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:Europe/Istanbul BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0300 TZOFFSETTO:+0300 TZNAME:+03 DTSTART:20210101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Los_Angeles 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 BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20210314T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20211107T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20220313T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20221106T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20230312T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20231105T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/Moscow BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0300 TZOFFSETTO:+0300 TZNAME:MSK DTSTART:20200101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20200308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20201101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20210314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20211107T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20220313T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20221106T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Asia/Beirut BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0300 TZNAME:EEST DTSTART:20200328T220000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0300 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:EET DTSTART:20201024T210000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0300 TZNAME:EEST DTSTART:20210327T220000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0300 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:EET DTSTART:20211030T210000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0300 TZNAME:EEST DTSTART:20220326T220000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0300 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:EET DTSTART:20221029T210000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Istanbul:20220115T160000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Istanbul:20220115T180000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20220113T045340Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220113T050117Z UID:25135-1642262400-1642269600@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Istanbul Sema Gathering DESCRIPTION:“Love is the bridge between you and everything.”\n~ Rumi \nJoin us to celebrate our fellowship in love and spirit with whirling dance (Sema)\, meditation\, live music\, prayers\, and poetry. 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 prayers\, whirling\, music\, and love. \nDuring our Sema Gathering\, Master Farima Berenji and other guest Sufi Masters will lead Zikr\, Sema\, Khorasan Semah\, and other rituals and ceremonies. \nYou are welcome to set and feel the healing energy\, bring a poem to share\, join our Zikr\, pray with us\, laugh or cry… as we journey together to be closer to the light. \n\nMusicians — Feel free to 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!\nLovers\, Seekers\, and Watchers — Come and join our sacred circle. You are welcome to set and feel the healing energy\, bring a poem to share\, join our Zikr\, pray with us\, laugh or cry… as we journey together to be closer to the light.\n\nOpen your heart! Listen! Turn\, dance\, and move in anyway that makes you feel alive! \nRegistration\nThere is no fee for this sema. We are organizing this sema from the heart but we kindly ask participants to help us by making a donation or volunteering. Remember this is a private event and you need to make sure you contact us and register in advance. A Facebook notification will not be counted as registration. \nDue to Covid restrictions\, I will only accept a limited amount of participants. You must contact me and register your name. \nPlease send us an email to farimadance @ gmail.com with your full name to confirm with us. Thank you. 😊 \nGuidelines and Rules\n\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.\nFor this gathering please wear proper and respectful clothing\, whirling skirt (optional)\, socks or soft-soled shoes.\nPlease do not smoke inside and around the room. There will be some designated areas for smoking.\nPlease keep the Sufi House clean. Clean after yourself and help others to keep the area clean.\n\nEnglish: Farima Berenji URL:http://farimadance.com/event/sema-gathering-istanbul/ LOCATION:Addar Center\, Kumbaracı Ykş. No:50\, Istanbul\, Turkey CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema) ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/SemaGatheringTR2022-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220110T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220110T203000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20211108T161356Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211210T020746Z UID:24762-1641841200-1641846600@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Dance of the Soul: An Introduction to Sufi Whirling DESCRIPTION:Discover the power and mystery of whirling as a gateway for self-growth and spiritual enlightenment through movement\, music\, and meditation. Inspired by nature\, ancient Iranic rituals\, science\, and the beautiful spiritual traditions of Sufism\, join Farima to learn the essentials of whirling meditation including preparation\, balance and posture\, controlling dizziness\, self-focus\, breathwork\, and more. \nWhirling in the practice of devotion\, healing\, and meditation originated thousands of years ago with the ancient Persians using it as way of connecting the body and soul. Today\, Sufis use it as a powerful meditation ritual with music\, poetry\, and movement. Based on this centuries-old Sufi ritual\, whirling can unite mind\, heart\, and body. \nOnline\, hosted by East West Books of Mountain View\, CA. \nPrice is $20. \nRegister \nIn advance:\n\nPlease wear comfortable clothing and plan to wear socks or soft soled shoes.\nAvoid eating a large meal 1-2 hours prior.\n\nNo experience necessary to begin participating. With help anyone can learn and master whirling techniques while respecting one’s own limitations. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/intro-to-sufi-whirling/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/84650332_3873945972616337_1329790126166900736_n.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Istanbul:20220108T150000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Istanbul:20220108T180000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20220104T212417Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220104T212653Z UID:25098-1641654000-1641664800@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Dance of the Soul (Sema Gathering and Workshop) DESCRIPTION:Discover the power and mystery of sacred dance with mediation\, music\, poetry\, whirling and ancient Healing Practices. \nJoin Farima for a Sufi Whirling Workshop and Sema Gathering\, with sacred 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 \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 and styles.\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. \nBy donation \nIn advance:\n\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\nBring poetry to share.\nBring a musical instrument that you play.\n\nNo experience necessary to begin participating. With help anyone can learn and master whirling techniques while respecting one’s own limitations. \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, lecturer\, dance ethnologist\, Sufi master\, 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. In 2018\, Farima became the first American-Iranian woman honored to be a TEDx dance speaker and performer. Farima is a member of the International Dance Council (CID – UNESCO)\, UNESCO\, and the National Folk Organization (NFO). Read more.. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/workshop-and-sema-turkey/ LOCATION:Addar – Istanbul\, Kumbaracı Ykş. No:50\, 2XHG+FJ Beyoğlu\, İstanbul\, Turkey CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema),Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/SemaGatheringTR2022.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211221T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211221T223000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20211103T175913Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220227T021144Z UID:24732-1640115000-1640125800@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Yalda: A Festival of Light DESCRIPTION:Join us for an evening celebrating Yalda (winter solstice)\, the longest night of the year. \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. \nThe longest and darkest night of the year is a time when friends and family gather together to eat\, drink and read poetry (especially Hafez) and Shahnameh until well after midnight. Fruits and nuts are eaten and pomegranates and watermelons are particularly significant. The red color in these fruits symbolizes the crimson hues of dawn and glow of life. The poems of Divan-e Hafez\, which can be found in the bookcases of most Iranian families\, are read or recited on various occasions such as this festival and Nowruz. Shab-e Yalda was officially added to Iran’s List of National Treasures in a special ceremony in 2008. Yalda is observed in Iran\, Azerbaijan\, Afghanistan\, Tajikistan\, by Iraqi Kurdistan\, and in Turkey by Kurds and Azeris. \nPresented by Eastern Arts and the Simorgh Dance Collective\, this second annual online gathering will be accompanied by traditional music\, dance\, poetry reading\, presentations\, quizzes\, stories\, and more! \nAll are welcome. Please register in advance to obtain a link to the online presentation. \nRegister \nPlease consider making a donation at http://donate.farimadance.com to support our artists below \nArtists\nSimorgh Dance Collective\nSimorgh Dance Collective The Simorgh Dance Collective is a world community of artists devoted to cross-cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration through traditional\, classical\, and sacred dance styles of the Silk Road. The Collective currently has member companies and artist affiliations in Alaska\, British Columbia\, Turkey\, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Read more..\nEastern Arts\nEastern Arts Based in Salt Lake City\, Utah\, Eastern Arts is a non-profit organization of dancers\, artists\, musicians\, and scholars who present the folkways and traditions of many lands and peoples. Eastern Arts originated in 1960 and has been active internationally presenting dance and music of lands from Asia to North Africa\, from India to the Balkans in concerts\, workshops\, publications\, audio and video productions.\nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, instructor\, choreographer\, and dance ethnologist. A master instructor and performer in Persian and Sufi dance\, she specializes in ancient\, sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances of Persia and Central Asia. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, founder of Dance of the Soul\, she is the advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, Eastern Arts\, National Folk Organization\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to record\, research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more.. \n\nSeyed Salman Hosseini\nSeyed Salman Seyed Salman Hosseini possesses a bachelor degree in music ethnology and is an Iranian traditional music researcher\, composer and a master musician of tambour\, setar\, tar\, and rebab. He directs the traditional Persian music ensemble Cherikeh which has been performing sacred and traditional music for many years. Seyed has produced many albums including Javdanegni and Tabeh Ghaleh. He is the music director and composer for films such as Song of God and Gadam Yar. Seyed has composed and performed more than 40 concerts and TV programs including composing music for national broadcasts of Iran. He has performed professionally in Iran\, Germany\, Syria\, and the Iraqi Kurdistan region. Additionally\, he is a Sufi master and has his own school of music and mysticism.\n\nNariman Assadi\nNariman Assadi Nariman Assadi was born in Hamedan\, Iran on January 1\, 1992. Raised in Tehran\, he always felt drawn to percussion instruments. At the age of thirteen\, he began studying tombak under Master Amir Mogharab Samadi. From 2008 to 2013\, Nariman performed at Vahdat Hall as a soloist and with the Persian Percussion Ensemble at Pars Academy\, the premier music academy for children. After mastering tombak\, he then began learning Daf under the great Master Bijan Kamkar. With a strong understanding of the daf and tombak\, Nariman started learning barbat (Oud) under Master Mohammad Firouzi. \nIn 2015\, Nariman immigrated to the United States. He immediately began his professional music career by performing and attending festivals. In 2017\, he started learning percussion performance and world music with Professor Daniel Kennedy at Sacramento State University. Along with being a member of various ensembles\, Nariman teaches daf\, tombak\, other percussions\, and music for children in Davis\, Sacramento\, and the Bay Area. He also offers music classes and workshops online. Read more..\nDr. Lloyd Miller\nDr. Lloyd Miller Dr. Lloyd Miller received his PhD in Persian Language and Literature from the University of Utah after spending seven years living in Iran where he had a weekly prime time television program titled “Kurosh Ali Khan va dastan”. His program featured musicians and other artists from around the world. Lloyd was urged to leave Iran during the revolution in the late 70s\, though he had never planned to leave. An expert in world music including American jazz\, Lloyd has made numerous recordings. The most popular being “Oriental Jazz” first released in 1968 and recently re-released by Vinyl Me Please selling thousands of copies worldwide. A film about Lloyd’s extraordinary life\, including 6 years in Europe as a jazzman and university student where he played with some of the most well-known musicians of the time\, was released in 2019 as Sufi\, Saint & Swinger. It was in Paris that Lloyd met Dr. Daryush Safvat who became his lifelong mentor and who taught Lloyd the importance and significance of Persian classical music. Founder of Eastern Arts\, with the blessing of Dr. Safvat\, Lloyd has taught music\, philosophy\, history\, dance and culture to thousands of students at various universities for over 40 years. Read more… \nKatherine St. John\nKatherine St. John Katherine St. John received a Master’s degree in dance pedagogy from Brigham Young University and a Master’s in Persian from the University of Utah and completed coursework for a PhD in dance history and theory from the University of California. Katherine has performed and choreographed for theater\, dance companies\, operas and at universities for 30 plus years. She was an artist in residence teaching world dance to students throughout Utah and neighboring states for 20 years. Her Master’s thesis is about dance in Herat Afghanistan from 1970-1980 during Russian interference. Read more.. \nand others… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/yalda-2021/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Lecture,Meditation Gathering (Sema),Online,Party,Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Yalda-2021.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211219T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211219T123000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20211127T161942Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211221T184951Z UID:24863-1639911600-1639917000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Christmas and its Ancient Persian Tradition 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. \nHosted by the Center for Creative Living\, the program starts at 11am with a song\, prayer\, meditation\, and announcements. Farima will be introduced and speak 30 to 40 minutes. \nPark in the Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Center parking lot and enter through the gate in the back. Do not go to the front door\, enter through the gate in the back\, show proof of vaccination\, and wear a mask. \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, instructor\, choreographer\, and dance ethnologist. A master instructor and performer in Persian and Sufi dance\, she specializes in ancient\, sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances of Persia and Central Asia. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, founder of Dance of the Soul\, she is the advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, Eastern Arts\, National Folk Organization\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to record\, research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/xmas-persian-origins/ LOCATION:Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center\, 938 The Alameda\, San Jose\, CA\, 95126\, United States CATEGORIES:Lecture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Xmas2021.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Center for Creative Living":MAILTO:safecorky@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211212T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211212T113000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20211128T015455Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220227T021116Z UID:24855-1639303200-1639308600@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Whirling and Sema Celebrating Sheb-i Arus DESCRIPTION:Join us to celebrate our fellowship in love and spirit with whirling dance (Sema)\, meditation\, music\, prayers\, and poetry. Sheb-i Arus commemorates the death and thereby union between the Persian mystical poet Khodavandeghtar Jalaludin Mohammad Balkhi (Rumi) and the universe. \nOur ceremony will be shared multi-nationally online with Master Seyed Salman Hosseini\, Master Farima Berenji\, and with live music by Dr. Lloyd Miller\, Nariman Assadi\, and Evan Phillips. \nThere will be sacred and mystical Sufi poetry (Farsi and English)\, meditation\, whirling with live Sufi music\, and Yarsani zikr. Please join masters and dervishes of the Yarsani and Mevlevi Sufi order for this sacred commemoration. \nWe will whirl and journey together to celebrate love\, unity\, and allow the light to enter our soul. Open your heart! Listen! Turn\, dance\, and move in anyway that makes you feel alive! \n$10-15 sliding scale donation. Your donation is greatly appreciated. \nOur gathering is not a performance. Come and join our sacred circle. Everyone is welcome to practice and/or observe. \nRegister \nGuidelines and Tips\n\nWe kindly ask for no interruptions during the ceremony. We will mute all participants during the ceremony then unmute for open participation. \nIf you are whirling from home prepare to wear comfortable clothing\, whirling skirt (optional)\, socks or soft-soled shoes. Avoid eating a large meal 2 hours prior.\n\nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, instructor\, choreographer\, and dance ethnologist. A master instructor and performer in Persian and Sufi dance\, she specializes in ancient\, sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances of Persia and Central Asia. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, founder of Dance of the Soul\, she is the advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, Eastern Arts\, National Folk Organization\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to record\, research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more.. \n\nSeyed Salman Hosseini\nSeyed Salman Seyed Salman Hosseini possesses a bachelor degree in music ethnology and is an Iranian traditional music researcher\, composer and a master musician of tambour\, setar\, tar\, and rebab. He directs the traditional Persian music ensemble Cherikeh which has been performing sacred and traditional music for many years. Seyed has produced many albums including Javdanegni and Tabeh Ghaleh. He is the music director and composer for films such as Song of God and Gadam Yar. Seyed has composed and performed more than 40 concerts and TV programs including composing music for national broadcasts of Iran. He has performed professionally in Iran\, Germany\, Syria\, and the Iraqi Kurdistan region. Additionally\, he is a Sufi master and has his own school of music and mysticism.\n\nNariman Assadi\nNariman Assadi Nariman Assadi was born in Hamedan\, Iran on January 1\, 1992. Raised in Tehran\, he always felt drawn to percussion instruments. At the age of thirteen\, he began studying tombak under Master Amir Mogharab Samadi. From 2008 to 2013\, Nariman performed at Vahdat Hall as a soloist and with the Persian Percussion Ensemble at Pars Academy\, the premier music academy for children. After mastering tombak\, he then began learning Daf under the great Master Bijan Kamkar. With a strong understanding of the daf and tombak\, Nariman started learning barbat (Oud) under Master Mohammad Firouzi. \nIn 2015\, Nariman immigrated to the United States. He immediately began his professional music career by performing and attending festivals. In 2017\, he started learning percussion performance and world music with Professor Daniel Kennedy at Sacramento State University. Along with being a member of various ensembles\, Nariman teaches daf\, tombak\, other percussions\, and music for children in Davis\, Sacramento\, and the Bay Area. He also offers music classes and workshops online. Read more..\nDr. Lloyd Miller\nDr. Lloyd Miller Dr. Lloyd Miller received his PhD in Persian Language and Literature from the University of Utah after spending seven years living in Iran where he had a weekly prime time television program titled “Kurosh Ali Khan va dastan”. His program featured musicians and other artists from around the world. Lloyd was urged to leave Iran during the revolution in the late 70s\, though he had never planned to leave. An expert in world music including American jazz\, Lloyd has made numerous recordings. The most popular being “Oriental Jazz” first released in 1968 and recently re-released by Vinyl Me Please selling thousands of copies worldwide. A film about Lloyd’s extraordinary life\, including 6 years in Europe as a jazzman and university student where he played with some of the most well-known musicians of the time\, was released in 2019 as Sufi\, Saint & Swinger. It was in Paris that Lloyd met Dr. Daryush Safvat who became his lifelong mentor and who taught Lloyd the importance and significance of Persian classical music. Founder of Eastern Arts\, with the blessing of Dr. Safvat\, Lloyd has taught music\, philosophy\, history\, dance and culture to thousands of students at various universities for over 40 years. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/sheb-i-arus-2021/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema),Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/DanceOfTheSoul-ShebiArus2021.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211122T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211122T200000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20211014T183644Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211018T174106Z UID:24635-1637604000-1637611200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Whirling Workshop: Dance of the Soul DESCRIPTION:Discover the power and mystery of whirling as a gateway for self-growth and spiritual enlightenment through movement\, music\, and meditation. Inspired by nature\, ancient Persian rituals\, science\, and the beautiful spiritual traditions of Sufism. Join Farima to learn the essentials of whirling meditation including preparation\, balance and posture\, controlling dizziness\, self-focus\, breathwork\, and more. \nWhirling in the practice of devotion\, healing\, and meditation originated thousands of years ago with many ancient cultures using it as way of connecting the body and soul. Today\, Sufis use it as a powerful meditation ritual with music\, poetry\, and movement. Based on this centuries-old Sufi ritual\, whirling can unite mind\, heart\, and body. \nIn advance: \n\nWear comfortable clothing and plan to wear socks or soft soled shoes.\nAvoid eating a large meal 1-2 hours prior.\n\nNo experience necessary to begin participating. With help anyone can learn and master whirling techniques while respecting one’s own limitations. \nRegister \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, lecturer\, dance ethnologist\, Sufi master\, 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. In 2018\, Farima became the first American-Iranian woman honored to be a TEDx dance speaker and performer. Farima is a member of the International Dance Council (CID – UNESCO)\, UNESCO\, and the National Folk Organization (NFO). Read more.. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/whirling-dance-of-the-soul/ LOCATION:Historic Villa\, Montalvo Arts Center\, 15400 Montalvo Road\, PO Box 158\, Saratoga\, California\, 95071\, United States CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/danceofthesoul-5-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Moscow:20211023T120000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Moscow:20211024T120000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20211014T221423Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211018T172606Z UID:24643-1634990400-1635076800@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Bursa Sema Gathering DESCRIPTION:Sufi brothers and sisters\, you are invited to participate in a Sema Gathering taking place at the Uludağ Forest Farm in Bursa\, Turkey from October 23 noon to October 24 noon. Please note that this is an invitation only and that all coming must register in advance for RSVP. If you wish to invite anyone please contact us and register their names. No entry without advance registration. \nWe 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 prayers\, whirling\, music\, and love. Be moved by beautiful Sufi and Sacred music\, songs\, chanting\, poetry\, rituals\, and dance in prayers! \nDuring our Sema Gathering\, Master Farima Berenji and other guest Sufi Masters will lead Zikr\, Sema\, Khorasan Semah\, and other rituals and ceremonies. \nYou are welcome to set and feel the healing energy\, bring a poem to share\, join our Zikr\, pray with us\, laugh or cry… as we journey together to be closer to the light. \n\nMusicians — Feel free to 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!\nLovers\, Seekers\, and Watchers — Come and join our sacred circle. You are welcome to set and feel the healing energy\, bring a poem to share\, join our Zikr\, pray with us\, laugh or cry… as we journey together to be closer to the light.\n\nOpen your heart! Listen! Turn\, dance\, and move in anyway that makes you feel alive! \nRegistration\nThere is no fee for this sema. We are organizing this sema from the heart but we kindly ask participants to help us by making a donation or to volunteer in helping us with food\, cleaning\, organizations and other expenses. \nRemember this is a private event and you need to make sure you contact us and register in advance. A Facebook notification will not be counted as registration. \nDue to Covid restrictions\, I will only accept a limited amount of participants. You must contact me and register your name. \nPlease send us an email to farimadance @ gmail.com with your full name to confirm with us. Thank you. 😊 \nGuidelines and Rules\n\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.\nFor this gathering please wear proper and respectful clothing\, whirling skirt (optional)\, socks or soft-soled shoes.\nAbsolutely no drugs or alcohol is allowed for this event. Using any illegal substance will be severely enforced. Organizers have the right to block entry to any participants who do not respect these rules.\nPlease do not smoke inside and around the Sufi House. There will be some designated areas for smoking.\nPlease keep the Sufi House clean. Clean after yourself and help others to keep the area clean.\n\nEnglish: Farima Berenji URL:http://farimadance.com/event/bursa-sema-gathering/ LOCATION:Uludağ Forest Farm\, Osmangazi\, Bursa\, Turkey CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema) ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/SemaGatheringTR2021-A.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20211016T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20211016T203000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20211008T231105Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211008T231821Z UID:24609-1634407200-1634416200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Spirals of Ecstasy DESCRIPTION:A Sufi Invocation\nSunset – 8:00 pm on \nCome welcome Farima Berenji \, founder of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, and Magi Sufi Dance Master to Brooklyn! \nFarima will lead us in with a Sunset Sufi Invocation and be our guide through a night of dancing dervishes\, poetry\, a celebration spinning and whirling in its many mystical forms. \nIn addition to Farima Berenji the night will feature the musical talents of Hadi & Mohamad Eldebek and the acclaimed Brooklyn Nomads. Poetry recitation by Sireen\,and spinning spirals from Geb Berry and other guests…all in the Spiraling Smoke of the Last Frontier in Brooklyn. \nSuggested donation $20+\nTickets \nFarima will also be hosting a Sufi dance workshop with more details to follow URL:http://farimadance.com/event/spirals-of-ecstasy/ LOCATION:Last Frontier NYC\, 520 Kingsland Ave\, Brooklyn\, NY\, 11222\, United States CATEGORIES:Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/FarimaInvite_aa_1200x628.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211004T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211004T200000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20210911T002557Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210911T002839Z UID:24431-1633370400-1633377600@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Whirling: Dance of the Divine Nature DESCRIPTION:Discover whirling and ancient Persian mystic dance movements\, incorporating meditation and breath work as you unlock new ways of exploring connections between body\, mind\, and nature. \nInstructor Farima Berenji will guide you through the process as you open yourself to a deeper level of communication and interaction with your spiritual self. Whirling is a practice of devotion\, healing\, and meditation. Originating thousands of years ago\, it was seen as way of connecting the body and soul. Everything in nature was believed to have a soul\, and dance was used as a rhythmic ritual that helped us form connections with the world around us. Together\, we will learn these techniques and seek to discover the many ways in which the Earth speaks to each of us. \nRegister \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, lecturer\, dance ethnologist\, Sufi master\, 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. In 2018\, Farima became the first American-Iranian woman honored to be a TEDx dance speaker and performer. Farima is a member of the International Dance Council (CID – UNESCO)\, UNESCO\, and the National Folk Organization (NFO). Read more.. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/divine-nature-montalvo/ LOCATION:Historic Villa\, Montalvo Arts Center\, 15400 Montalvo Road\, PO Box 158\, Saratoga\, California\, 95071\, United States CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/1-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211002T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211002T180000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20210704T185255Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210904T081044Z UID:23884-1633176000-1633197600@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Mosaic Festival Silicon Valley DESCRIPTION:Join the celebration of our mosaic of American cultures at the first annual MOSAIC FESTIVAL in Silicon Valley. The very first of its kind\, the festival honors our community with a day of belonging\, healing\, and harmony through art. \nExperience performances by artists around the Bay Area. Discover cultures through food in an eclectic curation of food trucks and small business vendors. Shake off the languishing of quarantine through movement\, whether it’s through walking\, yoga\, or dancing in place. Marvel at the art by local creators at an exhibit of their work that presents their perspective of the “American Mosaic.” Most importantly\, take part in our united effort to heal from the pandemics of COVID-19 and racism that attempted to erode who and what we truly are: a united mosaic of American communities\, rooted in our love for our home – the gleaming\, diverse\, and culturally-rich Silicon Valley. \nFor program and more details visit the Mosaic America Festival site URL:http://farimadance.com/event/mosaic-festival-silicon-valley/ LOCATION:Mexican Heritage Plaza\, 1700 Alum Rock\, San Jose\, CA\, United States CATEGORIES:Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/MosaicFestival2021.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210929T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210929T210000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20210924T024338Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220227T021251Z UID:24487-1632943800-1632949200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Dance of the Soul DESCRIPTION:Celebrating Rumi’s Birthday\n“Love is the bridge between you and everything.”\n~ Rumi \nJoin us to celebrate our fellowship in love and spirit with whirling dance (Sema)\, meditation\, live music\, prayers\, and poetry. We will be celebrating the birthday of Jalāl ad-Dīn Mohammad Rūmī \nOur ceremony will be shared multi-nationally online with live music including Pir Seyed Salman\, Master Farima Berenji\, Dr. Lloyd Miller\, Evan Phillips\, and Homeyra Banejad. \nJoin us for sacred and mystical Sufi poetry (Farsi and English)\, meditation\, whirling with live music\, prayer\, and zikr. \nWe will whirl and journey together to celebrate love\, unity\, and allow the light to enter our soul. Open your heart! Listen! Turn\, dance\, and move in anyway that makes you feel alive! \n$10 sliding scale donation. Your donation is greatly appreciated. \nOur gathering is not a performance. Come and join our sacred circle. You are welcome to set and feel the healing energy and prepare a poem to share as we journey together to be closer to the light. \nRegister \nGuidelines and Tips\n\nWe kindly ask for no interruptions during the ceremony. We will mute all participants during the ceremony then unmute for open participation. \nIf you are whirling from home prepare to wear comfortable clothing\, whirling skirt (optional)\, socks or soft-soled shoes. Avoid eating a large meal 2 hours prior.\n\nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, lecturer\, dance ethnologist\, Sufi master\, 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. In 2018\, Farima became the first American-Iranian woman honored to be a TEDx dance speaker and performer. Farima is a member of the International Dance Council (CID – UNESCO)\, UNESCO\, and the National Folk Organization (NFO). Read more.. \nSeyed Salman Hosseini\nSeyed Salman Seyed Salman Hosseini possesses a bachelor degree in music ethnology and is an Iranian traditional music researcher\, composer and a master musician of tambour\, setar\, tar\, and rebab. He directs the traditional Persian music ensemble Cherikeh which has been performing sacred and traditional music for many years. Seyed has produced many albums including Javdanegni and Tabeh Ghaleh. He is the music director and composer for films such as Song of God and Gadam Yar. Seyed has composed and performed more than 40 concerts and TV programs including composing music for national broadcasts of Iran. He has performed professionally in Iran\, Germany\, Syria\, and the Iraqi Kurdistan region. Additionally\, he is a Sufi master and has his own school of music and mysticism. \nDr. Lloyd Miller\nDr. Lloyd Miller Dr. Lloyd Miller received his PhD in Persian Language and Literature from the University of Utah after spending seven years living in Iran where he had a weekly prime time television program titled “Kurosh Ali Khan va dastan”. His program featured musicians and other artists from around the world. Lloyd was urged to leave Iran during the revolution in the late 70s\, though he had never planned to leave. An expert in world music including American jazz\, Lloyd has made numerous recordings. The most popular being “Oriental Jazz” first released in 1968 and recently re-released by Vinyl Me Please selling thousands of copies worldwide. A film about Lloyd’s extraordinary life\, including 6 years in Europe as a jazzman and university student where he played with some of the most well-known musicians of the time\, is soon to be released. Titled “” the film will be screened in Finland October 25 at the World Music Expo. It was in Paris that Lloyd met Dr. Daryush Safvat who became his lifelong mentor and who taught Lloyd the importance and significance of Persian classical music. Founder of Eastern Arts\, with the blessing of Dr. Safvat\, Lloyd has taught music\, philosophy\, history\, dance and culture to thousands of students at various universities for over 40 years. Read more… \nHomerya Banejad\nHomerya Banejad and Ensemble Homerya 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/sema-gathering-21/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema),Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/DanceOfTheSoul-9-21.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210919T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210919T150000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20210910T184221Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210911T005930Z UID:24425-1632045600-1632063600@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Viva Calle SJ DESCRIPTION:Viva CalleSJ provides people with the chance to enjoy a day of fun connecting with other residents of San Jose and their city in a whole new way. Viva Calle SJ is an open streets event! Feel free to walk\, bike\, skate or just come play in the streets! \nThe Simorgh Dance Collective performs at noon outside the Mexican Heritage Plaza (MHP)\, on the street\, on Alum Rock Ave. The area is part of Viva Calle SJ\, where they close many streets in San Jose for vehicles; and encourage people to walk/ bike/ skate… The performance will include audience interaction. \nViva CalleSJ is a program of the city of San Jose and the San Jose Parks Recreation and Neighborhood Services. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/viva-calle-sj/ LOCATION:Mexican Heritage Plaza\, 1700 Alum Rock\, San Jose\, CA\, United States CATEGORIES:Performance,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/outlined-5x8-Map-Route-2021-02-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210905T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210905T163000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20210705T010817Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210813T075756Z UID:23907-1630850400-1630859400@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Dance and Rhythm of the Soul DESCRIPTION:Sema Gathering (Sufi Whirling) and Workshops \nLearn essential sacred rhythms on percussion with Nariman Assadi and Sufi whirling with Farima Berenji in this combined Sufi sacred music and dance workshop for musicians and dancers. Following the workshop participants will drum and dance in a Sema lead by both masters. \nMusic makes it possible to bring our awareness to the present and feel united with ourselves and the universe. Music is like a journey from the mind to the heart. Whirling dance originated thousands of years ago with the ancient Persians in the practice of devotion\, healing\, and meditation. Then as today\, music\, poetry\, and movement unite to help connect the body\, mind\, and soul in harmony and healing. \nFarima will teach the essentials of whirling meditation including preparation\, balance and posture\, controlling dizziness\, self-focus\, breathwork\, and more. Nariman will illustrate common Sufi drum rhythms for practice with the participants. \nGuidelines and Tips \n\n Dancers please wear comfortable clothing (white or light colored if possible) and wear socks or soft soled shoes. Avoid eating a large meal 1-2 hours prior.\nMusicians should attend ready to practice Sufi rhythms with their own daf or hand drum.\n\nThe workshop and Sema will be held online however we invite participants to join us in the studio with a mask. \nRegister \n\nNariman Assadi\nNariman Assadi Nariman Assadi was born in Hamedan\, Iran on January 1\, 1992. Raised in Tehran\, he always felt drawn to percussion instruments. At the age of thirteen\, he began studying tombak under Master Amir Mogharab Samadi. From 2008 to 2013\, Nariman performed at Vahdat Hall as a soloist and with the Persian Percussion Ensemble at Pars Academy\, the premier music academy for children. After mastering tombak\, he then began learning Daf under the great Master Bijan Kamkar. With a strong understanding of the daf and tombak\, Nariman started learning barbat (Oud) under Master Mohammad Firouzi. \nIn 2015\, Nariman immigrated to the United States. He immediately began his professional music career by performing and attending festivals. In 2017\, he started learning percussion performance and world music with Professor Daniel Kennedy at Sacramento State University. Along with being a member of various ensembles\, Nariman teaches daf\, tombak\, other percussions\, and music for children in Davis\, Sacramento\, and the Bay Area. He also offers music classes and workshops online. Read more..\nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, lecturer\, dance ethnologist\, Sufi master\, 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. In 2018\, Farima became the first American-Iranian woman honored to be a TEDx dance speaker and performer. Farima is a member of the International Dance Council (CID – UNESCO)\, UNESCO\, and the National Folk Organization (NFO). Read more.. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/dance-and-rhythm/ LOCATION:Center for Creative Living\, 1460 Koll Circle\, Suite C\, San Jose\, CA\, 95112\, United States CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema),Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/DanceAndRhythm-2.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20210822T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210822T210000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20210816T194357Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210816T194642Z UID:24212-1629658800-1629666000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Dance of the Soul (Sema Gathering and Workshop) DESCRIPTION:Discover the power and mystery of sacred dance with mediation\, music\, poetry\, whirling and ancient Healing Practices. \nJoin Farima for a Sufi Whirling Workshop and Sema Gathering\, with sacred 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 \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 and styles.\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. \nPrice is $15 – 20. \nRegister \nIn advance:\n\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\nBring poetry to share.\nBring a musical instrument that you play.\n\nNo experience necessary to begin participating. With help anyone can learn and master whirling techniques while respecting one’s own limitations. \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, lecturer\, dance ethnologist\, Sufi master\, 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. In 2018\, Farima became the first American-Iranian woman honored to be a TEDx dance speaker and performer. Farima is a member of the International Dance Council (CID – UNESCO)\, UNESCO\, and the National Folk Organization (NFO). Read more.. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/dance-of-the-soul-salem/ LOCATION:Purple Door Yoga\, 10 Colonial Road\, Salem\, MA\, 01970\, United States CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema),Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/1-copy-5-2.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210822T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210822T153000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20210702T045626Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210803T224227Z UID:23869-1629640800-1629646200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Dance of the Soul: An Introduction to Sufi Whirling DESCRIPTION:Discover the power and mystery of whirling as a gateway for self-growth and spiritual enlightenment through movement\, music\, and meditation. Inspired by nature\, ancient Iranic rituals\, science\, and the beautiful spiritual traditions of Sufism\, join Farima to learn the essentials of whirling meditation including preparation\, balance and posture\, controlling dizziness\, self-focus\, breathwork\, and more. \nWhirling in the practice of devotion\, healing\, and meditation originated thousands of years ago with the ancient Persians using it as way of connecting the body and soul. Today\, Sufis use it as a powerful meditation ritual with music\, poetry\, and movement. Based on this centuries-old Sufi ritual\, whirling can unite mind\, heart\, and body. \nOnline\, hosted by East West Books of Mountain View\, CA. \nPrice is $25. \nRegister \nIn advance:\n\nPlease wear comfortable clothing and plan to wear socks or soft soled shoes.\nAvoid eating a large meal 1-2 hours prior.\n\nNo experience necessary to begin participating. With help anyone can learn and master whirling techniques while respecting one’s own limitations. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/dance-of-the-soul-workshop-aug21/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/DanceOfTheSoul-aug2021.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210801T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210801T123000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20210130T002841Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210704T170454Z UID:23201-1627817400-1627821000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Spirituality in Persian Dance DESCRIPTION:Persian dance inherits a historic culture of 8000 years in history with a blend of enchanting sacred movements rich in the elemental beauty of nature: birds\, animals\, flowers\, and the elements. In ancient Persia\, it was believed that these beings and elements carried the spirit of the Divine. Dance is inspired by mystical Persian poetry\, sensuous miniature artwork\, mystic rhythms of Persian music\, and ancient and devotional rituals and prayers. Delicate\, refined\, and full of meaning\, the spirit of Persian dance is derived from the ancient mystical treasure of beliefs and spirituality. Learn how dance is prayer and prayer is dance. \n\nLearn of the mystical origins of Persian dance\nLearn how dance is prayer and prayer is dance.\nLearn more how these movements were used for prayers and rituals\nHear stories of Farima’s journey and how dance became her spiritual path\nGet a sneek peek into Farima’s upcoming book.\n\nPresented by Sufi dance master and scholar Farima Berenji. \nRegister URL:http://farimadance.com/event/spirituality-in-persian-dance/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Lecture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/SpiritualityDanceLecture-08-01-21.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Beirut:20210623T110000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Beirut:20210623T170000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20210617T184712Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210619T170123Z UID:23812-1624446000-1624467600@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Whirling And Sacred Dances Of Nature DESCRIPTION:Due to overwhelming demand and for those who were unable to join Farima’s recent workshop\, we invite you to join us for a special spiritual Sufi and Sacred workshop in nature with Master Farima Berenji. Together we will call upon the spirit of nature (the trees\, flowers\, and the forest) and learn sacred dance and Sema (whirling) found in the spirals of nature. \nWe will explore the sacred geometry and the spirituality of nature and the seven sacred flowers/trees through Sufi whirling\, ancient Persian mystic dance movements\, meditation\, poetry\, and music. We will open to a deeper level of communication and interaction with nature and discover the many ways in which the Earth speaks to us. \nThe day’s activities include: \n\nFive Element Sufi Breathing\, Meditation\, and Nature Walk.\nBasic Whirling Technique for beginners.\nCommunication with plants through dance\, prayers\, and rituals.\nSema of Nature – Sufi whirling (Iranian Sufi Tradition) of the Seven Sacred flowers/trees among its mystical and healing meanings.\nPoetry\, Music\, Chanting\, Sharing Circle.\nZikr (Sufi Prayer) and Ancient Zoroastrian Prayers based on Nature\n\nThe location chosen is Pine Forest in Beit Mery \nArrival time is 10:30am. The workshop will start 11:00am sharp. \nWhat to bring: \n\nYour mask and preferred disinfectant/sanitizer. \nA poetry book or prose from which you might read and share.\nPotluck – light food like sandwiches\, pastries and fruits. Your lunch\, snacks and drinks\, and most importantly drinking water. (Please keep your choices vegetarian!)\nYoga mat or something comfortable to place and sit on the ground.\nPractical and comfortable walking shoes. (There is a downhill walk to the area where the retreat will take place)\nSoft soled shoes\, socks\, and whirling skirt (optional) for whirling\n\nRules & Guidelines: \n\nAll programs begin promptly at 11:00am. Please be respectful and arrive on time. Farima will give a single basic whirling technique training only at the start of the workshop so arrive on time. We will not go over the basic technique again that day.\nWe kindly ask for no talking on the teaching or whirling space and to keep the area quiet at all times. \nFor this gathering please wear comfortable and discreet clothing\, a whirling skirt (optional)\, socks\, or soft-soled shoes. White or light colored clothing is preferred.\nNo drugs\, alcohol or smoking are allowed for this event.\nNo video or photography is permitted unless permission is granted by the teacher/master.\n\nPlease keep the area clean and help each other to do so.\nCome with an open heart and be receptive to what comes up for you.\nIt’s a time to be of support and balance altogether in this sacred circle. We are all Love.\n\nKindly RSVP for registration\, and let’s whirl one last time! \nRSVP \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, lecturer\, dance ethnologist\, Sufi master\, 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. In 2018\, Farima became the first American-Iranian woman honored to be a TEDx dance speaker and performer. Farima is a member of the International Dance Council (CID – UNESCO)\, UNESCO\, and the National Folk Organization (NFO). Read more.. \nThe Wellness Project\nThe Wellness Project aims to raise awareness and support community by presenting relevant and emerging information in the field of holistic well-being and environmental health. Read more… \nFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/WellnessMiddleEast\nInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessproject_me/ URL:http://farimadance.com/event/sema-of-nature-lebanon/ LOCATION:Beit Mery Pine Forest\, VJ64+62\, Ouyoun\, Lebanon CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema),Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/image003.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Beirut:20210611T193000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Beirut:20210613T170000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20210525T174647Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210525T183445Z UID:23700-1623439800-1623603600@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Sufi Woman's Circle Retreat DESCRIPTION:“From the beginning of time\, sacred movements and music have brought people together and healed the soul.” \nBased on the success of her last workshop in Lebanon Love is Calling\, The Wellness Project welcomes Sufi Dance Master and Ethnologist Farima Berenji for another weekend workshop dedicated to women\, entitled “Sufi Woman’s Circle Retreat”. \nWomen’s ritual dances and gatherings observe marriage\, fertility\, rites of passage\, children\, gratitude\, death\, and their unique connection of their body to the moon and cycle of nature for invoking the spirit and embodying the elements. You will be introduced to rituals celebrating the grace and joy of life and to a society where and when women were honored and people lived in harmony with each other and with nature. \nIn many cultures it is believed that each woman is the embodiment of a Goddess\, Divine Feminine Energy; and to stay in harmony with ourselves\, it is important to acknowledge and embrace them. In this journey\, we will gather in the mystical circle of women and honor the Goddess within. We will create a sacred\, supportive space where we can all release whatever energy no longer serves us\, relax and open your heart\, body\, and mind. We will explore the magic within us\, and spirituality about us. \nIn this retreat\, Farima has combined the sacred phrases\, chants\, music\, and movements from ancient Persian spiritual traditions and Sufism to help touch the spiritual essence within us and to help us recognize it in others. These fundamental elements compose the ancient\, contemporary\, and devotional roots of sacred dance. \nThe full immersion workshop will include: \n\nWomen’s Sufi Dances and Zikr (Iranian\, Central Asian\, and Turkish Traditions)\nSacred Dances of the Silk Road\nAncient Persian and Central Asian Healing Circles and Rituals (Zar\, Gwati\, Chupi)\nHistorical Lectures\nEvening Gatherings\, Drum Circles and Sharing\nDances of the Sun and Moon\n\nSchedule\nFriday\, June 11: Welcome at 7:00 pm\, Program: 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm.\nSaturday\, June 12: Welcome at 10:30 am\, Program: 10:45 am – 8:30 pm.\nSunday\, June 13: Welcome at 10:45 am\, Program: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. \nRegistration\nFull event admission fee is at LL350\,000 per person for the entire workshop\, to be paid up front upon arrival. You are responsible for your own accommodations. \nRSVP \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, lecturer\, dance ethnologist\, Sufi master\, 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. In 2018\, Farima became the first American-Iranian woman honored to be a TEDx dance speaker and performer. Farima is a member of the International Dance Council (CID – UNESCO)\, UNESCO\, and the National Folk Organization (NFO). Read more.. \nThe Wellness Project\nThe Wellness Project aims to raise awareness and support community by presenting relevant and emerging information in the field of holistic well-being and environmental health. Read more… \nFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/WellnessMiddleEast\nInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessproject_me/ URL:http://farimadance.com/event/sufi-womans-circle-retreat/ LOCATION:Houna Center Hamra\, VFWP+2J\, Beirut\, Lebanon CATEGORIES:Retreat,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/2438a62c-0848-ebc9-61de-c63f127cbadb.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Beirut:20210528T170000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Beirut:20210528T210000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20210520T214044Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210520T214120Z UID:23685-1622221200-1622235600@farimadance.com SUMMARY:ReBirth DESCRIPTION:Mina Image Centre is delighted to invite you to ReBirth\, a night of improvised Sufi dance\, music and poetry. \nPerforming artist Farima Berenji and musician Hanan Halwany unite for a magical performance of improvised Sufi dance and music. Joining them on stage will be Nicole Farah reciting a selection of poetry by some of the great Sufi poets including Rumi and Hafez. The performances will take place as part of Mina’s ongoing intervention “Beirut Kaputt?” curated by Stéphane Sisco\, with Ayman Baalbaki’s painting “All That Remains” as the backdrop. \nDates: 27th & 28th May\nTimes: 5 – 6.30 pm & 7.30 – 9 pm \nAdmission\nAdmission is free. Donations greatly appreciated.\nSpaces are limited so please RSVP in advance to: info@minaimagecentre.org\nOtherwise entrance will be on a first come\, first serve basis. \nDrinks will be sold at the bar. Please respect Covid distancing rules and wear your mask. \nSpecial thanks to Greta Khoury\, Bernard Khalil\, Jean Gibran\, Mersel Wine\, The Blue House Tea\, Riwaq Beirut\, The Saadallah & Loubna Foundation\, and Géraldine Blache. \nArtists\nPerforming artist: Farima Berenji\nMusician: Hanan Halwany\nPoetry recital: Nicole Farah\nProduction manager: Géraldine Blache \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji is an Iranian-American 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 Iranic dance ethnology by UNESCO\, she travels worldwide to record\, research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, heal and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Farima is passionate about the role dance has played in her life. At her core\, she believes dance rituals invoke healing and harmony and feels strongly that bringing these ancient rituals back to life will help bring positive change to our lives. In 2018\, Farima became the first American-Iranian woman honored to be a TEDx dance speaker and performer. Farima is a member of the International Dance Council (CID – UNESCO)\, UNESCO\, and the National Folk Organization (NFO). More details… \nHanan Halwany\nHanan Halwany is a renowned Buzuq player and composer who has been passionate about playing and composing music since she was young. She studied music and specialized in the Oud and later the Buzuq. She is a solo Buzuq player and has also performed with a number of other renowned musicians\, bands and orchestras since 2011. Her music compositions have been broadcasted on radio stations and TV channels\, and were adopted in the musical score of a Lebanese movie. She was awarded a medal and certificate in 2019 by The Beirut Popular Assembly for her Buzuq playing and composing. Hanan is currently working on a solo album\, and continues to collaborate with local and international artists. She is also putting together a new band together with fellow musicians through which she is experimenting with new styles and compositions. \nNicole Farah\nNicole Farah is a human rights activist and a certified psychologist. She is currently working with KAFA\, a feminist\, secular\, Lebanese\, non-profit\, non-governmental civil society organization seeking to create a society that is free of social\, economic and legal patriarchal structures that discriminate against women. Nicole is a yoga teacher and 5rhythms practitioner with a passion for expressive dance and Sufi whirling. She has collaborated with artists and musicians on a number of improvised dance projects and live performances. Nicole also finds expression and rhythm in poetry and writing\, and has performed at a number of spoken word events URL:http://farimadance.com/event/rebirth-2/ LOCATION:Mina Image Centre\, Stone Gardens Building\, Darwich Haddad Street\, Beirut\, Lebanon CATEGORIES:Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/187006194_786978418873740_8522108556074995219_n-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Mina Image Centre":MAILTO:info@minaimagecentre.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Beirut:20210527T170000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Beirut:20210527T210000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20210520T213641Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210520T213900Z UID:23679-1622134800-1622149200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:ReBirth DESCRIPTION:Mina Image Centre is delighted to invite you to ReBirth\, a night of improvised Sufi dance\, music and poetry. \nPerforming artist Farima Berenji and musician Hanan Halwany unite for a magical performance of improvised Sufi dance and music. Joining them on stage will be Nicole Farah reciting a selection of poetry by some of the great Sufi poets including Rumi and Hafez. The performances will take place as part of Mina’s ongoing intervention “Beirut Kaputt?” curated by Stéphane Sisco\, with Ayman Baalbaki’s painting “All That Remains” as the backdrop. \nDates: 27th & 28th May\nTimes: 5 – 6.30 pm & 7.30 – 9 pm \nAdmission\nAdmission is free. Donations greatly appreciated.\nSpaces are limited so please RSVP in advance to: info@minaimagecentre.org\nOtherwise entrance will be on a first come\, first serve basis. \nDrinks will be sold at the bar. Please respect Covid distancing rules and wear your mask. \nSpecial thanks to Greta Khoury\, Bernard Khalil\, Jean Gibran\, Mersel Wine\, The Blue House Tea\, Riwaq Beirut\, The Saadallah & Loubna Foundation\, and Géraldine Blache. \nArtists\nPerforming artist: Farima Berenji\nMusician: Hanan Halwany\nPoetry recital: Nicole Farah\nProduction manager: Géraldine Blache \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji is an Iranian-American 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 Iranic dance ethnology by UNESCO\, she travels worldwide to record\, research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, heal and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Farima is passionate about the role dance has played in her life. At her core\, she believes dance rituals invoke healing and harmony and feels strongly that bringing these ancient rituals back to life will help bring positive change to our lives. In 2018\, Farima became the first American-Iranian woman honored to be a TEDx dance speaker and performer. Farima is a member of the International Dance Council (CID – UNESCO)\, UNESCO\, and the National Folk Organization (NFO). More details… \nHanan Halwany\nHanan Halwany is a renowned Buzuq player and composer who has been passionate about playing and composing music since she was young. She studied music and specialized in the Oud and later the Buzuq. She is a solo Buzuq player and has also performed with a number of other renowned musicians\, bands and orchestras since 2011. Her music compositions have been broadcasted on radio stations and TV channels\, and were adopted in the musical score of a Lebanese movie. She was awarded a medal and certificate in 2019 by The Beirut Popular Assembly for her Buzuq playing and composing. Hanan is currently working on a solo album\, and continues to collaborate with local and international artists. She is also putting together a new band together with fellow musicians through which she is experimenting with new styles and compositions. \nNicole Farah\nNicole Farah is a human rights activist and a certified psychologist. She is currently working with KAFA\, a feminist\, secular\, Lebanese\, non-profit\, non-governmental civil society organization seeking to create a society that is free of social\, economic and legal patriarchal structures that discriminate against women. Nicole is a yoga teacher and 5rhythms practitioner with a passion for expressive dance and Sufi whirling. She has collaborated with artists and musicians on a number of improvised dance projects and live performances. Nicole also finds expression and rhythm in poetry and writing\, and has performed at a number of spoken word events URL:http://farimadance.com/event/rebirth/ LOCATION:Mina Image Centre\, Stone Gardens Building\, Darwich Haddad Street\, Beirut\, Lebanon CATEGORIES:Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/187006194_786978418873740_8522108556074995219_n-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Mina Image Centre":MAILTO:info@minaimagecentre.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210422T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210422T210000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20210212T192039Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210321T065230Z UID:23277-1619118000-1619125200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Dance of the Soul: An Introduction to Sufi Whirling DESCRIPTION:Discover the power and mystery of whirling as a gateway for self-growth and spiritual enlightenment through movement\, music\, and meditation. Inspired by nature\, ancient Iranic rituals\, science\, and the beautiful spiritual traditions of Sufism\, join Farima to learn the essentials of whirling meditation including preparation\, balance and posture\, controlling dizziness\, self-focus\, breathwork\, and more. \nWhirling in the practice of devotion\, healing\, and meditation originated thousands of years ago with the ancient Persians using it as way of connecting the body and soul. Today\, Sufis use it as a powerful meditation ritual with music\, poetry\, and movement. Based on this centuries-old Sufi ritual\, whirling can unite mind\, heart\, and body. \nOnline\, hosted by East West Books of Mountain View\, CA. \nPrice is $30. \nRegister \nIn advance:\n\nPlease wear comfortable clothing and plan to wear socks or soft soled shoes.\nAvoid eating a large meal 1-2 hours prior.\n\nNo experience necessary to begin participating. With help anyone can learn and master whirling techniques while respecting one’s own limitations. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/eastwestbooks-04-22-21/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/84650332_3873945972616337_1329790126166900736_n.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210409T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210409T150000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20210326T165759Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210326T170724Z UID:23485-1617978600-1617980400@farimadance.com SUMMARY:NFO Annual Conference DESCRIPTION:Farima will be teaching and presenting an Iranian Qashqai scarf dance on April 9\, 2:30-3:00pm at the annual National Folk Organization (NFO) conference held online via Zoom. \nNFO Annual Conference Apr. 7-11\, 2021\nThis year’s NFO conference embraces the virtual world of folk arts and spans the globe. There will be master teachers giving dance workshops; experts presenting their research into folk arts; participatory folk music\, crafts lessons\, South Appalachian flat footing\, French Canadian children’s dances\, Pacific Northwest First Nations traditions\, Polynesian singing\, and Bulgarian folk dancing in Japan. Additionally\, there will be group discussions about current issues and concerns\, and breakout rooms for smaller group discussions on a variety of relevant topics. \n\nDance Workshops\nDance Parties\nLive Music\nFolk Craft Sessions\nMore…\n\nRead more… \nFree Registration \nRegister URL:http://farimadance.com/event/nfo-conference/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/139610614_3926202860763517_3376726016869316235_o.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210328T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210328T120000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20210228T020412Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210303T223321Z UID:23364-1616929200-1616932800@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Traditional Afghan Dance DESCRIPTION:This lecture will present an overview of traditional dance in Afghanistan and influences by neighboring countries India\, Iran\, Central Asia and Russia. Katherine will be sharing her field experience and stories researching dance within Afghanistan. \nAll are welcome. Please register in advance to obtain a link to the online lecture. \nRegister \nPlease consider making a donation at http://donate.farimadance.com to support our artists below \nKatherine St. John\nKatherine St. John Katherine St. John received a Master’s degree in dance pedagogy from Brigham Young University and a Master’s in Persian from the University of Utah and completed coursework for a PhD in dance history and theory from the University of California. Katherine has performed and choreographed for theater\, dance companies\, operas and at universities for 30 plus years. She was an artist in residence teaching world dance to students throughout Utah and neighboring states for 20 years. Her Master’s thesis is about dance in Herat Afghanistan from 1970-1980 during Russian interference. Read more.. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/afghan-dance/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema),Online,Party,Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/3-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210321T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210321T120000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20210228T093127Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210321T025955Z UID:23367-1616320800-1616328000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Norouz 1400 Concert DESCRIPTION:Join artists Bijan Maysami\, Metanat Sedeghi\, and Farima Berenji live online celebrating the ancient festival of Norouz with lively folk music and a wonderful Haft-seen welcoming Spring in happiness and joy. \nThe number seven is the representation of spiritual perfection and the whole of the world according to ancient Iranians and Indians. In addition to many religions having a spiritual interpretation of this number in acquiring perfection\, the traditional Iranian Haft-seen illustrates the combination of seven objects representing bliss and prosperity arriving with the new year. \nRegistration is $20 USD \nEvent starts 11am Mountain (Calgary\, AB) or 10am Pacific \nRegister URL:http://farimadance.com/event/norouz-1400-concert/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Online,Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/61bbdf4a-fecf-4bd5-884f-959909192821.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210320T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210320T220000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20210213T202734Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220227T021339Z UID:23284-1616263200-1616277600@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Norouz Celebration DESCRIPTION:Join us for an evening celebrating Norouz\, the coming of Spring! \nNorouz is the traditional spring and new year celebration of the Persian and Central Asian people. Norouz means “New Day” and it falls on the March equinox\, the first day of spring. Families on Norouz gather together and wait for the exact time it is declared\, exchange gifts and eat a feast of traditional food. It’s a time to celebrate ancestry and family. Norouz has been celebrated by people from diverse ethnic communities and religious backgrounds for thousands of years. \nPresented by the Simorgh Dance Collective and Eastern Arts\, activities for our online gathering will include: \n\nTraditional performances of sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances of the Silk Road\nLive traditional Persian music\nStory telling and lectures of Norouz and rituals across the Silk Road\nPoetry reading\nDance and music workshops\n\nAll are welcome! Please register in advance to obtain a link to the online presentation. \nRegister \nPlease consider making a donation at http://donate.farimadance.com to support our artists below \nSimorgh Dance Collective\nSimorgh Dance Collective The Simorgh Dance Collective is a world community of artists devoted to cross-cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration through traditional\, classical\, and sacred dance styles of the Silk Road. The Collective currently has member companies and artist affiliations in Alaska\, British Columbia\, Turkey\, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Read more..\nEastern Arts\nEastern Arts Based in Salt Lake City\, Utah\, Eastern Arts is a non-profit organization of dancers\, artists\, musicians\, and scholars who present the folkways and traditions of many lands and peoples. Eastern Arts originated in 1960 and has been active internationally presenting dance and music of lands from Asia to North Africa\, from India to the Balkans in concerts\, workshops\, publications\, audio and video productions.\nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, lecturer\, dance ethnologist\, Sufi master\, 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. In 2018\, Farima became the first American-Iranian woman honored to be a TEDx dance speaker and performer. Farima is a member of the International Dance Council (CID – UNESCO)\, UNESCO\, and the National Folk Organization (NFO). Read more.. \nDr. Lloyd Miller\nDr. Lloyd Miller Dr. Lloyd Miller received his PhD in Persian Language and Literature from the University of Utah after spending seven years living in Iran where he had a weekly prime time television program titled “Kurosh Ali Khan va dastan”. His program featured musicians and other artists from around the world. Lloyd was urged to leave Iran during the revolution in the late 70s\, though he had never planned to leave. An expert in world music including American jazz\, Lloyd has made numerous recordings. The most popular being “Oriental Jazz” first released in 1968 and recently re-released by Vinyl Me Please selling thousands of copies worldwide. A film about Lloyd’s extraordinary life\, including 6 years in Europe as a jazzman and university student where he played with some of the most well-known musicians of the time\, is soon to be released. Titled “” the film will be screened in Finland October 25 at the World Music Expo. It was in Paris that Lloyd met Dr. Daryush Safvat who became his lifelong mentor and who taught Lloyd the importance and significance of Persian classical music. Founder of Eastern Arts\, with the blessing of Dr. Safvat\, Lloyd has taught music\, philosophy\, history\, dance and culture to thousands of students at various universities for over 40 years. Read more… \nKatherine St. John\nKatherine St. John Katherine St. John received a Master’s degree in dance pedagogy from Brigham Young University and a Master’s in Persian from the University of Utah and completed coursework for a PhD in dance history and theory from the University of California. Katherine has performed and choreographed for theater\, dance companies\, operas and at universities for 30 plus years. She was an artist in residence teaching world dance to students throughout Utah and neighboring states for 20 years. Her Master’s thesis is about dance in Herat Afghanistan from 1970-1980 during Russian interference. Read more.. \n\nNariman Assadi\nNariman Assadi Nariman Assadi was born in Hamedan\, Iran on January 1\, 1992. Raised in Tehran\, he always felt drawn to percussion instruments. At the age of thirteen\, he began studying tombak under Master Amir Mogharab Samadi. From 2008 to 2013\, Nariman performed at Vahdat Hall as a soloist and with the Persian Percussion Ensemble at Pars Academy\, the premier music academy for children. After mastering tombak\, he then began learning Daf under the great Master Bijan Kamkar. With a strong understanding of the daf and tombak\, Nariman started learning barbat (Oud) under Master Mohammad Firouzi. \nIn 2015\, Nariman immigrated to the United States. He immediately began his professional music career by performing and attending festivals. In 2017\, he started learning percussion performance and world music with Professor Daniel Kennedy at Sacramento State University. Along with being a member of various ensembles\, Nariman teaches daf\, tombak\, other percussions\, and music for children in Davis\, Sacramento\, and the Bay Area. He also offers music classes and workshops online. Read more..\nRashid Sadat\nRashid Sadat Rashid Sadat is a well-known performer\, originally from Tashkent\, Uzbekistan. His work in Central Asia included lead roles in popular films during early 2000’s\, plus regular TV appearances and as a daily radio host on Auto Radio Hamroh FM102. With over 10 years of theatre experience including acting and directing\, Rashid is also a well known folk dancer\, having performed at dance and music festivals in London\, Sweden\, Greece\, and Germany. Now living in London\, Rashid has expanded his portfolio to include work as an extra in big budget films. In 2015 alone he worked on Spectre (James Bond)\, Star Wars: The Force Awakens\, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation\, and others. In addition to film\, Rashid is also well known in London as a host for cultural and arts events\, and starred in his own one-man show\, Dervish\, at the Lion and Unicorn Theatre in 2012. \nSeyed Salman Hosseini\nSeyed Salman Seyed Salman Hosseini possesses a bachelor degree in music ethnology and is an Iranian traditional music researcher\, composer and a master musician of tambour\, setar\, tar\, and rebab. He directs the traditional Persian music ensemble Cherikeh which has been performing sacred and traditional music for many years. Seyed has produced many albums including Javdanegni and Tabeh Ghaleh. He is the music director and composer for films such as Song of God and Gadam Yar. Seyed has composed and performed more than 40 concerts and TV programs including composing music for national broadcasts of Iran. He has performed professionally in Iran\, Germany\, Syria\, and the Iraqi Kurdistan region. Additionally\, he is a Sufi master and has his own school of music and mysticism. \nHomeyra Banejad\nHomeyra Banejad Homeyra 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/norouz2021/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema),Online,Party,Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/NorouzGala-3a.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210220T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210220T123000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20171015T233045Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210129T234510Z UID:17165-1613820600-1613824200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Dance of the Soul (Sufi Whirling & Virtual Gathering) DESCRIPTION:Join us at our monthly Sufi Whirling 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. \n \nThis will be an online event only with participation by Zoom conferencing. \nOverview\nOur gathering is NOT a performance. \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 Sufi whirling following facilitation by Farima.\nWe will close with a Zikr (Sufi Prayers)\, ancient Iranian Shamanic rituals\, sharing\, and a gratitude circle\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! \nRegister online \nGuidelines and Tips\n\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/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema),Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Dance-of-the-Soul-Feb2021.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210106T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210106T210000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20201205T203934Z LAST-MODIFIED:20201230T055912Z UID:22666-1609959600-1609966800@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Dance of the Soul: An Introduction to Sufi Whirling DESCRIPTION:Discover the power and mystery of whirling as a gateway for self-growth and spiritual enlightenment through movement\, music\, and meditation. Inspired by nature\, ancient Iranic rituals\, science\, and the beautiful spiritual traditions of Sufism\, join Farima to learn the essentials of whirling meditation including preparation\, balance and posture\, controlling dizziness\, self-focus\, breathwork\, and more. \nWhirling in the practice of devotion\, healing\, and meditation originated thousands of years ago with the ancient Persians using it as way of connecting the body and soul. Today\, Sufis use it as a powerful meditation ritual with music\, poetry\, and movement. Based on this centuries-old Sufi ritual\, whirling can unite mind\, heart\, and body. \nOnline\, hosted by East West Books of Mountain View\, CA. \nPrice is $30.\nRegister \nIn advance:\n\nPlease wear comfortable clothing and plan to wear socks or soft soled shoes.\nAvoid eating a large meal 1-2 hours prior.\n\nNo experience necessary to begin participating. With help anyone can learn and master whirling techniques while respecting one’s own limitations. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/dance-of-the-soul-workshop-2021/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/84650332_3873945972616337_1329790126166900736_n.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201221T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201222T000000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20201215T084605Z LAST-MODIFIED:20201221T024556Z UID:22668-1608573600-1608595200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Yalda: A Festival of Light DESCRIPTION:Join us for an evening 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. \nPresented by Eastern Arts and the Simorgh Dance Collective\, this first annual online gathering will be accompanied by music\, dance\, poetry reading\, Persian mythology and stories\, and more! Portions are recorded and live. \nAll are welcome. Please register in advance to obtain a link to the online presentation. \nRegister \nPlease consider making a donation at http://donate.farimadance.com to support our artists below \nSimorgh Dance Collective\nSimorgh Dance Collective The Simorgh Dance Collective is a world community of artists devoted to cross-cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration through traditional\, classical\, and sacred dance styles of the Silk Road. The Collective currently has member companies and artist affiliations in Alaska\, British Columbia\, Turkey\, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Read more..\nEastern Arts\nEastern Arts Based in Salt Lake City\, Utah\, Eastern Arts is a non-profit organization of dancers\, artists\, musicians\, and scholars who present the folkways and traditions of many lands and peoples. Eastern Arts originated in 1960 and has been active internationally presenting dance and music of lands from Asia to North Africa\, from India to the Balkans in concerts\, workshops\, publications\, audio and video productions.\nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, lecturer\, dance ethnologist\, Sufi master\, 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. In 2018\, Farima became the first American-Iranian woman honored to be a TEDx dance speaker and performer. Farima is a member of the International Dance Council (CID – UNESCO)\, UNESCO\, and the National Folk Organization (NFO). Read more.. \nDr. Lloyd Miller\nDr. Lloyd Miller Dr. Lloyd Miller received his PhD in Persian Language and Literature from the University of Utah after spending seven years living in Iran where he had a weekly prime time television program titled “Kurosh Ali Khan va dastan”. His program featured musicians and other artists from around the world. Lloyd was urged to leave Iran during the revolution in the late 70s\, though he had never planned to leave. An expert in world music including American jazz\, Lloyd has made numerous recordings. The most popular being “Oriental Jazz” first released in 1968 and recently re-released by Vinyl Me Please selling thousands of copies worldwide. A film about Lloyd’s extraordinary life\, including 6 years in Europe as a jazzman and university student where he played with some of the most well-known musicians of the time\, is soon to be released. Titled “” the film will be screened in Finland October 25 at the World Music Expo. It was in Paris that Lloyd met Dr. Daryush Safvat who became his lifelong mentor and who taught Lloyd the importance and significance of Persian classical music. Founder of Eastern Arts\, with the blessing of Dr. Safvat\, Lloyd has taught music\, philosophy\, history\, dance and culture to thousands of students at various universities for over 40 years. Read more… \nKatherine St. John\nKatherine St. John Katherine St. John received a Master’s degree in dance pedagogy from Brigham Young University and a Master’s in Persian from the University of Utah and completed coursework for a PhD in dance history and theory from the University of California. Katherine has performed and choreographed for theater\, dance companies\, operas and at universities for 30 plus years. She was an artist in residence teaching world dance to students throughout Utah and neighboring states for 20 years. Her Master’s thesis is about dance in Herat Afghanistan from 1970-1980 during Russian interference. Read more.. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/yalda-festival-of-light/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema),Online,Party,Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Yalda-SJ-2020-2.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201216T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201216T113000 DTSTAMP:20260425T091305 CREATED:20201210T180805Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220227T021423Z UID:22667-1608112800-1608118200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Whirling and Sema Celebrating Sheb-i Arus DESCRIPTION:Join us to celebrate our fellowship in love and spirit with whirling dance (Sema)\, meditation\, music\, prayers\, and poetry. Sheb-i Arus commemorates the death and thereby union between the Persian mystical poet Rumi and the universe. \nOur ceremony will be shared multi-nationally online with Master Seyed Salman\, Master Farima Berenji\, and with live music by Dr. Lloyd Miller and other musicians. \nJoin us for sacred and mystical Sufi poetry (Farsi and English)\, meditation\, whirling with live and recorded music\, then closure with prayer and zikr. \nWe will whirl and journey together to celebrate love\, unity\, and allow the light to enter our soul. Open your heart! Listen! Turn\, dance\, and move in anyway that makes you feel alive! \n$5-10 sliding scale donation. Your donation is greatly appreciated. \nOur gathering is not a performance. Come and join our sacred circle. You are welcome to set and feel the healing energy and prepare a poem to share as we journey together to be closer to the light. \n \nGuidelines and Tips\n\nWe kindly ask for no interruptions during the ceremony. We will mute all participants during the ceremony then unmute for open participation. \nIf you are whirling from home prepare to wear comfortable clothing\, whirling skirt (optional)\, socks or soft-soled shoes. Avoid eating a large meal 2 hours prior.\n\nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, lecturer\, dance ethnologist\, Sufi master\, 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. In 2018\, Farima became the first American-Iranian woman honored to be a TEDx dance speaker and performer. Farima is a member of the International Dance Council (CID – UNESCO)\, UNESCO\, and the National Folk Organization (NFO). Read more.. \nSeyed Salman Hosseini\nSeyed Salman Seyed Salman Hosseini possesses a bachelor degree in music ethnology and is an Iranian traditional music researcher\, composer and a master musician of tambour\, setar\, tar\, and rebab. He directs the traditional Persian music ensemble Cherikeh which has been performing sacred and traditional music for many years. Seyed has produced many albums including Javdanegni and Tabeh Ghaleh. He is the music director and composer for films such as Song of God and Gadam Yar. Seyed has composed and performed more than 40 concerts and TV programs including composing music for national broadcasts of Iran. He has performed professionally in Iran\, Germany\, Syria\, and the Iraqi Kurdistan region. Additionally\, he is a Sufi master and has his own school of music and mysticism. \nDr. Lloyd Miller\nDr. Lloyd Miller Dr. Lloyd Miller received his PhD in Persian Language and Literature from the University of Utah after spending seven years living in Iran where he had a weekly prime time television program titled “Kurosh Ali Khan va dastan”. His program featured musicians and other artists from around the world. Lloyd was urged to leave Iran during the revolution in the late 70s\, though he had never planned to leave. An expert in world music including American jazz\, Lloyd has made numerous recordings. The most popular being “Oriental Jazz” first released in 1968 and recently re-released by Vinyl Me Please selling thousands of copies worldwide. A film about Lloyd’s extraordinary life\, including 6 years in Europe as a jazzman and university student where he played with some of the most well-known musicians of the time\, is soon to be released. Titled “” the film will be screened in Finland October 25 at the World Music Expo. It was in Paris that Lloyd met Dr. Daryush Safvat who became his lifelong mentor and who taught Lloyd the importance and significance of Persian classical music. Founder of Eastern Arts\, with the blessing of Dr. Safvat\, Lloyd has taught music\, philosophy\, history\, dance and culture to thousands of students at various universities for over 40 years. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/sheb-i-arus-2020/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema),Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ShebiArus2020A-2.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR