Farima Dance

Wheel of Mitra
2025-12-07 11:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Astralab, 678 La Fayette Park Place, Los Angeles, 90057, United States
Step into the ancient circle of Mitra — the Sun, the Eternal Friend, and the Guardian of Truth. In this advanced workshop, Dr. Farima Berenji guides participants through the mystical whirling and sacred dances of the Wheel of Mitra, a ritual of unity, cosmic rhythm, and divine light. Rooted in pre-Zoroastrian and Mithraic traditions, this practice honors the eternal cycles of nature and the divine balance of masculine and feminine energies. Through movement, whirling, rhythm, and breath, we awaken the inner sun — the light of truth, harmony, and friendship within. Dr. Farima will also share the wisdom of the Four Elements and Four Sacred Directions, exploring their spiritual symbolism and how they guide us toward balance and transformation. Advanced level only. Prior experience in whirling or sacred dance required. Please wear comfortable, modest, white or natural clothing for whirling.
Register
Dr. Farima Berenji
Farima 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…

Companions of the Sun Book Talk and Dance of the Soul Workshop
2025-12-14 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Center for Spiritual Awakening, 522 Central Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Save the date! More details and registration opens soon.
Companions of the Sun
Learn about the origins and practice of Iranian dance in this talk 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 audience participation dance or performance as part of the program presented in the North Beach Library community room.
Rooted 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 book Companions of the Sun
Dance of the Soul Workshop
Discover the power and mystery of whirling as a gateway for self-growth and spiritual enlightenment through movement, music, and meditation. Inspired by nature, ancient Iranic rituals, the science of whirling, and the beautiful spiritual traditions of Sufism, join Farima to learn the essentials of whirling meditation including preparation, balance and posture, controlling dizziness, self-focus, breathwork, and more.
Whirling in the practice of devotion, healing, and meditation originated thousands of years ago with the ancient Persians using it as way of connecting the body and soul. Today, Sufis use it as a powerful meditation ritual with music, poetry, and movement. Based on this centuries-old Sufi ritual, whirling can unite mind, heart, and body.
Dr. Farima Berenji
Farima 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…

Yalda Performance and Book Signing
2025-12-19 | Astralab, 678 La Fayette Park Place, Los Angeles, 90057, United States
Save the date! More details coming soon!
Join us for Yalda, the Persian celebration of light for the Winter Solstice. This ancient tradition brings together a vibrant tapestry of cultures, from Iran to Afghanistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and beyond. This gathering honors the traditions of the Persian diaspora with poetry readings of Rumi and Hafiz, storytelling, music, and a performance by the renowned Dr. Farima Berenji. Come together to celebrate the changing seasons and the return of light after the longest day of the year.
Stay for a book signing of Companions of the Sun by author Dr. Farima Berenji, who will also be at hand to answer questions about her research and book.

Companions of the Sun Author Talk
2026-01-11 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Rd, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Companions of the Sun
A Lecture by Scholar Dr. Farima Berenji
Rooted 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 book Companions of the Sun
Register Now!
Dr. Farima Berenji
Farima 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…

Peace and Solidarity for Iran
2026-01-13 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-27 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Join us for a free online prayer session and Sema gathering to support peace and solidarity for the people of Iran. Guest musicians are welcome to play for whirling for peace. Please bring stories and poetry to share for peace.
Together we wish the people of Iran find healing and peace in the face of alarming social unrest and challenges in their country.
Enter by Zoom

Companions of the Sun Author Talk
2026-02-21 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Rockridge Library, Oakland, 5366 College Avenue, Oakland, 94618, United States
Companions of the Sun
A Lecture by Scholar Dr. Farima Berenji
Rooted 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 book Companions of the Sun
Dr. Farima Berenji
Farima 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…

Sepandārmazgān: The Ancient Iranic Day of Love
2026-02-22 15:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | University Village Apartments, 3200 Sawtelle Blvd,, Los Angeles, CA, 90066, United States
Join us on February 22 for a sacred gathering honoring Sepandārmazgān, the ancient Iranic day of love, devotion, and friendship. Participants are invited to wear red or pink.
Sepandārmazgān: The Ancient Iranic Day of Love
In mythic and symbolic traditions, Sepandārmazgān is associated with the Goddess of Love and Beauty, often identified with Diana, whose birth is poetically remembered on this day. She embodies love as devotion, reverence, and ethical care for one another and for the Earth. In ancient Iran, Sepandārmazgān was a day when the Earth was honored, women were revered, flowers and fragrance were shared, fires were lit, and love was expressed through ritual, service, and prayer. This gathering revives those ancestral customs in a contemporary ceremonial form.
Schedule
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Book Talk: Companions of the Sun
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Chai and Questions
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Ritual and Ceremony
with

Gratitude and offering, remembering love as care and responsibility for all life.
Rose and Rose Water Ceremony, a heart-opening ritual honoring self-love, beloveds, and devotion to the sacred feminine.
Love Potion Ritual and Spells. Dr. Farima will guide and create a fun symbolic ancient love potion and spells.
Sacred Circle Dances. Through gentle ritual movement inspired by Iranian mystical traditions, the body becomes a prayer and a vessel for love and devotion.
Blessings, Poetry & Prayer to the Goddess. The gathering closes with blessings, Persian poetry, and prayers to carry love forward into daily life. Participants are invited to wear red or pink color clothing in honor of love and the Goddess of Love, symbolizing beauty, devotion, and the fire of the heart.

Register

Companions of the Sun Author Talk
2026-02-28 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Dimond Library, Oakland, 3565 Fruitvale Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94602, United States

Norouz Celebration
2026-03-01 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Gilroy Library, 350 W 6th St, Gilroy, CA, 95020, United States
Dr. Farima Berenji and the Simorgh Dance Collective will take part in showcasing the Norouz (Persian New Year) celebration at the beautiful Gilroy Library!
Join us for a lively and educational celebration of Persian New Year, or Nowruz. Enjoy traditional spring dances, including circle dances, and learn about the cultural significance behind these movements and their connection to renewal and community.
Explore the symbolism of Nowruz traditions, including the meaning of the holiday and the traditional seven‑symbol spread. This is a welcoming opportunity to learn, connect, and experience one of the world’s oldest celebrations of spring.
All are welcome. No registration needed.
This program is part of Santa Clara County Library District’s celebration of Silicon Valley Reads.

Sema and Prayers for Iran
2026-03-04 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-12 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-17 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online

Women's Heritage Day
2026-03-07 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | San Jose History Park, 635 Phelan Ave, San Jose, CA, 95112, United States
Join us at History Park for Women’s Heritage Day on Saturday, March 7th from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM!
We’re celebrating the extraordinary stories and legacies of diverse women who have shaped San José’s rich cultural heritage. This free community event features:
🚗 Lowrider exhibit curated by women owners
🎨 Artisan demonstrations and hands-on crafts with National Charity League
💼 Panel discussion with women from creative professional fields
🎭 Cultural performances and workshops with Mosaic America
Includes performances by Dr. Farima Berenji and the Simorgh Dance Collective

Nowruz Artisan Fair
2026-03-08 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Campbell Community Center, 1 W. Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA, 95008, United States
Persian New Year, Nowruz, is upon us. Come immerse yourself in an event that brings you exceptional, unique Persian handcrafts and arts arts, music, jewelry, eatable treasures, fun for the family, and so much more. Bring everyone and stroll through while supporting over 30 unique local artisans, take family photos, and make crafts.
Come visit with Dr. Farima and the Simorgh Dance Collective as they offer their Silk Road Bazaar with new or used Persian and Silk Road ethnic costumes, jewelry, and accessories. Dr. Farima will be on-hand autographing her book Companions of the Sun. Browse or buy from our collection and help support the Simorgh Dance Collective. Linger to watch Persian dance performances by the Simorgh Dance Collective.
Event is located in Building F of the Campbell Community Center.

Companions of the Sun Author Talk
2026-03-14 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Scotts Valley Branch Library, 251 Kings Village Rd, Scotts Valley, CA, 95066, United States
Companions of the Sun
A Lecture by Scholar Dr. Farima Berenji
Rooted 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 book Companions of the Sun
Register
Dr. Farima Berenji
Farima 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…

Roya Foundation Nowruz Bazaar 2026
2026-03-15 11:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | San Ramon Community Center, 12501 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon, CA, 94583, United States
The Roya Foundation Nowruz Bazaar includes a taste of Nowruz food, culture, pastries, cookies and includes sales of Haft-seen items. Come to watch performances by the Simorgh Dance Collective.
Roya Foundation
Providing Humanitarian, Educational Assistance, Health Care, and Medical Aid Globally
The Roya Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides humanitarian, educational assistance, and medical aid to disadvantaged children. Provide aid in the expansion of schools, orphanages, and hospitals towards the betterment of the lives of children globally. Their mission is to help provide the children with a well-equipped, safe, and nurturing educational environment enabling them to thrive as healthy and productive adults. Read more…

Celebrate Persian New Year
2026-03-16 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Cupertino Library, 10800 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, 95014, United States
Join us for a lively and educational celebration of Persian New Year, or Nowruz. Enjoy traditional spring dances, including circle dances, and learn about the cultural significance behind these movements and their connection to renewal and community.
The program also explores the symbolism of Nowruz traditions, including the meaning of the holiday and the traditional seven‑symbol spread. This is a welcoming opportunity to learn, connect, and experience one of the world’s oldest celebrations of spring.
Includes performances by the Simorgh Dance Collective.
This program is part of Santa Clara County Library District’s celebration of Silicon Valley Reads.

Gilead Sciences Norouz Celebration
2026-03-18 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Gilead Sciences, 333 Lakeside Dr., Foster City, 94404, United States
Company Norouz Celebration…More details coming…

Dances of the Mystics
2026-03-22 09:00 - 2026-03-29 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
A 6-week online course exploring sacred dance practices from around the world meeting weekly March 22nd – April 26, 2026
Led by master dancers, spiritual teachers, and lineage holders from across traditions, sharing the dances and prayers of their lineages as living doorways into awakening.
Dances of the Mystics is an online course that invites us into exploring movement as devotion. Each week, master teachers and tradition bearers will guide embodied practices from their lineages, offering dance as a doorway into presence, healing, and spiritual insight.Dances of the Mystics is an online course that invites us into exploring movement as devotion. Each week, master teachers and tradition bearers will guide embodied practices from their lineages, offering dance as a doorway into presence, healing, and spiritual insight. Through Sufi whirling, West African ceremonial dance, Candomblé ritual, Southern Italian trance dance, Korean healing rites, and the Dances of Universal Peace, we explore how movement can awaken our connection to spirit, community, and the wisdom held within the body. More Details…
Register
Week 2: Dance of the Soul with Farima Berenji
Discover the power and mystery of whirling as a gateway to self-growth and spiritual enlightenment through movement, music, and meditation.
This beginning/intermediate-level training explores Turkish, Iranic and Central Asian whirling rituals, as well as the science of whirling. Participants will be guided through the essential foundations of whirling meditation, including preparation, balance and posture, controlling dizziness, self-focus, breathwork, and more.
Drawing from years of study, teaching, and embodied practice, Dr. Farima Berenji will also introduce her own original method, integrating traditional wisdom with contemporary understanding to support a grounded, safe, and transformative experience.

Palo Alto Art Center Family Day
2026-03-22 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Palo Alto Arts Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States
Enjoy art activities led by Art Center teaching artists and community partners. Bring the whole family for this fun, multi-generational event and stick around until the very end for a performance organized by Mosaic America.
SCHEDULE

2 – 4:00 p.m. Artmaking activities and community booths
4 – 4:30 p.m. Performance organized by Mosaic America featuring Dr. Farima Berenji and the Simorgh Dance Collective

Norouz Celebration
2026-03-23 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Los Altos Library, 13 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos, 94022, United States
Farima Berenji and the Simorgh Dance Collective will take part in showcasing the Norouz (Persian New Year) celebration at the beautiful Los Altos Library!
Join us for a lively and educational celebration of Persian New Year, or Nowruz. Enjoy traditional spring dances, including circle dances, and learn about the cultural significance behind these movements and their connection to renewal and community.
The program also explores the symbolism of Nowruz traditions, including the meaning of the holiday and the traditional seven‑symbol spread. This is a welcoming opportunity to learn, connect, and experience one of the world’s oldest celebrations of spring.
This program is part of Santa Clara County Library District’s celebration of Silicon Valley Reads.

Norouz Celebration
2026-03-25 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Salt Lake Community College, 4600 S Redwood Rd, Salt Lake City, UT, 84123, United States
Save the date! Norouz Celebration featuring Farina Berenji. More details coming…

Folk Dance and Tea Party
2026-04-11 15:30 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | St. Bede’s Church Hall, 2650 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, United States
Come join the Peninsula Council for an afternoon tea and dance party! Share your favorite brew, tea time stories, and folk dances with your friends! Dr. Farima Berenji will be on hand to lead a traditional Persian scarf dance for Nowruz and welcome Spring.

Send your dance requests to pfdcparty@gmail.com along with any questions, comments, or suggestions.
Please stay home if you are sick, and please wear a mask if you are unsure or have been exposed to someone with a contagious illness. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.:

Local Author Book Festival
2026-04-18 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Benicia Public Library, 150 East L Street, Benicia, CA, 94510, United States
Local authors and poets from Benicia, Solano County, and the Bay Area will be at the Benicia Public Library for an afternoon book festival from 1-4 PM on April 18, 2026 for the second annual Local Book Festival. In addition to promoting their works, authors will also be doing book signings and Q&As.
Dr. Farima Berenji will read a short section of her book Companions of the Sun and answer questions from the audience and panel. Farima will be available for signing her book and her book is available for sale.

Dr. Farima Berenji Presents: Companions of the Sun
2026-05-15 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Lajevard Diner Cafe, 181 E Tasman Dr #50, San Jose, CA, 95134, United States
Step into an Evening of Story, History, and Mysticism
Dr. Farima Berenji presents Companions of the Sun unveiling the hidden language of ancient Iranic rituals and spiritual lineage. Followed by a book signing with copies of the book available for purchase.

Companions of the Sun Author Talk
2026-05-22 | Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City, United States
More details coming including venue and time of day…

Companions of the Sun
A Lecture by Scholar Dr. Farima Berenji
Rooted 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 book Companions of the Sun
Contact us if you are interested in attending as we will have more details later for time and location…
Farima 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…

Companions of the Sun: Dancing Towards the Light
2026-05-23 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Denver) | Leona Wagner Black Box Theater, 138 West 300 South, Salt Lake City, UT, 84101, United States
Eastern Arts presents an evening of dance, music, and light celebrating with Farima Berenji, the Simorgh Dance Collective, University of Utah Character Dance Ensemble, and Eastern Arts. Free and open to all!

Mosaic Festival 2026
2026-06-06 11:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | San Jose History Park, 635 Phelan Ave, San Jose, CA, 95112, United States
Experience the diverse cultures from our very own neighborhoods: food, arts, crafts, healing practices, vendors, music, dance, and more! Presented by Mosaic America, in partnership with History San José. Includes performances by Dr. Farima Berenji and the Simorgh Dance Collective
Celebrate the American mosaic of cultures at the Mosaic Festival in Silicon Valley at San José’s very own History Park through multicultural music, martial arts, dance, vendors, visual art, and activities. This destination event is a journey that welcomes each of us to honor our unique history while also co-creating a vision of our shared future of belonging, healing, and harmony.
Mosaic America and its partners encourage you to come as you are. This free event is for ALL, no prerequisites: We are committed to intentionally creating a space for empathy and compassion where everyone is welcome.
For more details and schedule visit http://mosaicfesival.org
Register

Wisdom Under Fire
2026-06-08 19:00 - 20:15 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Online gathering with remembrance, learning, prayer, and collective action facilitated by Dr. Farima Berenji, author of Companions of the Sun. Hosted by Astralab. RSVP required.
Across the world, wisdom-keeper communities and spiritual lineages are becoming increasingly endangered. When lands fracture, collective memory often freezes. Humanity becomes vulnerable to becoming cultural orphans — disconnected from the ancestral intelligence that once taught us how to live awakened and empowered lives.
Iran, one of the great heartlands of human civilization, carries ancient streams of mysticism, ritual, cosmology, poetry & sacred knowledge. Many of these lineage communities now face uncertainty and hardship.
Together we will reflect on the role of preservation, hear a message from Iranian wisdom communities, hold a zikr and sama, and co-create prayers and intentions for the future.
RSVP
