickets\, one dance class pass\, and special gift.\n\nContact us for more details how to become a sponsor. \nFarima Berenji \nJason Fann \nHomeyra Banejad \n\nA statue of simorgh at Simorgh Cultural House\, Nishapur\, Iran “It was in China\, late one moonless night\,\nThe Simorgh first appeared to mortal sight.\nHe let a feather float down through the air\,\nAnd rumors of its fame spread everywhere.”\n\n\nDetail of a scene of Conference of the Birds\, A Persian miniature by Habiballah of Sava ca. 1610 “Dear Hoopoe\, welcome! You will be our guide…”\n\n\nDetail of a scene of Conference of the Birds\, A Persian miniature by Habiballah of Sava ca. 1610 “I was a dweller once in paradise;\nThere the insinuating snake’s advice\nDeceived me — I became his friend\, disgrace\nWas swift and I was banished from that place.\nMy dearest hope is that some blessèd day\nA guide will come to indicate the way\nBack to my paradise.” URL:http://farimadance.com/event/journey-of-the-simorgh/ LOCATION:Historic Hoover Theatre\, 1635 Park Ave\, San Jose\, CA\, 95126\, United States CATEGORIES:Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/19029470_1845686172109004_6906948198514503_n.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20170923T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20170923T210000 DTSTAMP:20260413T122813 CREATED:20170601T001539Z LAST-MODIFIED:20201216T164136Z UID:22559-1506193200-1506200400@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Journey of the Simorgh DESCRIPTION:A dance concert performance by the Simorgh Dance Collective of San Jose\, 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. Live music performed by Jayson Fann\, Homeyra Banejad\, and Steve Robertson. \nTickets\n \nDoors open at 6:30 PM \n\n$25 Online at http://journeyofthesimorgh.bpt.me\n$30 at the Door \nVisit our Facebook event page for details and discussion. \nFarima Berenji – Artistic Director\, Choreographer\n“I cannot put the concert from tonight in words. Emotional\, full of energy\, oneness and beauty. Especially the last two songs and Farima’s powerful and emotional Sufi whirling left me so affected. I am still shaking from the energy. Will never forget this concert. Thank you again and I hope there will be many more.” \n—Meral Ozturk – Manchester\, England\, on Seven Cities of Love\n\nFarima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, lecturer\, dance ethnologist\, and archaeologist specializing in classical\, folkloric\, and sacred dances of Persia and the Silk Road. Her training spans a lifetime of intensive collaboration and research with master artists\, scholars\, and spiritual teachers worldwide. She is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a worldwide collaborative devoted to teach dance technique\, interpret\, illustrate\, present\, and perform dances of the Silk Road. Farima performs\, offers workshops\, and lectures worldwide upon request and has appeared in the US\, UK\, Austria\, Czech Republic\, Turkey\, Mauritius\, and Iran. Read more.. \nJayson Fann – Musical Director\n“Jayson Fann interweaves architecture and spirit with seamless grace and beauty. His love of art and culture is celebrated in every detail of his work\, his passion is eclipsed only by his exquisite imagination” \nJayson Fann is a interdisciplinary artist\, musician\, designer and producer with a focus on large scale works that weave natural Architecture\, multi-cultural imagery with inspirational messages. The emphasis of his work is creating interactive staged environments for productions that integrate visual arts\, activism\, performance and ritual. His work is rich with mythical imagery\, vibrant colors\, rhythm and symbolism inspired by world culture. Jayson traverses the cultural\, visual\, and musical landscape to create cross cultural collaborations that take place worldwide. \nJayson Fann was featured at the 2008 Pan African film festival\, broadcast across fifty African nations on The Africa Channel\, featured on BBC\, in Conde Naste magazine\, New York Times\, World Architecture News\, In Habitat\, and Universal Studio film Production Wanderlust. He has served as stage designer for the critically acclaimed show Spirit Awakening written by Queen Nana Odede Akuyoe Graham and others. Jayson designed the stages for the Esalen International Arts Festival for nine years consecutively\, served as the visual arts director for First Night Monterey and built a multi stage arts and performance space called the Big Sur Spirit Garden. Read more.. \nHomeyra Banejad – Musician\, Vocalist\nHomeyra Banejad is an Iranian daf player and vocalist. As a member of the Iranian Musician Union of Iran she has performed in Iran and the US with Sima Bina\, Hamed Nikpay\, Simin Ghanem\, and many more artists! She will be accompanied by her amazing company members. \nSteve Robertson – Musician\nMore details soon… \nSimorgh Dance Collective\nThe 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.. \nSponsorship Opportunities\nJourney of the Simorgh is entirely self-funded through ticket sales. Lavish new costumes\, live music\, and studio and theater rental poses a great challenge on a limited budget. Your support enables the professional and emerging artists of the not-for-profit Simorgh Dance Collective bring to audiences an appreciation for the culture of the Silk Road in dance and music. \nAll sponsorships include honourable mention of your name or company name in our concert program\, Facebook page\, and website\, plus a Dance of the Soul DVD and signature tote bag\, plus these items at the following levels of support: \n\nFriends level: $150 donation – 2 tickets\nBronze level: $250 donation – 3 tickets and one dance class pass\nSilver level: $500 donation – 5 tickets and one dance class pass\nGold level: $1000 donation – 8 tickets\, one dance class pass\, and special gift.\n\nContact us for more details how to become a sponsor. \nFarima Berenji \nJason Fann \nHomeyra Banejad \n\nA statue of simorgh at Simorgh Cultural House\, Nishapur\, Iran “It was in China\, late one moonless night\,\nThe Simorgh first appeared to mortal sight.\nHe let a feather float down through the air\,\nAnd rumors of its fame spread everywhere.”\n\n\nDetail of a scene of Conference of the Birds\, A Persian miniature by Habiballah of Sava ca. 1610 “Dear Hoopoe\, welcome! You will be our guide…”\n\n\nDetail of a scene of Conference of the Birds\, A Persian miniature by Habiballah of Sava ca. 1610 “I was a dweller once in paradise;\nThere the insinuating snake’s advice\nDeceived me — I became his friend\, disgrace\nWas swift and I was banished from that place.\nMy dearest hope is that some blessèd day\nA guide will come to indicate the way\nBack to my paradise.” URL:http://farimadance.com/event/journey-of-the-simorgh-2/ LOCATION:Historic Hoover Theatre\, 1635 Park Ave\, San Jose\, CA\, 95126\, United States CATEGORIES:Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/19029470_1845686172109004_6906948198514503_n.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170720 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170724 DTSTAMP:20260413T122813 CREATED:20170304T012229Z LAST-MODIFIED:20170707T021817Z UID:15509-1500508800-1500854399@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Haft Sema (Seven Sema) A Journey of the Heart DESCRIPTION:Join Farima Berenji for a four 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). \nRetreat and training will focus on Farima’s intensive breathwork technique\, her unique whirling techniques\, and styles based on the Seven Pathways of Love. \nThe number seven has always been a sacred and symbolic expression among the ancient Persian mystic culture. For Indo-Iranians\, Mesopotamians\, and Zoroastrians\, the number seven represents the “Seven Creations” or “Yazatas.” For that reason\, it is believed that a mystical seeker must manifest the seven Creation of Life to be one with the Divine. These sacred movements and healing rituals later became the traditions of Iranian Sufi path in Greater Khorasan (Land of the Iranian Mystics) and are the origins of Sacred Dance and Sema (Sufi Whirling) movements. \nYour browser does not support the video tag. Update your browser version.\nThe retreat and workshop will focus on these styles of Sema including: \n\nAncient Indo-Iranian Sema (Sun/ Mithraism) and Sema of Planets\nKhorasan and Uyghur Sema\nSeven Sacred Birds Sema\nSacred Flower and Sacred Geometry Sema\nWhirling in Silence and Whirling with Poetry\nFour Element Sema\nTurkish (Mevlavi) and Baktashi Sema\n\nGiven time\, Farima will also teach her new research (Seven Senses Sema) whirling based on the Seven Senses. \nThe retreat will also include optional morning healing therapy sessions with Farima and a sacred dance workshop with guest instructor Cathy Stoyko in: \n\nWhirling Techniques (Iranian\, Turkish\, and Central Asian Styles)\nStone Therapy\nElement Therapy and Breathwork\nSeven Makham – Seven Modes Music Therapy\nMeditation and Visualization\nIndian temple dance worshop with Cathy Stoyko\n\nNightly activities and healing ceremonies: \n\nDrum Circles\, Zar\, Gwati\, and Zikr (Sufi Prayer and Indo-Iranian Shamanic Rituals and Medicine Dance)\nSema Gathering\nSohbat – Farima’s Sufi talk based on the Seven Pathways of Love\n\nAdditional activities included: \n\nLight lunches and healthy snacks\nGuided walking tour of Cumberland\n“Huma\, Wings of Light” evening Sacred dance performance\nNature outings to Cumberland forest\, lakes and beaches\n\nVenue\nThe retreat will take place at the Abbey Studio in Cumberland B.C. (at First & Penrith Ave.) with outings into Cumberland Forest\, nearby lakes and beaches for evening events and shared food. The Abbey Studio is a beautifully restored 120 year old former Catholic Church in the heart of the historic Village of Cumberland. The studio is located within walking distance to restaurants\, cafes\, parks\, Cumberland Forest\, Allan Lake\, a natural food store\, and several guest house and B&B accommodation options. \nTentative schedule\nTravellers should plan to arrive by Wed. July 19th if possible. \nThursday and Friday July 20/21\n10AM-11AM Morning healing therapy sessions (optional)\n11AM-5PM Seven traditions of Sema\n1-3PM Lunch and free time\n8-10PM Zikr/prayers and healing ceremonies \nSaturday July 22\n10-12AM Sacred dance workshop based on Odissi Indian classical dance tradition with Cathy Stoyko (more details soon)\n12-1:30PM Lunch break\n1:30 PM-4PM Seven Sema whirling and sacred movement\n4-7PM Guided walking tour of Cumberland and free time to explore…\n7-9PM ‘Huma\, Wings of Light’ sacred dance performance featuring Farima Berenji and her Comox Valley Simorgh Dance Collective at the United Church in Cumberland (across the street from the studio). \nSunday July 23rd\n10AM-11AM Healing session and music therapy with Farima\n11AM-4PM Seven Sema and sacred movement\n1:30-2:30PM Lunch break\n5-7PM closing evening Zikr and healing ritual\n7-8:30PM Pot luck dinner\, Q&A (optional) \nPayment\nPayment for the retreat includes: all workshops and evening events\, light lunches and healthy snacks\, guided walking tour of Cumberland\, “Huma\, Wings of Light” evening sacred dance performance\, and nature outings to Cumberland forest\, lakes and beaches. \nRetreat fee $385 CND ($350 for Simorgh Collective members).\nA deposit of $150 sent by May 31st\, 2017 will secure your registration. Balance to be paid upon arrival. \nPayment options: \n\nCheque made payable to Cathy Stoyko and posted to Box 1196\, Cumberland B.C. V0R 1S0\nCheque or cash dropped off in person at the Abbey Studio\, 1st & Penrith Ave. Cumberland B.C.\nEmail money transfer\n\nREGISTRATION IS CLOSED\nEvening events are open to everyone not just those registered for the retreat. Pay at the door upon a sliding scale basis: $5-$15.\nSat. July 22nd URL:http://farimadance.com/event/haft-sema-retreat/ LOCATION:Abbey Studio\, 2687 Penrith Ave.\, Cumberland\, BC\, V0R 1S0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Performance,Retreat,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/3.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Cathy Stoyko":MAILTO:cdstoyko@uniserve.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20170719T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20170719T210000 DTSTAMP:20260413T122813 CREATED:20170620T154358Z LAST-MODIFIED:20170620T154441Z UID:17013-1500490800-1500498000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Persian Dance Technique DESCRIPTION:Persian dance comes from an ancient culture of 8000 years and its movements are a blend of enchanting sacred movements reflecting birds\, animals\, flowers\, and elements. Persian dance is also inspired by Persian poetry and sensuous miniature artwork. It is delicate\, refined\, and full of meaning. Delicate hand movements\, gentle upper body undulations\, and facial expressions are the essential elements of this dance.\nThe focus of this workshop will be on Persian dance techniques such as: \n\nPersian hands\, movement of the wrists and arm\nUpper body undulations and shoulder isolations\nFootwork and floor patterns\nPersian bodyline\nDazzling Spins\nArt of improvisation\nArt of expression\n\nDon’t miss this rare opportunity to study Persian dance with international touring dance artist and scholar Farima Berenji. Farima comes to the Comox Valley to share her passion and extensive knowledge only once or twice a year. We are honoured to host her here in Cumberland at the Abbey Studio. \nPrice\nFee for the 2 hour intensive workshop is $40 CND ($35 for Simorgh Collective members)\nRegister in advance with cash dropped off at the Abbey Studio-2687 Penrith Ave. Cumberland\nOR\, mail a cheque to:\nCathy Stoyko\, PO box 1196\, Cumberland B.C. V0R 1S0.\nContact Cathy by phone at (250) 218-0704 or email cdstoyko@uniserve.com\nSpace is limited to 16\, register soon \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji is an award winning Dance Ethnologist and internationally acclaimed dance artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, and an archaeologist specializing in ancient\, sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances of Persia\, Ionia\, and the Silk Road. Recognized as one of a few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology by UNESCO\, she travels worldwide to record\, research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. More details… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/persian-dance-technique/ LOCATION:Abbey Studio\, 2687 Penrith Ave.\, Cumberland\, BC\, V0R 1S0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/persianwomendancingfromawallpaintingathashtbeheshtpalace28palaceof8heavens29.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Cathy Stoyko":MAILTO:cdstoyko@uniserve.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170701 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170708 DTSTAMP:20260413T122813 CREATED:20170117T101705Z LAST-MODIFIED:20170701T150956Z UID:15072-1498867200-1499471999@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Journey through Uzbekistan DESCRIPTION:Explore Uzbekistan’s beautiful ethnic music\, dance\, natural\, and cultural heritage in this 10 day tour along the historic Silk Road. Hosted by Farima Berenji\, internationally recognized dance scholar and award-winning world dance choreographer and performer. \nThis unique travel experience and opportunity focuses on the history\, art\, music\, and dance traditions of Uzbekistan. Guests will study traditional dance and music with talented local artists including Uzbek dance instructor and performer Zilola Janikulova. Guests will also visit historic cultural sites and points of interest. Destinations include Samarkand\, Bukhara\, and Tashkent\, prominent stops of the historic Silk Road trade route from East to West. \nPayment Includes\n\nDaily refreshments and snacks (tea\, coffee\, Nescafe\, and mineral water are always at your 
disposal enroute)\nPrivate transport\nEntrance fee of venues based on itinerary\nWorkshops and lectures\nAll transfers\n\n  \nPayment Does NOT Include\n\nVisa fees (based on your departure country)\nAirfare\nHotel accommodations\nPersonal transportation or taxi fees\nPersonal expenses or extra stay\nPersonal sightseeing\nHotel and transport service tips\nLunch and Dinner\nExtra food and drink not included in the menu list\nAlcoholic beverages\n\nPayment and Rules\nPayment\, due 5 pm PST June 12\, 2017:\n$400 General prior May 30\, 2017 or $450 afterward.\n$150 Deposit to hold space.\nNote Paypal applies a 2.9% + 0.30 fee to the transaction which we add to your payment. Contact us for other payment options. \nA deposit of $150 must be paid to secure registration. The balance is due on the first day of the tour. No refund of deposit is given for any personal cancellation. \nHotel rates are $35-40 per night. Breakfast included with hotel. We will book one hotel so we can stay together. \nTour will be canceled or an additional fee might be included if a minimum of six participants is not reached. A refund is given if for any reason the tour is canceled. \nPlease come with an open mind and willingness to cope with change if need be. \nWe will NOT register anyone after June 12\, 2017. \nVisa\nPlease consult requirements and submission for US citizen tourist visa here. Canadians may also visit Visa Services Canada. Other nationalities please contact your local embassy to see if a visa is required as soon as possible. \nMore Information\nFor more details please contact us. Full schedule details will be given prior to the start of the tour. See also the Facebook event page for ongoing updates and media. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/journey-through-uzbekistan/ LOCATION:Samarkand\, Uzbekistan\, Samarkand\, Uzbekistan CATEGORIES:Tour,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/JourneyThroughUzbekistan-newdate.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Istanbul:20170419T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Istanbul:20170419T210000 DTSTAMP:20260413T122813 CREATED:20170410T160519Z LAST-MODIFIED:20170418T193924Z UID:16880-1492628400-1492635600@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Sufi Flamenco Workshop\, Level 2 DESCRIPTION:Additional and advanced technique and choreography workshop in Sufi Flamenco fusion presented by Farima Berenji. \nExplore Sufi Flamenco fusion as a stunning journey from Southern Spain to Persia and Turkey. Learn the history and the beautiful movements of Flamenco\, combined with Sufi Whirling traditions of Iran and Turkey in this workshop lead by Master Whirler and Dance Ethnologist Farima Berenji. \nThere is a historic\, lively cross-cultural exchange between the cultures surrounding the Mediterranean sea since the 11th century. In both Spanish and Persian traditions\, rhythms and dance are a source of releasing energy and becoming one with the divine. In fact\, the word\, the exclamation Ole! is derived from the name of Allah in order to call upon the divine. \nFarima will teach her unique technique of Sufi whirling and will guide and teach the movement of the Iranian/Turkish Whirling and Flamenco dance with the rhythms of the Ilahi’s and Iranian Makhams. \nThe workshop will: \n\nPresent a brief history of the cultural influence of Sufism and Flamenco tradition.\nPave into Farima’s unique breath work in technique and relaxation\, with a focus on the Spanish and Arabic words used in breath and dance movement.\nTeach various hand movements\, body movements\, and expressions of sacred movements of Flamenco used in Sufi whirling traditions throughout Iran and Turkey.\nPut movements into use and students will be drilled on technique and patterns during flamenco whirling\, while listening to both Iranian and Turkish style Sufi music to learn rhythms and makams.\nExplore and apply the movements into open floor whirling.\n\n“Dance as if you are Praying” ~Farima \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji is an award winning dance ethnologist\, internationally acclaimed dance artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, and an archaeologist specializing in ancient\, sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances of Persia\, Ionia\, and the Silk Road. Recognized as one of a few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical Iranian dance by UNESCO\, she travels worldwide to record\, research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and to inspire dynamic creativity and healing through dance and movement. As a Magi (Iranian Shaman)\, Sufi\, and Semazen\, Farima teaches original findings\, methods\, techniques\, and exercises to embody the connection between soul and dance movement of an artist not just a dancer. \nFarima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective (founded in 2007). She is the first Iranian dance artist to found a worldwide collaborative devoted to preservation\, performance\, and promotion of ancient\, classical\, and folkloric dance of Persia and the Silk Road. Farima is the founder of the Lioness project\, Poetry in Motion project\, and the Awakening project. She has appeared in scholarly documentaries hosted by National Geographic and the U.N.\, and has been highlighted in various international media Farima is the recipient of the prestigious UN award and has been recognized by Congressman Mike Honda\, by the Iranian Women’s Rights Committee “30 Voices\,” Music and Cultural Organization of Turkey\, and is the first Iranian woman to be awarded the National Folk Dance Award and the Cultural Dance Award. Farima and her Simorgh Dance Collective was the first Persian dance company\, directed by an Iranian to perform during a reception for US President Obama. More details… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/sufi-flamenco-workshop2/ LOCATION:Ustaların Sahnesi\, Acıbadem Mahallesi\, Fatih Sokak\, No: 6\, Kat: -1\, Bölüm: -22\, KADIKÖY / İstanbul\, Turkey CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/flamenco_2ndLevel-flier-tr.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR