BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Farima Dance - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Farima Dance X-ORIGINAL-URL:http://farimadance.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Farima Dance REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Los_Angeles BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART: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 BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20240310T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20241103T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20250309T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20251102T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20260308T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20261101T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/Istanbul BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0300 TZOFFSETTO:+0300 TZNAME:+03 DTSTART:20220101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Asia/Tehran BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0330 TZOFFSETTO:+0430 TZNAME:+0430 DTSTART:20220321T203000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0430 TZOFFSETTO:+0330 TZNAME:+0330 DTSTART:20220921T193000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251203T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251203T190000 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20250802T193133Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251116T223207Z UID:33014-1764784800-1764788400@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Companions of the Sun Author Talk DESCRIPTION:Companions of the Sun\nA Lecture by Scholar Dr. Farima Berenji\nRooted in one of the world’s oldest civilizations\, the traditions of Iranian/Persian sacred dance and music embody the profound wisdom of our ancestors. Observing nature\, the stars\, and the rhythms of life\, they crafted movements expressing love\, strength\, and spiritual transcendence. These rituals continue to inspire cultures worldwide\, preserving a legacy of mysticism and artistic expression. \nAuthor Dr. Farima Berenji presents her research upon the evolutionary origins and practice of Iranian rituals\, beliefs\, and dances\, exploring how Iranian culture permeated global music and dance traditions\, developing distinctly from its sister nations. All this is explored in her book Companions of the Sun \nRegister Now! \nDr. Farima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Dr. Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology\, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward\, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism\, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions\, Sufism\, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden\, the EU\, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts\, founder of Dance of the SoulTM\, advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, National Folk Organization member\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/companions-sjsulibrary/ LOCATION:Dr. Martin Luther King\, Jr. Library\, One Washington Square\, San Jose\, CA\, 95192\, United States CATEGORIES:Book,Lecture,Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Banner2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251116T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251116T210000 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20250930T005439Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251102T010719Z UID:33133-1763323200-1763326800@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Rhythm of the Soul- Sufi Dance and Rhythms DESCRIPTION:Immerse in the rhythms of Sufi dance and music! This performance blends traditional rhythms with contemporary elements. The whirling dance and Daf drum create an interaction between cultural expression and human participation. With Nariman Assadi on daf and Dr. Farima Berenji as Sufi whirler. \nHybrid event\, audience members may join online or in-person. \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..\nDr. Farima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Dr. Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology\, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward\, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism\, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions\, Sufism\, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden\, the EU\, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts\, founder of Dance of the SoulTM\, advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, National Folk Organization member\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/rhythm-of-the-soul/ LOCATION:SF Community Music Center (SFCMC)\, 544 Capp St\, San Francisco\, 94110\, United States CATEGORIES:Online,Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/vlcsnap-2024-09-25-reduced.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251019T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251019T193000 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20250930T041711Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251006T221646Z UID:33140-1760889600-1760902200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Companions of the Sun Book Launch DESCRIPTION:Celebrate the launch of Dr. Farima Berenji’s Companions of the Sun with a book signing\, talk\, and performance. Refreshments will be served. Copies of Companions of the Sun will be on hand for purchase and signing. \nVenue is in San Francisco’s Noe Valley district. Please register and we will reply with the venue address. \nRSVP \nCompanions of the Sun by Dr. Farima Berenji\nRooted in one of the world’s oldest civilizations\, the traditions of Iranian/Persian sacred dance and music embody the profound wisdom of our ancestors. Observing nature\, the stars\, and the rhythms of life\, they crafted movements expressing love\, strength\, and spiritual transcendence. These rituals continue to inspire cultures worldwide\, preserving a legacy of mysticism and artistic expression. \nAuthor Dr. Farima Berenji presents her research upon the evolutionary origins and practice of Iranian rituals\, beliefs\, and dances\, exploring how Iranian culture permeated global music and dance traditions\, developing distinctly from its sister nations. All this is explored in her book Companions of the Sun \nDr. Farima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Dr. Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology\, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward\, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism\, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions\, Sufism\, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden\, the EU\, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts\, founder of Dance of the SoulTM\, advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, National Folk Organization member\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/companions-of-the-sun-launch/ LOCATION:Noe Valley\, Noe Valley\, San Francisco\, CA\, 94131\, United States CATEGORIES:Book,Lecture,Party,Performance ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251011T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251011T143000 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20250704T185652Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251007T193826Z UID:32994-1760189400-1760193000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Companions of the Sun Author Talk DESCRIPTION:Companions of the Sun\nA Lecture by Scholar Dr. Farima Berenji\nRooted in one of the world’s oldest civilizations\, the traditions of Iranian/Persian sacred dance and music embody the profound wisdom of our ancestors. Observing nature\, the stars\, and the rhythms of life\, they crafted movements expressing love\, strength\, and spiritual transcendence. These rituals continue to inspire cultures worldwide\, preserving a legacy of mysticism and artistic expression. \nAuthor Dr. Farima Berenji presents her research upon the evolutionary origins and practice of Iranian rituals\, beliefs\, and dances\, exploring how Iranian culture permeated global music and dance traditions\, developing distinctly from its sister nations. All this is explored in her book Companions of the Sun \nRegister Now! \nDr. Farima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Dr. Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology\, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward\, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism\, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions\, Sufism\, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden\, the EU\, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts\, founder of Dance of the SoulTM\, advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, National Folk Organization member\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/companions-of-the-sun-nrb/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Book,Lecture,Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Banner2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251005T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251005T220000 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20250929T230035Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T015331Z UID:33122-1759687200-1759701600@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Barzakh Majus DESCRIPTION:Sufi and sacred dance performance featuring Farima Berenji. \nDr. Farima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Dr. Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology\, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward\, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism\, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions\, Sufism\, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden\, the EU\, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts\, founder of Dance of the SoulTM\, advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, National Folk Organization member\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/barzak-majus/ LOCATION:Sound Mind Center\, 2028 Plymouth St.\, Brooklyn\, NY\, 11201\, United States CATEGORIES:Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_0267.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251003T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251003T220000 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20250903T225547Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250913T130729Z UID:33068-1759521600-1759528800@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Sema Gathering DESCRIPTION:Join us in prayer for healing and peace\, music\, poetry\, Iranian and ancient Mithraic whirling rituals\, Yarsani Zikr and reading of Kalams (Zoroastrians\, Iranic and Yarsani book of prayers and chanting). 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. \nDuring our Sema Gathering\, Master Farima Berenji will lead Zikr\, Sema\, and other rituals and ceremonies. Join us to celebrate our fellowship in love and spirit with sacred and mystical Sufi poetry (Farsi and English)\, meditation\, whirling with live and recorded music\, then close with prayer and zikr. \nOpen your heart! Listen! Turn\, dance\, and move in anyway that makes you feel alive! \nSliding scale donation requested: $15-25. No one is refused for lack of funds. \nRegister \n\nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Dr. Farima Berenji specializes in Iranian mystic traditions\, Sufism\, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer and has been the recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden\, the EU\, and the UN. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/sema-ny-oct25/ LOCATION:Casa Clara\, 218 E 25th St\, New York\, NY\, 10010\, United States CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema),Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2-1-copy.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251003T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251003T190000 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20250910T211949Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250929T224648Z UID:33085-1759514400-1759518000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Companions of the Sun Author Talk DESCRIPTION:Companions of the Sun\nA Lecture by Scholar Dr. Farima Berenji\nRooted in one of the world’s oldest civilizations\, the traditions of Iranian/Persian sacred dance and music embody the profound wisdom of our ancestors. Observing nature\, the stars\, and the rhythms of life\, they crafted movements expressing love\, strength\, and spiritual transcendence. These rituals continue to inspire cultures worldwide\, preserving a legacy of mysticism and artistic expression. \nAuthor Dr. Farima Berenji presents her research upon the evolutionary origins and practice of Iranian rituals\, beliefs\, and dances\, exploring how Iranian culture permeated global music and dance traditions\, developing distinctly from its sister nations. All this is explored in her book Companions of the Sun \nDr. Farima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Dr. Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology\, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward\, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism\, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions\, Sufism\, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden\, the EU\, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts\, founder of Dance of the SoulTM\, advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, National Folk Organization member\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/companions-of-the-sun-ny2025/ LOCATION:Casa Clara\, 218 E 25th St\, New York\, NY\, 10010\, United States CATEGORIES:Book,Lecture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/052ca536-2414-4010-bdc8-3c7efdadf460.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251002T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251002T220000 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20250929T220044Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250929T220130Z UID:33111-1759433400-1759442400@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Sema Gathering DESCRIPTION:Join us in prayer for healing and peace\, music\, poetry\, Iranian and ancient Mithraic whirling rituals\, Yarsani Zikr and reading of Kalams (Zoroastrians\, Iranic and Yarsani book of prayers and chanting). 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. \nDuring our Sema Gathering\, Master Farima Berenji will lead Zikr\, Sema\, and other rituals and ceremonies. Join us to celebrate our fellowship in love and spirit with sacred and mystical Sufi poetry (Farsi and English)\, meditation\, whirling with live and recorded music\, then close with prayer and zikr. \nOpen your heart! Listen! Turn\, dance\, and move in anyway that makes you feel alive! \n\nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Dr. Farima Berenji specializes in Iranian mystic traditions\, Sufism\, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer and has been the recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden\, the EU\, and the UN. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/brooklyn-sema/ LOCATION:Golden Drum\, 97 Green St\, Brooklyn\, 11222\, United States CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema),Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/a61c7cd3-4ab1-4acd-9ab3-4591f6747ec1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250916T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250916T193000 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20250630T164201Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250704T185253Z UID:32975-1758045600-1758051000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Book Talk and Performance on Iranian Dance and Rituals DESCRIPTION:Learn about the origins and practice of Iranian dance in this talk and performance by Dr. Farima Berenji. She will discuss Iranian rituals and beliefs in relation to dance\, as well as how Iranian culture has impacted global music and dance traditions. There will be a short performance and audience participation dance as part of the program presented in the North Beach Library community room. \nRooted in one of the world’s oldest civilizations\, the traditions of Iranian/Persian sacred dance and music embody the profound wisdom of our ancestors. Observing nature\, the stars\, and the rhythms of life\, they crafted movements expressing love\, strength\, and spiritual transcendence. These rituals continue to inspire cultures worldwide\, preserving a legacy of mysticism and artistic expression. Author Dr. Farima Berenji presents her research upon the evolutionary origins and practice of Iranian rituals\, beliefs\, and dances\, exploring how Iranian culture permeated global music and dance traditions\, developing distinctly from its sister nations. All this is explored in her soon-to-be released book Companions of the Sun \nDr. Farima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Dr. Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology\, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward\, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism\, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions\, Sufism\, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden\, the EU\, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts\, founder of Dance of the SoulTM\, advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, National Folk Organization member\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/iranian-dance-nbeachsf/ LOCATION:North Beach Branch Library\, 850 Columbus Ave\, San Francisco\, 94133\, United States CATEGORIES:Book,Lecture,Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/book-banner.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250810T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250810T173000 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20250618T010457Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250809T015846Z UID:32947-1754841600-1754847000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Iranian Dance and Ritual (Lecture & Performance) DESCRIPTION:Learn about the origins and practice of Iranian dance in this talk and performance by Dr. Farima Berenji. She will discuss Iranian rituals and beliefs in relation to dance\, as well as how Iranian culture has impacted global music and dance traditions. There will be a short performance and audience participation dance as part of the program. \nRooted in one of the world’s oldest civilizations\, the traditions of Iranian/Persian sacred dance and music embody the profound wisdom of our ancestors. Observing nature\, the stars\, and the rhythms of life\, they crafted movements expressing love\, strength\, and spiritual transcendence. These rituals continue to inspire cultures worldwide\, preserving a legacy of mysticism and artistic expression. Author Dr. Farima Berenji presents her research upon the evolutionary origins and practice of Iranian rituals\, beliefs\, and dances\, exploring how Iranian culture permeated global music and dance traditions\, developing distinctly from its sister nations. All this is explored in her soon-to-be released book Companions of the Sun \nThis event is part of the will be held in the Sunnyvale Library Program Room. Registration is not required. \nThis August\, go back to school with the Sunnyvale Library Level Up Your Learning: Adult Lecture Series. Learn about history and culture around the world from the following talks: \n\nSunday\, Aug. 10 – Iranian Dance and Ritual (this event)\nMonday\, Aug. 11 – The Silk Road: Globalization in the Ancient World\nTuesday\, Aug. 19 – Muslim Women and Global Feminism\nThursday\, Aug. 21 – The Chinese Exclusion Act\nMonday\, Aug. 25 – Transgender Histories in Imperial China\n\nDr. Farima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Dr. Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology\, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward\, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism\, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions\, Sufism\, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden\, the EU\, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts\, founder of Dance of the SoulTM\, advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, National Folk Organization member\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/iranian-dance-sunnyvale/ LOCATION:Sunnyvale Library\, 665 W Olive Ave\, Sunnyvale\, CA\, 94086\, United States CATEGORIES:Book,Lecture,Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/book-banner.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250803T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250803T110000 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20250522T205111Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250728T032642Z UID:32869-1754215200-1754218800@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Companions of the Sun Author Talk DESCRIPTION:Companions of the Sun\nA Lecture by Scholar Dr. Farima Berenji\nRooted in one of the world’s oldest civilizations\, the traditions of Iranian/Persian sacred dance and music embody the profound wisdom of our ancestors. Observing nature\, the stars\, and the rhythms of life\, they crafted movements expressing love\, strength\, and spiritual transcendence. These rituals continue to inspire cultures worldwide\, preserving a legacy of mysticism and artistic expression. \nAuthor Dr. Farima Berenji presents her research upon the evolutionary origins and practice of Iranian rituals\, beliefs\, and dances\, exploring how Iranian culture permeated global music and dance traditions\, developing distinctly from its sister nations. All this is explored in her soon-to-be released book Companions of the Sun \nThe program will be broadcast on Zoom hosted by the Center for Creative Living as part of their weekly Sunday gathering. Please register in advance \nJoin by Zoom\nMeeting ID: 217 611 8333\nPasscode: 812753 \nPlease remember to send a donation to the Center for Creative Living so they can keep the doors open. \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology\, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward\, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism\, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions\, Sufism\, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden\, the EU\, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts\, founder of Dance of the SoulTM\, advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, National Folk Organization member\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/ccl-companions/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Book,Lecture,Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG_2588-lengthwise2-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Center for Creative Living":MAILTO:safecorky@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250315T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250315T120000 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20250226T233102Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250303T012924Z UID:32721-1742036400-1742040000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Norouz Online Celebration DESCRIPTION:Join us for an afternoon 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. \nHosted by Dr. Farima Berenji and the Simorgh Dance Collective\, activities for our online gathering will include: \n\nTraditional performances of sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances of the Silk Road\nTraditional Persian music\nStory telling and lectures of Norouz and rituals across the Silk Road\nPoetry reading\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..\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\, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts\, founder of Dance of the SoulTM\, advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, National Folk Organization\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to record\, research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more.. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/norouz-online-celebration-2025/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Lecture,Online,Party,Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/NorouzGala-25.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250215T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250215T120000 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20250208T020102Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T063409Z UID:32699-1739617200-1739620800@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Sepandārmazgān: The Day of Love DESCRIPTION:Sepandārmazgān was a day when women rested and men had to bring them gifts. Learn of the history and origins of Sepandārmazgān\, the Persian festival of love\, with Scholar Dr. Farima Berenji. This enchanting one hour program includes lecture on the origins of the Day of Love\, ritual dances honoring Goddess Diana\, Iranian Goddess of Love\, and instructions for mixing an ancient Iranian “love” potion based on an ancient Iranian recipe. \nSepandārmazgān is dedicated to Spenta Armaiti also known as “Diana” the Persian Goddess of love\, beauty\, and desire. The day Diana was born\, February 24th\, is known as the “Spendarmad\,” which means “Day of Love.” This day is the annual celebration to honor the female being and mother earth. According to Iranian scholar al-Biruni\, it was a day where women rested and men had to bring them gifts. The observation of this ancient festival has been revived in modern Iran as a celebration day of love towards mothers and wives. \nListen as Farima explains what the festival represents and its legacy\, as well as the mythological origins of the Goddess of Love. Learn of the ancient festival’s rituals and those customs that are celebrated today. Follow us online as we prepare a healthy “love” potion based on an ancient Iranian recipe. \nInvite your sweetheart and join us for fun in a tribute to the Iranian day of love. \nRegister and contact us in advance and you will receive an ingredients list in order to prepare the ancient Iranian “love” potion as we do online. \nRegister URL:http://farimadance.com/event/sepandarmazgan-25/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Lecture,Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Sepandarmarzgan-Day-of-Love-25-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241229T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241229T110000 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20241218T073921Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241222T074223Z UID:32637-1735466400-1735470000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Mitramass DESCRIPTION:Mitramass: Christmas and its Ancient Iranic Origins\nA Lecture by Scholar Dr. 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 more of the role and history of Mitramass whose beliefs and rituals were the inspiration to those of Christmas today. Dr. Farima Berenji will include fun anecdotes of Mitramass and how to prepare a table for the celebration. \nThe program will be broadcast on Zoom. Please register in advance \nJoin by Zoom\nMeeting ID: 217 611 8333\nPasscode: 812753 \nPlease remember to send a donation to the Center for Creative Living so they can keep the doors open. \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology\, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward\, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism\, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions\, Sufism\, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden\, the EU\, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts\, founder of Dance of the SoulTM\, advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, National Folk Organization member\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/mitramass/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Lecture,Online,Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Xmas2024B.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Center for Creative Living":MAILTO:safecorky@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241116T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241116T203000 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20240923T205254Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240925T164811Z UID:32535-1731781800-1731789000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Wandering with the Wind DESCRIPTION:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/6d4ef630-b407-4e2e-abe7-5510d1f7e525.mp4\n\nFarima and the Simorgh Dance Collective are excited to again share the stage with the award-winning actor and director Sadeh Hatefi! Wandering with the Wind tells of a journey to all corners of Iran\, inviting you to immerse yourself in moments enriched with poetry\, song\, music\, and dance. It showcases a very small corner of a culture and civilization that spans thousands of years\, where happiness and hope form the cornerstone of its people’s lives. With Nima Safaee\, Adam Hatefi\, Sima Khatami\, Masoud Masoomi\, Sepideh Niknam\, and others. \nTickets \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\, and archaeologist specializing in classical\, folkloric\, and sacred dances of Persia and the Silk Road. Her training spans a lifetime of intensive collaboration and research with master artists\, scholars\, and spiritual teachers worldwide. She is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a worldwide collaborative devoted to teach dance technique\, interpret\, illustrate\, present\, and perform dances of the Silk Road. Farima performs\, offers workshops\, and lectures worldwide upon request and has appeared in the US\, UK\, Austria\, Czech Republic\, Turkey\, Mauritius\, and Iran. Read more..\n\nSadegh Hatefi\nSadegh Hatefi Sadegh Hatefi is a director\, screenwriter\, author\, and award-winning actor\, known for Ghodrat (2007)\, Simorgh (1987) and Battle of Oil Tankers (1994). He has been director of the films and theatrical productions Story of Rumi and Shams\, Simorgh\, and Muhammad: The Messenger of God.\n\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.. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/wandering-with-the-wind-fresno/ LOCATION:Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno\, 2672 E. Alluvial Ave\, Fresno\, 93720\, United States CATEGORIES:Performance END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241110T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241110T210000 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20240923T202824Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240925T162527Z UID:32520-1731265200-1731272400@farimadance.com SUMMARY:An Evening of Sufi Dance DESCRIPTION:Come join us for dinner and a mesmerizing evening of Sufi Dance by the talented artist Dr. Farima Berenji. \nImmerse yourself in the mystical world of Sufism through graceful movements and enchanting music. This in-person event promises to be a soulful experience like no other. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to witness the beauty of Sufi dance firsthand in this first ever FFEC fundraiser. \nTickets \nAbout FFEC\nThe mission of the Foundation for Equal Citizenship (FFEC) is to empower low income marginalized communities globally. We focus on women and children because they have the power to change the future of a community. FFEC USA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that qualifies for Corporate Matching programs. Read more… \n\nFarima Berenji\nDr. Farima Berenji Dr. Farima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, lecturer\, dance ethnologist\, and archaeologist specializing in classical\, folkloric\, and sacred dances of Persia and the Silk Road. Her training spans a lifetime of intensive collaboration and research with master artists\, scholars\, and spiritual teachers worldwide. She is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a worldwide collaborative devoted to teach dance technique\, interpret\, illustrate\, present\, and perform dances of the Silk Road. Farima performs\, offers workshops\, and lectures worldwide upon request and has appeared in the US\, UK\, Austria\, Czech Republic\, Turkey\, Mauritius\, and Iran. Read more.. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/ffec-sufi-dance/ LOCATION:Los Altos Community Center\, 97 Hillview Avenue\, Los Altos\, CA\, 94022\, United States CATEGORIES:Dinner and Dance Show,Fundraiser,Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/mysticwhirling-1536x1024-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240913 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240921 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20240518T231521Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240730T204722Z UID:32144-1726185600-1726876799@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Sacred Journey of the Soul DESCRIPTION:Sacred Journey of the Soul with Sufi Master\, Dr. Farima Berenji\n \nEmbark on a transformative journey into the heart of ancient wisdom and rituals at our Sufi and ancient Persian mystic healing retreat\, where spirituality meets music\, dance\, and art in perfect harmony. Immerse yourself in the teachings of Iranic Sufism and mystical tradition while also indulging in soulful music\, dance\, and whirling lessons that will uplift your spirit and touch your heart. Nestled in the serene surroundings of rural southern Vermont\, this retreat offers a sanctuary for seekers of spiritual depth and cultural enrichment. \nDon’t miss a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of ancient wisdom of Mithraism\, Yarsanisim and Iranian Sufi traditions (Qaderi and Qalandar) and enhance your musical skills in a serene and supportive environment. Enjoy a enriching journey of self-discovery and artistic expression and launch on a path of enlightenment through music and Sufi wisdom. Each day is filled with 7 hours of ancient Iranic whirling\, ritual dances\, healing practices\, daf lessons\, tanbur theory lessons\, chanting of the heart\, ancient Persian yoga and meditative practices\, poetry\, metaphysical practices\, art therapy\, and much more. \nWithin the Sacred Circle\, we unite hearts and delve into the roots of Sufism and mysticism. Discover the sacred arts of poetry\, music\, and maqams\, engage in devotional dances\, partake in healing rituals\, and experience the mystical tradition of whirling. Our journey encompasses the rich tapestry of Iranian/Persian mysticism and Sufism\, including Greater Khorasan\, Yarsan\, Qaderi\, Mitratic\, and Zoroastrian rituals\, as well as Central Asian and Turkish Sufi practices. \nThe retreat will include: \n\nPersian mystical and devotional dance and rituals\nStudy of mystical Persian poetry (Farsi and English) and the power of poetry in movement prayers.\nTurns\, circles\, spirals: Ancient mystical and Sufi whirling practices.\nExploring Sufi and mystical music lessons and music therapy (daf\, drum circles\, and tanbur).\n\nDaf (Iranian frame drum) and various Sufi and Central Asian music lessons with Alby Rene\nTanbur theory by Dr. Farima Berenji and Sara Kazemi.\n\nPrayers\, Zikr\, ancient Iranian medicine movement\n\nSunrise and Sunset Yarsani Zikr and Mitratric rituals\, meditation\, visualization\, and Farima’s unique breathing technique.\nAncient Huma and barsom sacred ceremonies\nJam Gathering (Mystic Yarsani Sacred Sama Gathering)\nNature Immersion: Nature awareness\, healing rituals\, and observation.\n\nSacred Steps: Integration healing walks and silent meditation\nChanting\, sacred circles\, and zikr\n\nSpace is limited\, ensuring an intimate and deeply personal experience. Join us as we Release\, Receive\, and Awaken the Soul on this sacred pilgrimage of the spirit. \nSchedule\nPlease plan to arrive before 4:00 pm\, September 13th. On this day we will begin our opening ceremony ritual at 4:00 pm and continue teaching/dancing until 9 pm with breaks and dinner in between sessions. \n\nDaily Schedule\n\n\nTime\nEvent\n\n\n8:30 – 10:00am\nBreakfast\n\n\n10:30am – 1:00pm\nMorning Ritual and Teaching Session\n\n\n1:00 – 3:00pm\nLunch and Free Time\n\n\n3:00 – 5:00pm\nTeaching Session\n\n\n5:00 – 7:00pm\nDinner and Free Time\n\n\n7:30 – 9:30/10:00pm\nEvening mystical and sama gathering: sacred circles\, music\, drumming\, dancing\, whirling\, singing\, poetry\, zikr/prayer sharing circle\, and sohbet (spiritual discussion/lecture).\n\n\n\nFor detailed schedule please email us at info@farimadance.com. A full detailed schedule and guidelines will also be emailed to you when registered. \nRegistration and Payment\n$1000 early bird payment until July 15\, $1250 thereafter. \nTo hold your space pay a $250 non-refundable deposit to register. Balance is due by July 15th for early bird. \nRetreat includes 7 day immersion (6+ hours a day teaching and evening events) and 3 delicious healthy meals by our amazing Persian/Lebanese chef! Available all day are water/juice\, tea\, and snacks. Accommodations are shared lodging in beautiful rooms surrounded in nature. Bedding/sheets are available for $30 or bring your own. \nWe will not provide to or from-airport transport. However\, we can pick you up at a designated meeting area. Please email us for more info. \nRegister \nYou can also pay by Zelle\, Paypal\, or mail a check. Contact us for details or commuter pricing for those who live locally. \nRetreat Guidelines and Rules\n\nAll programs begins promptly at start time. Please be respectful of time and arrive on time.\nWe kindly ask for no talking on the teaching or whirling space and to keep the areas sacred and quiet at all times. Respect yourself as well as those around you.\nFor this retreat please wear proper and respectful clothing\, whirling skirt (optional)\, socks or soft-soled shoes. White or light colored clothing is preferred for evening gathering. Please also make sure to bring some warm clothing.\nAbsolutely no recreational drugs or smoking is allowed for this retreat. Using any illegal substance will be severely enforced. Organizers have the right to block entry to any participants who do not respect these rules.\nNo video is allowed during teaching hours. Anyone wanting to take pictures or videos must ask Farima for permission.\nPlease keep the retreat and teaching space clean. Clean after yourself and help others to keep the area clean.\nWe cannot accommodate every individual special food or diet needs. If you have a special diet or do not like the food\, please bring your own food. A kitchen is available in the common area for your use.\nPlease understand we cannot control weather\, mother nature\, or emergency situations. We ask that you come to the retreat with an open heart\, be willing to accept unexpected changes\, and continue to bring joy! Everyone is part of the sacred circle… Everyone is Love.\n\n \nAbout the Venue: Potash Hill Retreat Center\nPotash Hill is located in the southern Vermont town of Marlboro\, between Brattleboro and Wilmington\, off Route 9. It is a lovely 560-acre property with early 19th century farm houses\, arts and academic buildings\, expansive views\, fields\, private roads\, and undeveloped forests with extensive hiking trails. Hartford’s Bradley Airport is about 90 minutes away\, and Boston’s Logan Airport is 2.5 hours by car. There is also daily train service to Brattleboro from east coast cities. \nThis expansive rural property is spread out primarily over a beautiful\, rocky hilltop in the southern part of Marlboro\, extending over the border to Halifax\, Vermont\, to the south. The total combined property consists of 59 buildings with approximately 150\,000 square feet. Much of the land is forested\, with smaller portions cleared for the central campus\, roads\, parking areas\, fields\, and off-campus houses. The campus buildings range from original farm structures to the recently completed Jerome and Celia Bertin Reich building. The Reich building opened in June 2021 and contains three spacious music rehearsal studios\, the Maxine and Stuart Frankel Foundation Library—a library for Marlboro’s extensive collection of some 8\,500 chamber music scores—administrative offices\, and social spaces. \nThe rest of the campus is primarily undeveloped forests. We are committed to preserving this land\, which is home to wildlife and contains hiking and cross-country ski trails that are popular with our community and town residents.\nRead more… \nAbout Farima Berenji\nFarima Berenji \nFarima Berenji is a distinguished scholar with an MA in Anthropology\, Archaeology\, and an additional MA in Iranian Ethnochoreology\, both earned at Cal State Hayward. Her academic journey is marked by the achievement of an M.Msc. and a PhD in Metaphysics specializing in Iranian mysticism and rituals. She is also an integrated healing practitioner and an initiated master in the Iranian Sufi and mystic order. She brings a unique blend of academic rigor and spiritual depth to her work\, performances\, and teachings. As an award-winning and internationally acclaimed performing artist and choreographer\, Farima has been recognized as one of the foremost global scholars in ancient and mystical Iranian ethnochoreology. Notably\, she is honored as the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company\, showcasing performances for notable figures such as President Obama\, President Biden\, the EU\, the UN\, and other international dignitaries. \nFarima is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Simorgh Dance Collective as well as the Assistant Director and Program Coordinator of Eastern Arts. Additionally\, she is the founder of Dance of the Soul™ and serves as an Advisory Council Member of Mosaic America\, as a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, and as a member of the National Folk Organization. Distinctively\, Farima Berenji is recognized as the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of performance art and spirituality. As an artist\, scholar\, and spiritual guide\, Farima’s contributions span the globe\, encompassing research\, lectures\, performances\, and education. Her mission is to inspire the cultivation of dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through the transformative power of dance\, movement\, and music. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/sacred-journey-of-the-soul/ LOCATION:Potash Hill Retreat Center\, 2582 South Rd.\, Marlboro\, VT\, 05344\, United States CATEGORIES:Retreat,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240910T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240910T110000 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20240730T041733Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240829T231727Z UID:32471-1725962400-1725966000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Silk Road Dance and Music DESCRIPTION:Farima Berenji and Nariman Assadi perform music and dances of the Silk Road. \nSave the date…More details coming. \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\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..\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.. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/silk-road-dance/ LOCATION:California State University\, Sacramento\, 6000 J Street\, Sacramento\, CA\, 95819\, United States CATEGORIES:Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/4.png ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240824T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240824T203000 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20240729T224919Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240730T002554Z UID:32447-1724526000-1724531400@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Wandering with the Wind DESCRIPTION:Farima and the Simorgh Dance Collective are excited to again share the stage with the award-winning actor and director Sadeh Hatefi! Wandering with the Wind tells of a journey to all corners of Iran\, inviting you to immerse yourself in moments enriched with poetry\, song\, music\, and dance. It showcases a very small corner of a culture and civilization that spans thousands of years\, where happiness and hope form the cornerstone of its people’s lives. With Nima Safaee\, Adam Hatefi\, Borzooieh Shad\, Masoud Masoomi\, Sima Khatami\, and others. \nPresented by Up 4 Success in celebration of its 10th anniversary. \nTickets \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\, and archaeologist specializing in classical\, folkloric\, and sacred dances of Persia and the Silk Road. Her training spans a lifetime of intensive collaboration and research with master artists\, scholars\, and spiritual teachers worldwide. She is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a worldwide collaborative devoted to teach dance technique\, interpret\, illustrate\, present\, and perform dances of the Silk Road. Farima performs\, offers workshops\, and lectures worldwide upon request and has appeared in the US\, UK\, Austria\, Czech Republic\, Turkey\, Mauritius\, and Iran. Read more..\n\nSadegh Hatefi\nSadegh Hatefi Sadegh Hatefi is a director\, screenwriter\, author\, and award-winning actor\, known for Ghodrat (2007)\, Simorgh (1987) and Battle of Oil Tankers (1994). He has been director of the films and theatrical productions Story of Rumi and Shams\, Simorgh\, and Muhammad: The Messenger of God.\n\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.. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/wandering-with-the-wind/ LOCATION:California Zoroastrian Center\, 8952 Hazard Ave\, Westminster\, CA\, 92683\, United States CATEGORIES:Performance END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240810 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240811 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20240730T014427Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240730T020205Z UID:32459-1723248000-1723334399@farimadance.com SUMMARY:An Evening on the Silk Road DESCRIPTION:Save the date! Eastern Arts presents An Evening of Silk Road Music\, a celebration of music and dance of Iran\, Afghanistan\, Azerbaijan\, and other cultures of the Silk Road. With music by Dr. Lloyd Miller and dance performances by Farima Berenji and Simorgh Dance Collective. \nMore details coming… \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… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/silk-road-evening/ CATEGORIES:Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2048px-Santur_Persian_Musical-Instrument-Photo-by_Dena_Barmas.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240527T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240527T203000 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20240404T054241Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241121T235748Z UID:31811-1716834600-1716841800@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Wandering with the Wind DESCRIPTION:Farima and the Simorgh Dance Collective are excited to again share the stage with the award-winning actor and director Sadeh Hatefi! Wandering with the Wind tells of a journey to all corners of Iran\, inviting you to immerse yourself in moments enriched with poetry\, song\, music\, and dance. It showcases a very small corner of a culture and civilization that spans thousands of years\, where happiness and hope form the cornerstone of its people’s lives. With Nima Safaee\, Adam Hatefi\, Borzooieh Shad\, Masoud Masoomi\, Sima Khatami\, and Salar. \nTickets \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\, and archaeologist specializing in classical\, folkloric\, and sacred dances of Persia and the Silk Road. Her training spans a lifetime of intensive collaboration and research with master artists\, scholars\, and spiritual teachers worldwide. She is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a worldwide collaborative devoted to teach dance technique\, interpret\, illustrate\, present\, and perform dances of the Silk Road. Farima performs\, offers workshops\, and lectures worldwide upon request and has appeared in the US\, UK\, Austria\, Czech Republic\, Turkey\, Mauritius\, and Iran. Read more..\n\nSadegh Hatefi\nSadegh Hatefi Sadegh Hatefi is a director\, screenwriter\, author\, and award-winning actor\, known for Ghodrat (2007)\, Simorgh (1987) and Battle of Oil Tankers (1994). He has been director of the films and theatrical productions Story of Rumi and Shams\, Simorgh\, and Muhammad: The Messenger of God.\n\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.. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/wandering-wind/ LOCATION:Guild Theater\, 2828 35th Street\, Sacramento\, 95817 CATEGORIES:Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/a-new-design-49.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240428T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240428T200000 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20240417T021329Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240427T175420Z UID:31918-1714320000-1714334400@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Awakening Peace Through Dance and Music DESCRIPTION:Join us in prayer for healing and peace with live music and dance\, poetry\, whirling rituals\, and more in this community gathering. We welcome guest artists and musicians to join us in our quest for peace and harmony by means of dance and music. \nSuggested sliding scale donation: $5-25. \nPostponed\n \nRegister to obtain Zoom online conferencing link. \n\nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Dr. Farima Berenji is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, instructor\, choreographer\, and dance ethnologist. A master instructor and performer in Persian and Sufi dance\, she specializes in ancient\, sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances of Persia and Central Asia. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, Assistant Director and Program Coordinator of Eastern Arts\, founder of Dance of the Soul™\, advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, National Folk Organization\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to record\, research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more.. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/awakening-peace/ LOCATION:Cope-a-Cabana\, 433 S. Henry Ave.\, San Jose\, CA\, 95117\, United States CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Meditation Gathering (Sema),Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AwakeningPeace-background.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240411T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240411T210000 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20240306T040932Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240325T172204Z UID:31513-1712862000-1712869200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Spring Around the World DESCRIPTION:Eastern Arts presents a celebration of music and dance featuring special guests from San Jose\, Farima Berenji and Simorgh Dance Collective. Also performing: Character Dance Ensemble\, Eastern Arts\, SLC Ballet\, and the World Dance Company. Come enjoy music and dance from Iran\, Armenia\, Turkey\, Ukraine and much more. \nDOWNLOAD\, print\, or share a flier. \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\, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts\, founder of Dance of the SoulTM\, advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, National Folk Organization\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to record\, research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more..\n\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.. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/spring-concert-utah/ LOCATION:Leona Wagner Black Box Theater\, 138 West 300 South\, Salt Lake City\, UT\, 84101\, United States CATEGORIES:Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Screenshot-from-Spirals-of-Ecstasy-A-Sufi-Incantation-on-Vimeo.mp4.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240313T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240313T210000 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20240305T003415Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240305T183242Z UID:31498-1710360000-1710363600@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Norouz Online 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\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 award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, instructor\, choreographer\, and dance ethnologist. A master instructor and performer in Persian and Sufi dance\, she specializes in ancient\, sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances of Persia and Central Asia. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts\, founder of Dance of the SoulTM\, advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, National Folk Organization\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to record\, research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more.. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/norouz2024/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Lecture,Online,Party,Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/NorouzGala-24.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240128T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240128T170000 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20240104T010643Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240522T182539Z UID:31018-1706454000-1706461200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Sadeh DESCRIPTION:Farima and the Simorgh Dance Collective are excited to be again on stage with the award-winning actor and director Sadeh Hatefi! This time we will be telling in dance and drama the mesmerizing ancient Persian legend of King Houshang and the creation of fire! Join us on a theatrical journey that sparks the flames of imagination and explores the mystics and mysteries of the element of fire that changed the course of human history. Joining us will be more than 20 talented actors\, dancers\, and crew that will transport you to a world where every spark tells a story. \nDoors open at 2:30 PM \nTickets \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\, and archaeologist specializing in classical\, folkloric\, and sacred dances of Persia and the Silk Road. Her training spans a lifetime of intensive collaboration and research with master artists\, scholars\, and spiritual teachers worldwide. She is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a worldwide collaborative devoted to teach dance technique\, interpret\, illustrate\, present\, and perform dances of the Silk Road. Farima performs\, offers workshops\, and lectures worldwide upon request and has appeared in the US\, UK\, Austria\, Czech Republic\, Turkey\, Mauritius\, and Iran. Read more..\n\nSadegh Hatefi\nSadegh Hatefi Sadegh Hatefi is a director\, screenwriter\, author\, and award-winning actor\, known for Ghodrat (2007)\, Simorgh (1987) and Battle of Oil Tankers (1994). He has been director of the films and theatrical productions Story of Rumi and Shams\, Simorgh\, and Muhammad: The Messenger of God.\n\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..\nAsk a question… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/sadeh/ LOCATION:Sacramento Zoroastrian Center\, 10528 Armstrong Ave.\, Mather\, CA\, 95655\, United States CATEGORIES:Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG_3043.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231217T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231217T123000 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20231121T232848Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240121T011928Z UID:30739-1702810800-1702816200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Christmas and its Ancient Persian Tradition DESCRIPTION:A Lecture by Scholar and Ethnologist\, Dr. 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. A sacred dance performance will follow in honor of light. \nPark in the Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Center parking lot and enter through the gate in the back. Do not go to the front door. \nThe program will be broadcast on Zoom. Please join or register using the following invitation: \nJoin by Zoom\nMeeting ID: 217 611 8333\nPasscode: 812753 \nPlease remember to send a donation to the Center for Creative Living so they can keep the doors open. More details… \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology\, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward\, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism\, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions\, Sufism\, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden\, the EU\, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts\, founder of Dance of the SoulTM\, advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, National Folk Organization member\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Visit her online at http://farimadance.com.\nRead more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/xmas23-persian-origins/ LOCATION:Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center\, 938 The Alameda\, San Jose\, CA\, 95126\, United States CATEGORIES:Lecture,Online,Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Xmas2023-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Center for Creative Living":MAILTO:safecorky@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231112T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231112T193000 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20231025T005839Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240416T200417Z UID:30522-1699808400-1699817400@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Sema Gathering - Iranian Sufi and Yarsani Gathering DESCRIPTION:Join us in prayer for healing and peace\, live music\, poetry\, Iranian and ancient Mithraic whirling rituals\, Yarsani Zikr and reading of Kalams (Zoroastrians\, Iranic and Yarsani book of prayers and chanting). 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. \nDuring our Sema Gathering\, Master Farima Berenji will lead Zikr\, Sema\, and other rituals and ceremonies. Joining us will be guest samazens and musicans\, including Bill Cope\, Homeyra Banejad and Ensemble\, Katayoon\, and more. \nOpen your heart! Listen! Turn\, dance\, and move in anyway that makes you feel alive! \nSliding scale donation: $10-20. \nRegister \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\, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts\, founder of Dance of the Soul™\, advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, National Folk Organization\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to record\, research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more.. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/sema-for-peace/ LOCATION:Cope-a-Cabana\, 433 S. Henry Ave.\, San Jose\, CA\, 95117\, United States CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema) ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SemaGatheringComposite.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231019 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231024 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20230906T004920Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240107T081431Z UID:30237-1697673600-1698105599@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Connecting with the Elements Retreat DESCRIPTION:Music and Sema Workshops\, Zikr\, Sema Gathering\, Sacred Circles\, Sohbet\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n\nJoin us on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and healing at Metanoia Retreat Center\, Lebanon for five days of immersion of heart centric prayer and movement medicine. We will open the portal to a deeper space of healing and transformation. Your day will be filled with 6 hrs of ancient Persian and Central Asian sacred healing rituals and whirling\, sacred dance\, meditation\, intensive training in metaphysical practices and yoga. \nWith Dr. Farima Berenji\, Professor of Mysticism\, Sufi Master/Reverend and Doctor of Metaphysics \nFire\, Water\, Earth\, and Air are considered so valuable in Persian mystic and Sufi tradition. Among the four elements\, Fire is the most holy element as it pervades the entire creation. Ancient Persian culture revered the Elements as the basic building blocks of the universe. The mystic beliefs from early times attribute the interactions between the elements as the cause of development for everything in the universe. Each element is of spiritual growth and vibrations of the root energy. Each element contains 7 sacred elements within it self that connect us to our spirit or one with the Wheel of Mitra (Divine Light). The symbolism of the four elements is found in the Tree of Life\, the four directions\, the four seasons\, and the four Archangels. \nRetreat includes: \n\nSharing Circle and Lecture\nDance Medicine and Healing Circles\nConnection\, Visualization and Breathing Meditation\nPoetry\, Music\, Iranian Zikr (Prayers and Remembrance)\, and Sama (Sufi Whirling)\nSightseeing or Rest (your option)\n\nOur setting is the beautiful Metanoia Retreat and Wellness Center\, Lebanon. Secluded in lush forest\, free from civilization’s grasp\, experience the pure\, healing embrace of nature within nearly 2\,500 square miles of pure tranquility. \nPayment and Rules\n$600 – Early-bird price until September 18\, 2023\n$700 – After September 18\, 2023 \nPayment does not include transaction fees or visa fees. Payment may be by Paypal or other methods. Contact us for details. \nOnline Registration \nSpace limited. Registration required. Register early to ensure your spot and obtain a discount. \nA refund is given if for any reason the retreat is canceled. \nContact us for questions prior to the start of the retreat. \nPayment Includes \n\nShared lodging in beautiful cabins\nBreakfast\, lunch\, and dinner\, except as noted in the retreat schedule\nDaily refreshments and snacks. Tea\, coffee\, and water are always at your 
disposal.\nAll healing and dance workshops\n\nPayment Does NOT Include \n\nVisa fees (based on your departure country)\nAirfare\nTransportation or taxi fees\nPersonal expenses or extra stay\nPersonal sightseeing\nExtra food and drink not included on the menu\nTips or extra services you may require\n\nRetreat Schedule\nCome with an open heart and please be receptive to what comes up for you. \n\n\nDay\nTimeline\n\nThursday\nAir – An uplifting session in finding softness and length in the body and connecting with a sense of lightness.\nBreakfast – Welcome\n-Sharing Circle and Lecture\n-Connection\, Visualization and Breathing Meditation: Air\n-Dance Medicine and Healing Circles: Silence – Calling the Angel of Air.\nLunch\n-The Ouj – Earth to Sky: Mystical Dances\, Rituals\, and Whirling based on Air.\nDinner\nSacred Circle Gathering: Poetry\, Music\, and Iranian Zikr (Prayers and Remembrance) and Sama (Sufi Whirling).\n\n\n\nFriday\nWater – This session focuses on extension\, the fluid flow of complete range of motion movements.\nBreakfast\n-Sharing Circle and Lecture \n-Connection\, Visualization and Breathing Meditation: Water\n-Dance Medicine and Healing Circle: Solitude\, Water Therapy\, Calling the Angel of Water.\nLunch\n-The Moj – The Waves and Frequencies: Mystical Dances\, Rituals\, and Whirling based on Water\nDinner\n-Sacred Circle Gathering: Poetry\, Music\, and Iranian Zikr (Prayers and Remembrance) and Sama (Sufi Whirling)\n\n\n\nSaturday\nRest or Sightseeing Option\nBreakfast\n-Sightseeing – Fun Day\nDinner and Free time\n\n\n\nSunday\nFire – A high intensity session to invigorate the senses\, make you sweat and connect you with the power and energy that burns inside you.\nBreakfast\n-Sharing Circle and Lecture\n-Connection\, Visualization and Breathing Meditation: Fire\n-Dance Medicine and Healing Circle: Fire Rituals\, Gwati (Ancient Iranian Healing Dance) and Gazing – Calling on the Angel of Fire.\nLunch\n-Fana – The Ecstatic Realm: Mystical Dances\, Rituals\, and Whirling based on Fire\n-The Calling: Farima’s Unique Healing Mediation Ritual based on the 7 Senses and the 7 Sacred Realm.\nDinner\n-Sacred Circle Gathering: Poetry\, Music\, and Iranian Zikr (Prayers and Remembrance) and Sama (Sufi Whirling)\n\n\n\nMonday \nEarth – a grounding and stabilizing view of posture and movement that generates from natural energy relationship between your body\, your heart center and the earth beneath your feet.\nBreakfast\n-Sharing Circle and Lecture\n-Connection\, Visualization and Breathing Meditation: Fire\n-Yoga Session\nLunch\n-Forud – The Return and Awakening: Mystical Dances\, Rituals\, and Whirling based on Earth\n-Dance Medicine and Healing Circle: Heart Connection and Stone Therapy – Calling on the Angel of Earth.\n-Ancient Iranian Sun Set Ritual based on the 4 Elements\nDinner\n-The Wheel of Mitra – Ancient Prayer and Mystical Circle Dance of Unification and Purification.\n-Closing Ceremony \n\n\n\nTuesday\nOption – People may stay or leave\n\n\n\nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology\, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward\, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism\, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions\, Sufism\, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden\, the EU\, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts\, founder of Dance of the SoulTM\, advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, National Folk Organization member\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more.. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/connecting-elements/ LOCATION:Metanoia Wellness and Retreat Center\, Baakline\, Lebanon CATEGORIES:Class,Lecture,Meditation Gathering (Sema),Retreat,Workshop ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230602 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230613 DTSTAMP:20260410T222608 CREATED:20230510T213939Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230525T233449Z UID:29610-1685664000-1686614399@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Caravan of Mystics Sufi Retreat DESCRIPTION:Music and Sema Workshops\, Zikr\, Sema Gathering\, Sacred Circles\, Sohbet\nSacred dance\, music\, and mysticism workshops with masters Farima Berenji\, Pir Salman Hosseni\, Pir Darush Hosseni\, Evan Phillips\, and more. \nDiscover the magic of Metanoia Wellness and Retreat Center nestled in the heart of the Chouf Nature Reserve. Accommodation\, high-quality food\, and transportation included. \nJoin us for one or two weeks (June 2 – 5 and June 9 – 12) of ancient wisdom\, dance\, music\, whirling and healing ritual practices of the Anatolian\, Khorasan\, and Yarsanai mystics. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to experience and discover the ancient roots of mysticism\, to connect with your inner Divine\, and to learn sacred music and dance from internationally acclaimed artists and scholars. \nRetreat includes: \n\nIn-depth studies of the origin/roots of mysticism and Sufism of Khorasan and Yarsan.\nTurkish\, Khorasani\, and Yarsani Zikr\, poetry\, sema and semah (Shams Sema\, Rast Sema\, Yarsan Sema)\nMusic workshops and studies of Yarsani and Iranian Sufi makhams with daf\, ney\, and tanbour.\nSunrise Zikr and meditation.\nSohbet (Sufi discussion) by Pir Salman Hosseini of Yarsan Order of Iran and Farima Berenji\n\nMore details… \nContact us for more info and registration. Limited availability.\n+961 71 678 794 \nFaculty\n\nPir Salman Hosseini\nSeyed Salman \nPir Seyed Salman Hosseini (Sufism\, Sufi music\, maqams\, tanbur) possesses a bachelor degree in music ethnology and is an Iranian traditional music researcher\, composer and a master musician of tambour\, setar\, tar\, and rebab. He directs the traditional Persian music ensemble Cherikeh which has been performing sacred and traditional music for many years. Seyed has produced many albums including Javdanegni and Tabeh Ghaleh. He is the music director and composer for films such as Song of God and Gadam Yar. Seyed has composed and performed more than 40 concerts and TV programs including composing music for national broadcasts of Iran. He has performed professionally in Iran\, Germany\, Syria\, and the Iraqi Kurdistan region. Additionally\, he is a Sufi master and has his own school of music and mysticism.\n\n\nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji (Director and master classes) is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, instructor\, choreographer\, and dance ethnologist. A master instructor and performer in Persian and Sufi dance\, she specializes in ancient\, sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances of Persia and Central Asia. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, founder of Dance of the Soul\, she is the advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, Eastern Arts\, National Folk Organization\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to record\, research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more..\n\nEvan Phillips\nEvan Phillips URL:http://farimadance.com/event/caravan-of-mystics/ LOCATION:Metanoia Wellness and Retreat Center\, Baakline\, Lebanon CATEGORIES:Class,Lecture,Meditation Gathering (Sema),Retreat,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/mysticwhirling-1536x1024-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Tehran:20230524T173000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Tehran:20230524T193000 DTSTAMP:20260410T222609 CREATED:20230512T225934Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230512T231604Z UID:29625-1684949400-1684956600@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Rituals\, Dances\, and Samas in Ancient Iran DESCRIPTION:Lecture online and on-site by Dr. Farima Berenji. \nRegistration: http://www.eroidad.com URL:http://farimadance.com/event/rituals-dances-samas/ LOCATION:International East Music Center CATEGORIES:Lecture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/346837559_636562741234160_3259637882788069406_n.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="International East Music Center":MAILTO:emc.ir@yahoo.com END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR