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:20180311T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20181104T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20190310T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20191103T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20200308T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20201101T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20210314T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20211107T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Africa/Cairo BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:EET DTSTART:20180101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/Moscow BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0300 TZOFFSETTO:+0300 TZNAME:MSK DTSTART:20180101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Asia/Tehran BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0330 TZOFFSETTO:+0430 TZNAME:+0430 DTSTART:20180321T203000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0430 TZOFFSETTO:+0330 TZNAME:+0330 DTSTART:20180921T193000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0330 TZOFFSETTO:+0430 TZNAME:+0430 DTSTART:20190321T203000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0430 TZOFFSETTO:+0330 TZNAME:+0330 DTSTART:20190921T193000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0330 TZOFFSETTO:+0430 TZNAME:+0430 DTSTART:20200320T203000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0430 TZOFFSETTO:+0330 TZNAME:+0330 DTSTART:20200920T193000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Anchorage BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0900 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:AKDT DTSTART:20180311T110000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0900 TZNAME:AKST DTSTART:20181104T100000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0900 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:AKDT DTSTART:20190310T110000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0900 TZNAME:AKST DTSTART:20191103T100000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0900 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:AKDT DTSTART:20200308T110000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0900 TZNAME:AKST DTSTART:20201101T100000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20200601 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20200606 DTSTAMP:20260413T092621 CREATED:20200211T011336Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200518T212137Z UID:20668-1590969600-1591401599@farimadance.com SUMMARY:POSTPONED - Caravan of Mystics: Origin of Mysticism DESCRIPTION:The Origin of Mysticism\nDate to be announced – TURKEY (Bademhan Sufi House and Retreat Center and Çanakkale)\nWith Yarsan and Khorasan Sufi Order and Masters: Farima Berenji\, Seyed Salman Hosseni\, Mehrdad Maleki\, and Seyed Vessal Hosseni. \nLearn the ancient wisdoms\, dances\, whirling and healing ritual practices of the Anatolian and Khorasan Sufi mystics. Our journey will be an experience like no other. \nRetreat/Tour includes: In-depth studies of the origin/roots of mysticism and Sufism from Khorasan to Konya\, ancient Iranic rituals\, zikr\, poetry\, sema and semah of Iran\, Central Asia and Greater Khorasan\, and Yarsan practices. Music workshops and makhams (Daf and Tanbour). Sufi tour visiting tomb of Rustam Baba the Warrior Dervish\, Solitude Cave\, Gelibolu Mevlevihaneh (biggest and oldest Sufi House in Turkey. Registration is required. Contact me for more info and registration. \nOur setting is the beautiful Bademhan Retreat Center\, located in a small village in Edirne\, Turkey. \nPayment and Rules \nTo be announced \nPayment Includes\n\nBreakfast\, lunch\, and dinner\nDaily refreshments and snacks (tea\, coffee\, and water are always at your 
disposal)\nPrivate transport\nEntrance fee of the monuments based on itinerary\nWorkshops and lectures\n\n  \nPayment Does NOT Include\n\nVisa fees (based on your departure country)\nAirfare\nPersonal transportation or taxi fees\nPersonal expenses or extra stay\nPersonal sightseeing\nExtra food and drink not included in the menu list\n\nA Call to Love – 24 hr. Sema Gathering\nDate to be announced – TURKEY (Bademhan Sufi House or Gelibolu Mevlevihaneh)\nA weekend 24hours of sema in one of the biggest and oldest mevlevihane (Sufi House) in Turkey. This is a FREE event from the heart. Registration is required. No one will be admitted without registration. Contact me for more info and registration. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/caravan-of-mystics-turkey/ LOCATION:Badem Han Retreat Center\, Çeltik Köyü İç Yolu\, 22880\, Çeltik\, Edirne\, Turkey CATEGORIES:Retreat,Tour ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/83214452_3857140304296904_2755666582075080704_o.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20200524 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20200529 DTSTAMP:20260413T092621 CREATED:20200207T170257Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200518T211609Z UID:20631-1590278400-1590710399@farimadance.com SUMMARY:POSTPONED - Caravan of Mystics: Roots of Mysticism DESCRIPTION:Date to be announced – IRAN (Tehran and Kermanshah only)\nWith Yarsan Sufi Order and Masters: Farima Berenji\, Seyed Salman Hosseni\, Mehrdad Maleki\, and Seyed Vessal Hosseni. \nDiscover the roots of mysticism! This unique travel experience and opportunity focuses on the history\, mysticism\, art\, music\, and dance traditions of the Yarsan Sufi Order. \nRetreat/Tour includes: In-depth studies of the origin/roots of mysticism and Sufism\, ancient Iranic rituals\, zikr\, poetry\, sema and semah\, (Shams Sema\, Rast Sema\, Yarsan Sema)\, and Yarsan culture and music (Daf\, Tanbour). Includes a visit to the tomb of Seyed Khalil\, Baba Yadeghar\, Temple of Mitra (Sun Goddess)\, Temple of Anahita (The Virgin Goddess of Creation)\, Sacred Mountains of the Saints\, Yarsan village\, and more. \nWe will be staying at the Sufi Houses\, Dervish Homes\, and Small villages. Tour will not include luxury Hotel accommodation. This is a Sufi/Dervish Caravan. \nRegistration required. Contact me for more info and registration. \nPayment Includes\n\nBreakfast\, lunch\, and dinner\nDaily refreshments and snacks (tea\, coffee\, and water are always at your 
disposal)\nPrivate transport\nEntrance fee of the monuments based on itinerary\nWorkshops and lectures\n\nPayment Does NOT Include\n\nVisa fees (based on your departure country)\nAirfare\nPersonal transportation or taxi fees\nPersonal expenses or extra stay\nPersonal sightseeing\nExtra food and drink not included in the menu list\n\nVisa\nAll U.S. and Canadian citizens must apply for visa at least 1.5 months before the start of the tour. All other nationalities\, please contact your local embassy to see if a visa is required. For visa requirements please visit evisa.mfa.ir to apply. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nIncludes $11.90 transaction fee\nPayment and Rules\nNew dates to be announced\n$400 – Early-bird price prior April 15\, 2020\n$500 – After April 15\, 2020 URL:http://farimadance.com/event/caravan-of-mystics-iran/ LOCATION:Iran\, Iran\, Islamic Republic of CATEGORIES:Retreat,Tour ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/83214452_3857140304296904_2755666582075080704_o.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200517T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200517T133000 DTSTAMP:20260413T092621 CREATED:20200508T231147Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200509T003422Z UID:21385-1589718600-1589722200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Connecting with Sacred Dance DESCRIPTION:A lecture with Farima Berenji. \nInternationally acclaimed dance artist\, choreographer\, and scholar Farima Berenji is passionate when she speaks of the role dance has played in her life. At her core\, she believes dance rituals invoke healing and harmony. This was the legacy of these dances but over time\, people have lost connection to them. She feels strongly that bringing these ancient rituals back to life will help bring positive change to our lives. \nPlease register and make a donation of between $1 – 10 to help cover our costs. There are also alternate ways to make a donation. A Zoom webinar link will be provided after registration. \nRegister \nFarima Berenji\nis an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, instructor\, and dance ethnologist. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during a reception for President Obama. Farima is founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, National Folk Organization\, and a 2018 TEDx lecturer. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/connecting-with-sacred-dance/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Lecture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/SacredDanceLecture.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200516T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200516T120000 DTSTAMP:20260413T092621 CREATED:20200430T045452Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200501T062322Z UID:21301-1589626800-1589630400@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Confidence on Stage! DESCRIPTION:Whether you are an actor or dancer this workshop will help you identify how to improve your performance on the stage. Stage presence refers to the ability to command the full attention of a theater audience by the impressiveness of one’s performance. When combined with skill\, experience and hard work\, stage presence can create a combination that turns “good” actors into stars. Learn in this workshop \n\nHow to be confident on stage\nUse movements to tell a story\nThe secrets to improve stage presence\nRules of the stage\n\nPresented by award winning veteran Iranian director and actor Sadeh Hatefi. Assisted by internationally renowned dancer and dance scholar Farima Berenji. \nSuggested donation: $1-15 \nRegister \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 \n \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.. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/confidence-on-stage/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Lecture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/ConfidenceOnStage.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200502T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200530T110000 DTSTAMP:20260413T092621 CREATED:20200416T043328Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200501T055609Z UID:21212-1588413600-1590836400@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Dances of Uzbekistan Intensive DESCRIPTION:Learn Uzbek traditional dance technique\, choreography\, and history with Rashid Shadat and Farima Berenji. \nPart of our Silk Road dance intensive program. At each monthly intensive you will learn history\, music\, costuming and choreography from Farima and guest master instructors. The program focus by month includes: \n\nApril: Georgia\nMay: Uzbekistan\nJune: Azerbaijan\n\nTajikistan\, Afghanistan\, Turkmenistan\, Turkestan\, Turkey and Armenia are planned for Summer/Fall. \nClass meets weekly on Saturdays. Register by the first monthly class for $15/week for the month of May or pay $20 per class. Discounts are available if additional courses are taken during the month from farimadance.com. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/dances-of-uzbekistan-intensive/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Class,Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/rashid-farima_2020.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200307T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200307T150000 DTSTAMP:20260413T092621 CREATED:20200204T033113Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210129T225400Z UID:20577-1583586000-1583593200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Dance of the Soul: Sufi Whirling Gathering DESCRIPTION:Join Farima for a Sufi Whirling Workshop and Sema Gathering\, with sacred music\, meditation\, and whirling. We will create a sacred\, supportive space where we can all release whatever energy no longer serves us\, relax and open our heart\, body\, and mind. We will discover the power and mystery of ancient dances and rituals – a gateway for self-growth and spiritual transformation– through movement\, music\, love\, and stillness. Be moved by beautiful\, sacred music. \nOverview\nOur gathering is NOT a performance. More details about sacred dance and Sema training may be found here. \n\nFirst join for a welcoming circle and Farima will lead us into her unique 4 element breathing meditation or 7 mode music meditation and relaxation.\nWe will progress into various Sufi whirling workshop techniques\, styles\, and rules (Turkish Sema\, Khorasan Sema\, Ancient Iranic Sema\, Baktashi Sema\, Uyghur Sema).\nNext we will progress into a prayer and open floor whirling with both live and recorded world sacred music\, poetry\, and drumming.\nWe will close with a Zikr (Sufi Prayers)\, ancient Iranian Shamanic rituals\, sharing\, a gratitude circle\, and Sohbet (Sufi Talk) by Dervish and Semazen\, Farima Berenji.\n\nFarima’s teachings are based on ancient Iranic rituals\, science of whirling\, and the sacred geometry of whirling. We will learn essential techniques of whirling preparation\, maintaining balance and posture\, controlling dizziness\, self-focus during turning\, breath work\, and more. \nFarima’s monthly Sema Gathering offers a unique expression of sacred culture\, inspired by nature\, ancient Iranic rituals\, and the beautiful spiritual traditions of Sufism. We will whirl and journey together to celebrate love\, unity\, and allow the light to enter our soul. \nOpen your heart! Listen! Turn\, dance\, and move in anyway that makes you feel alive! \nRegister Online \nGuidelines and Tips\n\nPlease have a yoga mat or pillow to sit on.\nWe kindly ask for no talking on the whirling floor and to keep the Sema area quiet at all times. Respect yourself as well as those around you.\nPlease wear comfortable clothing (white or light colored if possible) and wear socks or soft soled shoes.\nAvoid eating a large meal 1-2 hours prior\n\nFarima Berenji\nFounder and Artistic Director\, Worldwide Simorgh Dance Collective\, 2007\nFounder and Director of Dance of the Soul ® and the Awakening and Lioness Project ® (Ancient Iranic Warrior Dances and Rituals\, 2013) \nFarima Berenji is an award winning Dance Ethnologist and internationally acclaimed dance artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, and Sufi dance master. Recognized and certified as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology by UNESCO\, she travels worldwide to record\, research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. She is a Magi (Iranian Shaman Master) and a Sufi. \nFarima has worked as a UN scholar\, researching and led an excavations team of Iranian archeology emphasizing the preservation of ancient and mystical Iranic dances. Farima’s dance and spiritual training spans years of intensive research with master artists\, scholars\, and spiritual teachers worldwide. She comes from the Sufi Order of Yarsan of Iran and has devoted her life into researching and brining back the ancient Sufi traditions of Iran and the origin of Sema (Khorasan Sema). \nFarima teaches her own original research findings\, methods\, techniques\, and exercises to uncover the connection between the soul and dance movements based on the book she is writing ‘Seven Sema’ the connection of human soul and the 7 sacred elements of life. Her signature dance projects (dance of the soul and the lioness) combines Persian and Near Eastern sacred and mystical dance forms\, history\, poetry\, and the Sufi and healing rituals of ancient Iran Persia\, the Altai Mountains\, and Central Asia. \nAs a scholar\, Farima presents new archaeological discoveries and research upon Sufism and its connection to the ancient Zoroastrianism and Sufism\, the human body\, and its symbolic meaning in the Universe along the pathway to the soul. She will introduce you to ritual movements celebrating the grace and joy of life and to a society where and when people lived in harmony with each other and with nature. She teaches her own unique movement and techniques that are researched and inspired during her various studies in Khaneqas (Sufi Houses) and Fire temples of Khorasan\, Kurdistan\, Tehran\, and Shiraz. \nFarima is one of the few Iranian women who has been allowed to teach\, write and perform the Gwati and Vahishta Sema Rituals in Iran and around the world and has been recognized by Iran and UN as the pioneer of bringing back the original mystic Rituals of Khorasan. She is the first Iranian woman to have received the CID-UNESCO award and certification and is currently the dance ambassador of UNESCO\, the first Iranian woman artist to receive the National Folk Dance Association award\, and the first Iranian woman healer and dancer to have been chosen for TED Talk. Farima is the recipient of the prestigious UN award and has been recognized by Congressman Mike Honda\, by the Iranian Women’s Rights Committee “30 Voices\,” Music and Cultural Organization of Turkey. Farima was the first Iranian\, to have been invited and perform during a reception for US President Obama\, Governor of Alaska\, UN\, EU\, Ambassador of Canada\, and Ambassador of Spain. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/dance-of-the-soul-sacramento/ LOCATION:Sol Collective\, 2574 21st St.\, Sacramento\, CA\, 95818\, United States CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema) ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Dance-of-the-Soul-Feb2021.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200303T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200303T200000 DTSTAMP:20260413T092621 CREATED:20190904T170526Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200224T163206Z UID:19298-1583258400-1583265600@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Whirling Workshop Series 2: Emptiness as Fullness DESCRIPTION:Emptiness as Fullness: In Nothingness\, We Find Everything\nSufis believe that as you whirl\, you find harmony in the motion of the universe\, that as you turn with outstretched arms\, you collect the energy from your environment — enabling you to direct it within yourself and back to the earth. In this class\, we will learn turning techniques and movements as we explore the notion of emptiness as fullness. \nRegister online \nFor more information\, call the Montalvo Box Office at 408-961-5858 10am-4pm Mon-Fri. \nAbout the instructor\, Farima Berenji\nFarima Berenji is an award-winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, instructor\, dance ethnologist\, and choreographer. Recognized as one of few world experts and scholars of Persian dance history\, Farima infuses spirituality into her dance and teachings to impassion\, empower\, and inspire. Specializing in ancient\, sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances\, she travels worldwide to research\, perform\, teach\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance. Farima is founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, and a 2018 TEDx lecturer and performer. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/workshop-series-2/ LOCATION:Historic Villa\, Montalvo Arts Center\, 15400 Montalvo Road\, PO Box 158\, Saratoga\, California\, 95071\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200222T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200222T201500 DTSTAMP:20260413T092621 CREATED:20190925T165650Z LAST-MODIFIED:20201008T055400Z UID:19794-1582398000-1582402500@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Tarsa DESCRIPTION:From the mystic East comes an epic tale befitting Romeo and Juliet\, a tale of love between a Sufi Shaikh\, a Christian maiden\, and a simple love that grows despite the divisions of their beliefs. Based on the 12th century story by Attar of Nishapur\, Tarsa is a dance drama accompanied by traditional Persian music played live and expertly narrated by award winning Iranian actor and director Sadegh Hatefi. \nThe story is as follows: San’an\, a celebrated sheikh\, spends 50 years of his life studying God\, eventually acquiring a following of 500 disciples\, fell in love with a Christian maiden of great beauty\, Tarsa. San’an abandons all he has to follow this girl and journeys to Rome in search of Tarsa. When his disciples hear about this\, they pray to God that Shaikh San’an would return to the right path. \nFeaturing \n\nSadegh Hatefi (Iranian actor and director) as messenger\, narrator\nFarima Berenji as Tarsa\nAli Aminipour (Iranian actor and film director) as Sheikh San’an\nDances by the Simorgh Dance Collective\nMusic by Homeyra Banejad and Ensemble\n\nDialogue will be in Farsi with English subtitles. \nTickets\nTickets: $25 advance\, $30 at the door\, $50 VIP (online only).\n\n \n \n  \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji as Tarsa\nFarima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, lecturer\, dance ethnologist\, and archaeologist specializing in classical\, folkloric\, and sacred dances of Persia and the Silk Road. Her training spans a lifetime of intensive collaboration and research with master artists\, scholars\, and spiritual teachers worldwide. She is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a worldwide collaborative devoted to teach dance technique\, interpret\, illustrate\, present\, and perform dances of the Silk Road. Farima performs\, offers workshops\, and lectures worldwide upon request and has appeared in the US\, UK\, Austria\, Czech Republic\, Turkey\, Mauritius\, and Iran. Read more..\n  \nSadegh Hatefi\nSadegh Hatefi as Attar of Nishapur\nSadegh 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 \n \n \n \n  \nAli Aminipour\nAli Aminipour as Sheikh San’an\nAli Aminipour is a producer\, director\, and actor. He is manager of the Doran Art Group.\n \n \n \n \n \n  \nSimorgh Dance Collective\nSimorgh Dance Collective as The Mystics\nThe Simorgh Dance Collective is a world community of artists devoted to cross-cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration through traditional\, classical\, and sacred dance styles of the Silk Road. The Collective currently has member companies and artist affiliations in Alaska\, British Columbia\, Turkey\, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Read more..\n \n \n \n  \nHomeyra Banejad and Ensemble\nHomeyra Banejad and Ensemble Homeyra Banejad is an Iranian daf player and vocalist. As a member of the Iranian Musician Union of Iran she has performed in Iran and the US with Sima Bina\, Hamed Nikpay\, Simin Ghanem\, and many more artists! URL:http://farimadance.com/event/tarsa/ LOCATION:Performance Arts Center\, Evergreen Valley College\, 3095 Yerba Buena Rd\, San Jose\, CA\, 95135\, United States CATEGORIES:Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/tarsa-1-03-slim-titles.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200204T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200204T200000 DTSTAMP:20260413T092621 CREATED:20190904T170120Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200120T173843Z UID:19294-1580839200-1580846400@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Whirling Workshop Series 1: Exploring Sense of Self DESCRIPTION:Learn the fundamentals of turning and how it enables you to find a sense of self and a connection between body\, mind\, and spirit. Discover the vital balance in the rhythm of your breathing\, movement\, posture\, and concentration. At first\, it can take great effort to combine all of these elements in harmony\, but with practice\, you will learn to whirl indefinitely\, relax\, and open the heart\, body\, and mind. \nRegister online \nFor more information\, call the Montalvo Box Office at 408-961-5858 10am-4pm Mon-Fri. \nAbout the instructor\, Farima Berenji\nFarima Berenji is an award-winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, instructor\, dance ethnologist\, and choreographer. Recognized as one of few world experts and scholars of Persian dance history\, Farima infuses spirituality into her dance and teachings to impassion\, empower\, and inspire. Specializing in ancient\, sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances\, she travels worldwide to research\, perform\, teach\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance. Farima is founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, and a 2018 TEDx lecturer and performer. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/workshop-series-1/ LOCATION:Historic Villa\, Montalvo Arts Center\, 15400 Montalvo Road\, PO Box 158\, Saratoga\, California\, 95071\, United States CATEGORIES:Class ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/4.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200111T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200111T210000 DTSTAMP:20260413T092621 CREATED:20190823T051807Z LAST-MODIFIED:20201008T055440Z UID:19572-1578769200-1578776400@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Journey of the Simorgh DESCRIPTION:A dance and music concert by the Simorgh Dance Collective\, adapted from the Persian epic Conference of the Birds by Farid ud-Din Attar. Featuring Persian sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances choreographed by Farima Berenji\, Persian music performed by Homeyra Banejad and Ensemble\, and expertly narrated by award winning actor and director Sadegh Hatefi. \n“It was in China\, late one moonless night\,\nThe Simorgh first appeared to mortal sight.\nHe let a feather float down through the air\,\nAnd rumors of its fame spread everywhere.”\n~Farid ud-Din Attar \nDoors open at 6:30 PM \n \nJourney of the Simorgh\nFarid al-Din Attar (c. 1145 – c. 1221) was a Persian poet and one of the greatest Sufi mystical writers and thinkers\, composing at least 45\,000 couplets and many brilliant prose works. \nIn Attar’s epic poem\, The Conference of the Birds\, the birds of the world gather to decide who is to be their king. The Hoopoe\, the wisest of them all\, suggests that they should find the legendary Simorgh\, a mythical Persian bird. The Hoopoe leads the birds\, each of whom represent a human fault which prevents one from attaining enlightenment. Of the many birds that begin the journey\, only thirty birds survive to reach the dwelling of the Simorgh. There\, the birds approach the throne contemplating their reflections in the mirrorlike countenance of the Simorgh\, only to realize that they and the Simorgh are one. \nSimorgh (SEE-morg) in Persian can also be read as Si (thirty) Morgh (bird). \n“If Simorgh unveils its face to you\, you will find\n that all the birds\, be they thirty or forty or more\,\n are but the shadows cast by that unveiling.\n What shadow is ever separated from its maker?\n Do you see?\n The shadow and its maker are one and the same\,\n so get over surfaces and delve into mysteries.” \n—Farid al-Din Attar\, The Conference of the Birds (translated by Sholeh Wolpé\, W. W. Norton & Co.\, 2017)\n\nTickets\nTickets: $35 advance\, $40 at the door\n \nWe have a special offer for those that love what we do or are ready to love what we do. In addition to a Journey of the Simorgh ticket obtain a ticket to Tarsa on February 22\, 2020 in San Jose with a special two ticket package offer. Receive $10 off the combined price of both tickets at $50\, advance tickets only. \nSelect the Dual Concert Purchase Offer when purchasing admission. Following your purchase you will receive a discount code to receive a free ticket to Tarsa redeemable at http://tarsa.bpt.me. \nFarima Berenji – Artistic Director\, Choreographer\nFarima Berenji as the Simorgh\nFarima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, lecturer\, dance ethnologist\, and archaeologist specializing in classical\, folkloric\, and sacred dances of Persia and the Silk Road. Her training spans a lifetime of intensive collaboration and research with master artists\, scholars\, and spiritual teachers worldwide. She is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a worldwide collaborative devoted to teach dance technique\, interpret\, illustrate\, present\, and perform dances of the Silk Road. Farima performs\, offers workshops\, and lectures worldwide upon request and has appeared in the US\, UK\, Austria\, Czech Republic\, Turkey\, Mauritius\, and Iran. Read more.. \nSadegh Hatefi – Director\, Actor\, Narrator\nSadegh Hatefi as Attar of Nishapur\nSadegh 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 \n \n \n  \nFarhang Heydari\nFarhang Heydari Farhang Heydari is an amazing Iranian actor who will be one our lead birds! Farhang is a graduate of cinema from Tehran Bagheh Ferdoos University. He has been acting since the age 8 and has been in award winning movies such as Chahar Darvish (4 Dervishes)\, Panjomin savar-e sarnevesht\, Crossing the Minefield\, and Pishtazan-e fath.\n \n \n \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..\n \n \n \n  \nHomeyra Banejad and Ensemble\nHomeyra Banejad and Ensemble Homeyra Banejad is an Iranian daf player and vocalist. As a member of the Iranian Musician Union of Iran she has performed in Iran and the US with Sima Bina\, Hamed Nikpay\, Simin Ghanem\, and many more artists!\n \n \n \n \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 also teaches daf\, tombak\, and music for children. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/journey-of-the-simorgh-2020/ LOCATION:Menlo-Atherton Performing Arts Center\, 555 Middlefield Rd\, Atherton\, CA\, 94027\, United States CATEGORIES:Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/DSC_0051-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200111T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20200111T210000 DTSTAMP:20260413T092621 CREATED:20190823T051807Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190823T051807Z UID:22627-1578769200-1578776400@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Journey of the Simorgh DESCRIPTION:A dance and music concert by the Simorgh Dance Collective\, adapted from the Persian epic Conference of the Birds by Farid ud-Din Attar. Featuring Persian sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances choreographed by Farima Berenji\, Persian music performed by Homeyra Banejad and Ensemble\, and expertly narrated by award winning actor and director Sadegh Hatefi. \n“It was in China\, late one moonless night\,\nThe Simorgh first appeared to mortal sight.\nHe let a feather float down through the air\,\nAnd rumors of its fame spread everywhere.”\n~Farid ud-Din Attar \nDoors open at 6:30 PM \n \nJourney of the Simorgh\nFarid al-Din Attar (c. 1145 – c. 1221) was a Persian poet and one of the greatest Sufi mystical writers and thinkers\, composing at least 45\,000 couplets and many brilliant prose works. \nIn Attar’s epic poem\, The Conference of the Birds\, the birds of the world gather to decide who is to be their king. The Hoopoe\, the wisest of them all\, suggests that they should find the legendary Simorgh\, a mythical Persian bird. The Hoopoe leads the birds\, each of whom represent a human fault which prevents one from attaining enlightenment. Of the many birds that begin the journey\, only thirty birds survive to reach the dwelling of the Simorgh. There\, the birds approach the throne contemplating their reflections in the mirrorlike countenance of the Simorgh\, only to realize that they and the Simorgh are one. \nSimorgh (SEE-morg) in Persian can also be read as Si (thirty) Morgh (bird). \n“If Simorgh unveils its face to you\, you will find\n that all the birds\, be they thirty or forty or more\,\n are but the shadows cast by that unveiling.\n What shadow is ever separated from its maker?\n Do you see?\n The shadow and its maker are one and the same\,\n so get over surfaces and delve into mysteries.” \n—Farid al-Din Attar\, The Conference of the Birds (translated by Sholeh Wolpé\, W. W. Norton & Co.\, 2017)\n\nTickets\nTickets: $35 advance\, $40 at the door\n \nWe have a special offer for those that love what we do or are ready to love what we do. In addition to a Journey of the Simorgh ticket obtain a ticket to Tarsa on February 22\, 2020 in San Jose with a special two ticket package offer. Receive $10 off the combined price of both tickets at $50\, advance tickets only. \nSelect the Dual Concert Purchase Offer when purchasing admission. Following your purchase you will receive a discount code to receive a free ticket to Tarsa redeemable at http://tarsa.bpt.me. \nFarima Berenji – Artistic Director\, Choreographer\nFarima Berenji as the Simorgh\nFarima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, lecturer\, dance ethnologist\, and archaeologist specializing in classical\, folkloric\, and sacred dances of Persia and the Silk Road. Her training spans a lifetime of intensive collaboration and research with master artists\, scholars\, and spiritual teachers worldwide. She is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a worldwide collaborative devoted to teach dance technique\, interpret\, illustrate\, present\, and perform dances of the Silk Road. Farima performs\, offers workshops\, and lectures worldwide upon request and has appeared in the US\, UK\, Austria\, Czech Republic\, Turkey\, Mauritius\, and Iran. Read more.. \nSadegh Hatefi – Director\, Actor\, Narrator\nSadegh Hatefi as Attar of Nishapur\nSadegh 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 \n \n \n  \nFarhang Heydari\nFarhang Heydari Farhang Heydari is an amazing Iranian actor who will be one our lead birds! Farhang is a graduate of cinema from Tehran Bagheh Ferdoos University. He has been acting since the age 8 and has been in award winning movies such as Chahar Darvish (4 Dervishes)\, Panjomin savar-e sarnevesht\, Crossing the Minefield\, and Pishtazan-e fath.\n \n \n \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..\n \n \n \n  \nHomeyra Banejad and Ensemble\nHomeyra Banejad and Ensemble Homeyra Banejad is an Iranian daf player and vocalist. As a member of the Iranian Musician Union of Iran she has performed in Iran and the US with Sima Bina\, Hamed Nikpay\, Simin Ghanem\, and many more artists!\n \n \n \n \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 also teaches daf\, tombak\, and music for children. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/journey-of-the-simorgh-2020-2/ LOCATION:Menlo-Atherton Performing Arts Center\, 555 Middlefield Rd\, Atherton\, CA\, 94027\, United States CATEGORIES:Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/DSC_0051-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20191226 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20191231 DTSTAMP:20260413T092621 CREATED:20190711T060324Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200914T225516Z UID:19289-1577318400-1577750399@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Persian Art Conference 2019 DESCRIPTION:Farima will present a lecture and perform at the 2019 Persian Art & Letters Conference in London. \nFarima will also present a workshop in Persian Classical dance. \nPersian Art & Letters Conference Theme: “Dawn of Hope – بامداد امید”.\nAll plenary sessions will be offered in Persian and English\, with dedicated programs for children and junior youth\, as well as evening entertainment\, arts exhibition\, and much more.\nMore details of conference program… \nRegister… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/persian-art-conference-2019/ LOCATION:Hilton London Heathrow Airport\, Terminal 4\, London Heathrow Airport\, London\, TW6 3AF\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Lecture,Performance,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/remi-yuan-glrBDgQMAsY-unsplash.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20191213T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20191213T203000 DTSTAMP:20260413T092621 CREATED:20181122T231914Z LAST-MODIFIED:20191210T024742Z UID:18016-1576263600-1576269000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Dance of the Soul Honoring Rumi DESCRIPTION:Sema\, Semah\, Sacred Dance\, Music\, and Poetry Honoring Sheb-i Arus\nJoin us this night to celebrate our fellowship in love and spirit with whirling dance (Sema and Semah)\, meditation\, music\, and poetry. Sheb-i Arus commemorates the death and thereby union between the Persian mystical poet Rumi and the universe. \nWe will open with sacred and mystical Sufi poetry (Farsi and English)\, meditation with sacred sounds\, candle gazing\, Hu meditation\, healing circles with ancient Zoroastrian rituals\, journey into whirling with live and recorded music\, then close our gathering with prayer. sacred circles and zikr. \nFarima’s monthly Sema Gathering offers a unique expression of sacred culture\, inspired by nature\, ancient Iranic rituals\, and the beautiful spiritual traditions of Sufism. We will whirl and journey together to celebrate love\, unity\, and allow the light to enter our soul. \nOpen your heart! Listen! Turn\, dance\, and move in anyway that makes you feel alive! \nOur gathering welcomes musicians and other spiritual or healing teachers to come and share their art. \n$15-20 sliding scale donation. Your donation is greatly appreciated to help cover cost of rent. \nLight snacks and drinks will be available. \nMusicians — Feel free to bring your instruments and join our music circle. Let your heart guide your music during our open floor Sema. \nSemazens — Open your heart and whirl! \nLovers\, Seekers\, and Watchers — Come and join our sacred circle. You are welcome to set and feel the healing energy\, bring a poem to share\, join our Zikr\, pray with us\, or just laugh or cry as we journey together to be closer to the light. \nGuidelines and Tips\n\nWe kindly ask for no talking on the whirling floor and to keep the Sema area quiet at all times. Respect yourself as well as those around you.\nFor this gathering please wear comfortable clothing\, whirling skirt (optional)\, socks or soft-soled shoes. Avoid eating a large meal 2 hours prior.\n\nFarima Berenji\nFarima is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, instructor\, dance ethnologist\, and archeologist. Recognized as one of few world experts and scholars of Persian dance history\, Farima infuses spirituality into her dance and teachings to impassion\, empower\, and inspire. A Dervish and travels worldwide to research\, perform\, teach\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance. Farima is founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, and a 2018 TEDx lecturer. \nAs a scholar\, Farima presents new archeological discoveries and research upon Sufism and its connection to the ancient Zoroastrianism\, the human body\, and its symbolic meaning in the Universe along the pathway to the soul. She will introduce you to ritual movements celebrating the grace and joy of life and to a society where and when people lived in harmony with each other and with nature. She teaches her own unique movement and techniques that are researched and inspired during her various studies in Khaneqas (Sufi Houses) and Fire temples of Khorasan\, Kurdistan\, Tehran\, Azerbaijan\, Altai Mountains\, Turkey\, and Shiraz. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/dance-of-the-soul-honoring-rumi/ LOCATION:Center for Creative Living\, 1460 Koll Circle\, Suite C\, San Jose\, CA\, 95112\, United States CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema) ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DanceOfTheSoul-ShebiArus-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Cairo:20191101T000000 DTEND;TZID=Africa/Cairo:20191103T000000 DTSTAMP:20260413T092621 CREATED:20190907T015303Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220916T201917Z UID:19683-1572566400-1572739200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Rose and the Nightingale DESCRIPTION:Love-Longing-Beloved\nSufi Dance Retreat\, 3rd Edition\nA 3-day intensive retreat with Sufi dance master and dance ethnologist Farima Berenji. Join Farima to venture deep into the heart through sacred circles and Sufi whirling practices. The retreat includes training in Sufi and mystical dance\, ancient rituals\, poetry (focus on the valley of love)\, music studies (understanding the Dastghah and Makhams of Sufi music)\, prayers\, ancient mantras and Zikr based on the rotation of the Sun and Moon (Rose and Nightingale). \nWe will be taking the path to the ‘Valley of Love’ through training and lectures on the symbolism and changes of the meaning of Rose and Nightingale from ancient rituals\, to the Golden Age of Islam. \nThe retreat by day will include: \n\nElement therapy and breathwork\nMeditation and Visualization\nMusic therapy based on 7 Maghams (Iranian Sufi Music Modes)\nBasic whirling techniques for beginners (Turkish & Iranian)\n\nwith these nightly activities and healing ceremonies: \n\nDrum Circles\, Zar\, Gwati\, and Zikr (Sufi Prayer and Indo-Iranian Shamanic Rituals and Medicine Dance)\nSema Gathering and poetry reading Please poetry or a story of your own to share.\nSohbat – Sufi talk based on the Seven Pathways of Love\n\nAbout Farima\nFarima Berenji is an Iranian-American scholar and dance ethnologist\, an award winning internationally acclaimed dance artist\, a choreographer\, instructor\, and an archaeologist specializing in ancient\, sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances of Persia\, Ionia\, and the Silk Road. She is a third generation artist—her devotion to the world of arts inspired by both her mother and grandmother as performing artists\, poets\, and musicians of Azerbaijani heritage. Farima has spent her lifetime studying Persian/Iranian and Central Asian dance\, culture\, and history. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to lead people to the historic beauty and richness of Persia and the Silk Road culture and to aid them find inner bliss through dance\, music\, and spirituality. Read more… \nAbout the Venue: Moonlight Farms and Resort\nOur setting is a beautiful and magical farm and resort atop the mountains of Barouk near the Cedars\, an amazing place in nature\, combining the very best of comfort and tranquility—a paradise hideaway where seclusion meets exotic natural beauty. The resort is situated in El Barouk\, in the district of Chouf. It is located 15 minutes from the historic Cedar forest. Designed to reflect the native culture\, Moonlight Farms and Resort is a beautiful\, rustic resort that benefits from a strongly defined sense of community and a relaxed\, intimate atmosphere. At its center lies a zoo that contains deer\, lama\, ostriches\, rabbits\, and more\, plus a nearby horse pavilion. Moonlight Farms and Resort’s organically grown vegetables and fruits makes it a favorite place for health loving customers. The generous\, devoted staff seeks to create magic moments to make your stay truly unforgettable. Read more… \nOur retreat accommodations are beautifully-built wooden bungalows with outdoor sitting area and wooden pergolas. \nPayment and Registration\nRetreat fee: $250\nA deposit of $100 sent by October 1st\, 2019 will secure your registration. Balance to be paid upon arrival. No refunds. \nPayment for the retreat includes all workshops and evening events for 3 days\, 2 nights including homemade vegetarian meals and bungalow lodging (shared occupancy of 2\, 4\, and 6 people). Bungalows mainly have shared double beds. \nPayment options: \n\nWe can meet anywhere in Beirut and you can pay by cash\nWestern Union (under the name: Suzan Talhouk – Beirut)\n\nHurry\, reserve your spot. The retreat is limited to 21 registrants. \nContact\nFor coordination and questions contact us by \n\nWhatsApp: 009613686908\nEmail: Susan Talhouk URL:http://farimadance.com/event/rose-and-the-nightingale/ LOCATION:Moonlight Farms and Resort\, El Barouk\, Chouf\, Lebanon CATEGORIES:Retreat,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/IMG_2364.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Susan Talhouk":MAILTO:talhouksusan@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Cairo:20191101T000000 DTEND;TZID=Africa/Cairo:20191103T000000 DTSTAMP:20260413T092621 CREATED:20190907T015303Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220916T204138Z UID:22630-1572566400-1572739200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Rose and the Nightingale DESCRIPTION:Love-Longing-Beloved\nSufi Dance Retreat\, 3rd Edition\nA 3-day intensive retreat with Sufi dance master and dance ethnologist Farima Berenji. Join Farima to venture deep into the heart through sacred circles and Sufi whirling practices. The retreat includes training in Sufi and mystical dance\, ancient rituals\, poetry (focus on the valley of love)\, music studies (understanding the Dastghah and Makhams of Sufi music)\, prayers\, ancient mantras and Zikr based on the rotation of the Sun and Moon (Rose and Nightingale). \nWe will be taking the path to the ‘Valley of Love’ through training and lectures on the symbolism and changes of the meaning of Rose and Nightingale from ancient rituals\, to the Golden Age of Islam. \nThe retreat by day will include: \n\nElement therapy and breathwork\nMeditation and Visualization\nMusic therapy based on 7 Maghams (Iranian Sufi Music Modes)\nBasic whirling techniques for beginners (Turkish & Iranian)\n\nwith these nightly activities and healing ceremonies: \n\nDrum Circles\, Zar\, Gwati\, and Zikr (Sufi Prayer and Indo-Iranian Shamanic Rituals and Medicine Dance)\nSema Gathering and poetry reading Please poetry or a story of your own to share.\nSohbat – Sufi talk based on the Seven Pathways of Love\n\nAbout Farima\nFarima Berenji is an Iranian-American scholar and dance ethnologist\, an award winning internationally acclaimed dance artist\, a choreographer\, instructor\, and an archaeologist specializing in ancient\, sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances of Persia\, Ionia\, and the Silk Road. She is a third generation artist—her devotion to the world of arts inspired by both her mother and grandmother as performing artists\, poets\, and musicians of Azerbaijani heritage. Farima has spent her lifetime studying Persian/Iranian and Central Asian dance\, culture\, and history. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to lead people to the historic beauty and richness of Persia and the Silk Road culture and to aid them find inner bliss through dance\, music\, and spirituality. Read more… \nAbout the Venue: Moonlight Farms and Resort\nOur setting is a beautiful and magical farm and resort atop the mountains of Barouk near the Cedars\, an amazing place in nature\, combining the very best of comfort and tranquility—a paradise hideaway where seclusion meets exotic natural beauty. The resort is situated in El Barouk\, in the district of Chouf. It is located 15 minutes from the historic Cedar forest. Designed to reflect the native culture\, Moonlight Farms and Resort is a beautiful\, rustic resort that benefits from a strongly defined sense of community and a relaxed\, intimate atmosphere. At its center lies a zoo that contains deer\, lama\, ostriches\, rabbits\, and more\, plus a nearby horse pavilion. Moonlight Farms and Resort’s organically grown vegetables and fruits makes it a favorite place for health loving customers. The generous\, devoted staff seeks to create magic moments to make your stay truly unforgettable. Read more… \nOur retreat accommodations are beautifully-built wooden bungalows with outdoor sitting area and wooden pergolas. \nPayment and Registration\nRetreat fee: $250\nA deposit of $100 sent by October 1st\, 2019 will secure your registration. Balance to be paid upon arrival. No refunds. \nPayment for the retreat includes all workshops and evening events for 3 days\, 2 nights including homemade vegetarian meals and bungalow lodging (shared occupancy of 2\, 4\, and 6 people). Bungalows mainly have shared double beds. \nPayment options: \n\nWe can meet anywhere in Beirut and you can pay by cash\nWestern Union (under the name: Suzan Talhouk – Beirut)\n\nHurry\, reserve your spot. The retreat is limited to 21 registrants. \nContact\nFor coordination and questions contact us by \n\nWhatsApp: 009613686908\nEmail: Susan Talhouk URL:http://farimadance.com/event/rose-and-the-nightingale-3/ LOCATION:Moonlight Farms and Resort\, El Barouk\, Chouf\, Lebanon CATEGORIES:Retreat,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/IMG_2364.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Susan Talhouk":MAILTO:talhouksusan@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20191012T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20191013T170000 DTSTAMP:20260413T092621 CREATED:20190916T175906Z LAST-MODIFIED:20191010T071207Z UID:19734-1570878000-1570986000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Rose and the Nightingale DESCRIPTION:Rose and the Nightingale (Gol-o-Bolbol) is a two-day training workshop in Sufism\, Persian Mystical Dance and Ancient Iranic Rituals with Sufi dance master and ethnologist Farima Berenij. This intensive workshop includes Poetry (Original Old Farsi Text)\, Ancient Iranic Whirling and Sufi Whirling (focus on Attar and Shams whirling of Khorsan and Yarsan traditions)\, Music Studies (understanding the Dastghah and Makhams of Iranian Sufi music (Mode and instruments used for Love\, Longing\, Beloved)\, Prayers\, and ancient Iranic Mantras and Zikr based on the rotation of the Sun and Moon (Rose and Nightingale): \n\nTraining and lectures on the symbolism and changes of the meaning of Rose and Nightingale from the Ancient Iranic rituals\, to the Golden Age of Islam.\nUnderstanding the sense of self through Love\, Longing\, Separation\, Beloved\, Solitude.\nErfa – Mystical Gathering and Iranic Sufi Whirling (Khorasan and Yarsan tradition\, Sema of Love\, Nightingale\, and Vahishta) through the words of Sufi Persian Poetry and music based on Nightingale and Rose.\nAncient Iranic Mystical Dances and Rituals inspired by Sufi Persian Poetry\, Dance of the Rose & Nightingale.\nMystical Persian Dance Choreography “Beloved” and the “Dance of the Nightingale”.\nTaking a step into Solitude – In search of the Beloved through deep listening of the heart.\nDar Eshgh – Understanding the Unification and Becoming ‘Love’\n\nParticipants should have prior whirling experience. Early registration fee is $60-80 (sliding scale) to cover the cost of organizing the workshop. Early registration ends Oct 1\, 2019. \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji is an award-winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, instructor\, dance ethnologist\, choreographer\, and archeologist. Recognized as one of few world experts and scholars of Persian dance history\, Farima infuses spirituality into her dance and teachings to impassion\, empower\, and inspire. Farima travels worldwide to research\, perform\, teach\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance. Farima is founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, and a TEDx lecturer. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/rose-and-the-nightingale-2/ LOCATION:Richmond Knob Hill Community Association Hall\, 2433 26 Ave SW\, Calgary\, Alberta\, AB T2T 5Y5\, Canada CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/70007326_10157657296087372_3647002291770228736_o.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20191006T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20191006T210000 DTSTAMP:20260413T092621 CREATED:20190924T182313Z LAST-MODIFIED:20191004T161518Z UID:19777-1570390200-1570395600@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Dance of the Soul (Sema Gathering and Workshop) DESCRIPTION:Join Farima for a Sufi Whirling Workshop and Sema Gathering\, with live/recorded music\, meditation\, whirling\, Zikr (Sufi Prayer) and Sohbet (Sufi Talk). We will create a sacred\, supportive space where we can all release whatever energy no longer serves us\, relax and open our heart\, body\, and mind. We will discover the power and mystery of ancient dances and rituals – a gateway for self-growth and spiritual transformation– through movement\, music\, love\, and stillness. Be moved by beautiful\, sacred music. \nRegister Online \nOverview\nOur gathering is NOT a performance. \n\nFirst join for a welcoming circle and Farima will lead us into her unique 4 element breathing meditation or 7 mode music meditation and relaxation.\nWe will progress into various Sufi whirling workshop techniques\, styles\, and rules (Turkish Sema\, Khorasan Sema\, Ancient Iranic Sema\, Baktashi Sema\, Uyghur Sema).\nNext we will progress into a prayer and open floor whirling with both live and recorded world sacred music\, poetry\, and drumming.\nWe will close with a Zikr (Sufi Prayers)\, ancient Iranian Shamanic rituals\, sharing\, a gratitude circle\, and Sohbet (Sufi Talk) by Dervish and Semazen\, Farima Berenji.\n\nFarima’s teachings are based on ancient Iranic rituals\, science of whirling\, and the sacred geometry of whirling. We will learn essential techniques of whirling preparation\, maintaining balance and posture\, controlling dizziness\, self-focus during turning\, breath work\, and more. \nFarima’s monthly Sema Gathering offers a unique expression of sacred culture\, inspired by nature\, ancient Iranic rituals\, and the beautiful spiritual traditions of Sufism. We will whirl and journey together to celebrate love\, unity\, and allow the light to enter our soul. \nOpen your heart! Listen! Turn\, dance\, and move in anyway that makes you feel alive! \nGuidelines and Tips\n\nPlease bring a yoga mat or pillow to sit on.\nWe kindly ask for no talking on the whirling floor and to keep the Sema area quiet at all times. Respect yourself as well as those around you.\nPlease wear comfortable clothing (white or light colored if possible) and wear socks or soft soled shoes.\nAvoid eating a large meal 1-2 hours prior\n\nFarima Berenji\nFounder and Artistic Director\, Worldwide Simorgh Dance Collective\, 2007\nFounder and Director of Dance of the Soul ® and the Awakening and Lioness Project ® (Ancient Iranic Warrior Dances and Rituals\, 2013) \nFarima Berenji is an award winning Dance Ethnologist and internationally acclaimed dance artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, and Sufi dance master. Recognized and certified as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology by UNESCO\, she travels worldwide to record\, research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. She is a Magi (Iranian Shaman Master) and a Sufi. \nFarima has worked as a UN scholar\, researching and led an excavations team of Iranian archeology emphasizing the preservation of ancient and mystical Iranic dances. Farima’s dance and spiritual training spans years of intensive research with master artists\, scholars\, and spiritual teachers worldwide. She comes from the Sufi Order of Yarsan of Iran and has devoted her life into researching and brining back the ancient Sufi traditions of Iran and the origin of Sema (Khorasan Sema). \nFarima teaches her own original research findings\, methods\, techniques\, and exercises to uncover the connection between the soul and dance movements based on the book she is writing ‘Seven Sema’ the connection of human soul and the 7 sacred elements of life. Her signature dance projects (dance of the soul and the lioness) combines Persian and Near Eastern sacred and mystical dance forms\, history\, poetry\, and the Sufi and healing rituals of ancient Iran Persia\, the Altai Mountains\, and Central Asia. \nAs a scholar\, Farima presents new archaeological discoveries and research upon Sufism and its connection to the ancient Zoroastrianism and Sufism\, the human body\, and its symbolic meaning in the Universe along the pathway to the soul. She will introduce you to ritual movements celebrating the grace and joy of life and to a society where and when people lived in harmony with each other and with nature. She teaches her own unique movement and techniques that are researched and inspired during her various studies in Khaneqas (Sufi Houses) and Fire temples of Khorasan\, Kurdistan\, Tehran\, and Shiraz. \nFarima is one of the few Iranian women who has been allowed to teach\, write and perform the Gwati and Vahishta Sema Rituals in Iran and around the world and has been recognized by Iran and UN as the pioneer of bringing back the original mystic Rituals of Khorasan. She is the first Iranian woman to have received the CID-UNESCO award and certification and is currently the dance ambassador of UNESCO\, the first Iranian woman artist to receive the National Folk Dance Association award\, and the first Iranian woman healer and dancer to have been chosen for TED Talk. Farima is the recipient of the prestigious UN award and has been recognized by Congressman Mike Honda\, by the Iranian Women’s Rights Committee “30 Voices\,” Music and Cultural Organization of Turkey. Farima was the first Iranian\, to have been invited and perform during a reception for US President Obama\, Governor of Alaska\, UN\, EU\, Ambassador of Canada\, and Ambassador of Spain. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/sema-gathering-sacramento/ LOCATION:Yoga Studio\, Anatolia Clubhouse\, 11828 Chrysanthy Blvd\, Rancho Cordova\, CA\, 95742\, United States CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema),Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/banner-fb-4-3.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Shery Allahyari":MAILTO:sherysjewelry@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190929T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190929T180000 DTSTAMP:20260413T092621 CREATED:20190817T080025Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190817T080025Z UID:22626-1569772800-1569780000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Sacred Circle Gathering (Cancelled) DESCRIPTION:This event has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for another date \nLed by Farima Berenji and Xiaojie Zheng\, this evening session will include an introduction to: \n\nAncient Persian healing movements and rituals\nBreath work and visualization\nBasic whirling practices\n\nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji is an award-winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, instructor\, dance ethnologist\, choreographer\, and archeologist. Recognized as one of few world experts and scholars of Persian dance history\, Farima infuses spirituality into her dance and teachings to impassion\, empower\, and inspire. Farima travels worldwide to research\, perform\, teach\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance. Farima is founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, and a TEDx lecturer. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/sacred-circle-gathering-2/ LOCATION:New Era Art Studio\, 1250 Missouri St #311\, San Francisco\, CA\, 94107\, United States CATEGORIES:Lecture,Meditation Gathering (Sema),Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/18.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190929T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190929T180000 DTSTAMP:20260413T092621 CREATED:20190817T080025Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190927T171446Z UID:19539-1569772800-1569780000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Sacred Circle Gathering (Cancelled) DESCRIPTION:This event has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for another date \nLed by Farima Berenji and Xiaojie Zheng\, this evening session will include an introduction to: \n\nAncient Persian healing movements and rituals\nBreath work and visualization\nBasic whirling practices\n\nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji is an award-winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, instructor\, dance ethnologist\, choreographer\, and archeologist. Recognized as one of few world experts and scholars of Persian dance history\, Farima infuses spirituality into her dance and teachings to impassion\, empower\, and inspire. Farima travels worldwide to research\, perform\, teach\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance. Farima is founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, and a TEDx lecturer. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/sacred-circle-gathering/ LOCATION:New Era Art Studio\, 1250 Missouri St #311\, San Francisco\, CA\, 94107\, United States CATEGORIES:Lecture,Meditation Gathering (Sema),Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/18.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190928T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190928T210000 DTSTAMP:20260413T092621 CREATED:20190731T001819Z LAST-MODIFIED:20201008T055513Z UID:19397-1569697200-1569704400@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Journey Along the Silk Route DESCRIPTION:Enjoy a dazzling concert that celebrates the diverse cultures\, music\, and dance traditions of the Silk Road. Featuring ethnic dances of Iran\, Azerbaijan\, Afghanistan\, Uzbekistan\, Armenia\, Turkey\, and more performed by the Simorgh Dance Collective\, Eastern Arts\, members of the Aylan Dance Group\, and live music by Homeyra Banejad and Ensemble. \nDoors open at 6:30 PM \nThe Simorgh Dance Collective gratefully acknowledges the support of the Good Samaritan United Methodist Church and other generous individuals. \nTickets\n\nSuggested Donation: $30 advance\, $35 at the door \nONLINE TICKETS \nLavish new costumes\, live music\, and studio and theater rental poses a great challenge on a limited budget. Your support enables the professional and emerging artists of the not-for-profit Simorgh Dance Collective to bring audiences an appreciation for the culture of the Silk Road in dance and music. \nThe Simorgh Dance Collective gratefully acknowledges the support of the Good Samaritan United Methodist Church\, and other generous individuals. \nSilk Road Bazaar\nArrive as early as 5:30pm to visit our Silk Road Bazaar with speciality clothing and jewellery for sale from our travels to Iran\, Afghanistan\, and Uzbekistan. Proceeds help benefit the work of the Simorgh Dance Collective. \nFarima Berenji – Artistic Director\, Choreographer\n“I cannot put the concert from tonight in words. Emotional\, full of energy\, oneness and beauty. Especially the last two songs and Farima’s powerful and emotional Sufi whirling left me so affected. I am still shaking from the energy. Will never forget this concert. Thank you again and I hope there will be many more.” \n—Meral Ozturk – Manchester\, England\, on Seven Cities of Love\n\nFarima Berenji 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 \n \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..\n \n \n \n \n  \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. \nEastern Arts dancers tonight are Lisa Hoyt and Justine Sheedy-Kramer. Each has received Master’s degrees in dance with ballet emphasis. They have traveled throughout the world with Character Dance Ensemble studying traditional and character dance. They each also teach at university level and for companies such as Ballet West Academy and Salt Lake City Ballet. Read more..\n  \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 “Sufi Saint and Swinger” 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.. Catalog of Recordings.\n  \nKatherine St. John\nKatherine St. John Katherine St. John received a Master’s degree in dance pedagogy from Brigham Young University and a Master’s in Persian from the University of Utah and completed coursework for a PhD in dance history and theory from the University of California. Katherine has performed and choreographed for theater\, dance companies\, operas and at universities for 30 plus years. She was an artist in residence teaching world dance to students throughout Utah and neighboring states for 20 years. Her Master’s thesis is about dance in Herat Afghanistan from 1970-1980 during Russian interference. Read more..\n \n \n \n  \nHomeyra Banejad and Ensemble\nHomeyra Banejad and Ensemble Homeyra Banejad is an Iranian daf player and vocalist. As a member of the Iranian Musician Union of Iran she has performed in Iran and the US with Sima Bina\, Hamed Nikpay\, Simin Ghanem\, and many more artists! \nPerforming with Homeyra are: Neda Ameli\, Lina Bidgoli\, Atra Boustani\, Avideh Danaii\, Siamak Ebadi\, Farin Foroudi\, Soroush Foroudi\, Mona Gafari\, Rozita Rahaei\, and Dokhie “Faye” Shehabi. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/journey-along-the-silk-route/ LOCATION:Good Samaritan United Methodist Church\, 19624 Homestead Road (near Wolfe)\, Cupertino\, CA\, 95014\, United States CATEGORIES:Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Journey-2019-banner.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190915T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190915T210000 DTSTAMP:20260413T092621 CREATED:20190830T060659Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200204T033828Z UID:19608-1568575800-1568581200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Dance of the Soul (Sema Gathering and Workshop) DESCRIPTION:Join Farima for a Sufi Whirling Workshop and Sema Gathering\, with live/recorded music\, meditation\, whirling\, Zikr (Sufi Prayer) and Sohbet (Sufi Talk). We will create a sacred\, supportive space where we can all release whatever energy no longer serves us\, relax and open our heart\, body\, and mind. We will discover the power and mystery of ancient dances and rituals – a gateway for self-growth and spiritual transformation– through movement\, music\, love\, and stillness. Be moved by beautiful\, sacred music. \nRegister Online \nOverview\nOur gathering is NOT a performance. More details about sacred dance and Sema training may be found here. \n\nFirst join for a welcoming circle and Farima will lead us into her unique 4 element breathing meditation or 7 mode music meditation and relaxation.\nWe will progress into various Sufi whirling workshop techniques\, styles\, and rules (Turkish Sema\, Khorasan Sema\, Ancient Iranic Sema\, Baktashi Sema\, Uyghur Sema).\nNext we will progress into a prayer and open floor whirling with both live and recorded world sacred music\, poetry\, and drumming.\nWe will close with a Zikr (Sufi Prayers)\, ancient Iranian Shamanic rituals\, sharing\, a gratitude circle\, and Sohbet (Sufi Talk) by Dervish and Semazen\, Farima Berenji.\n\nFarima’s teachings are based on ancient Iranic rituals\, science of whirling\, and the sacred geometry of whirling. We will learn essential techniques of whirling preparation\, maintaining balance and posture\, controlling dizziness\, self-focus during turning\, breath work\, and more. \nFarima’s monthly Sema Gathering offers a unique expression of sacred culture\, inspired by nature\, ancient Iranic rituals\, and the beautiful spiritual traditions of Sufism. We will whirl and journey together to celebrate love\, unity\, and allow the light to enter our soul. \nOpen your heart! Listen! Turn\, dance\, and move in anyway that makes you feel alive! \n \nGuidelines and Tips\n\nPlease bring a yoga mat or pillow to sit on.\nWe kindly ask for no talking on the whirling floor and to keep the Sema area quiet at all times. Respect yourself as well as those around you.\nPlease wear comfortable clothing (white or light colored if possible) and wear socks or soft soled shoes.\nAvoid eating a large meal 1-2 hours prior\n\nFarima Berenji\nFounder and Artistic Director\, Worldwide Simorgh Dance Collective\, 2007\nFounder and Director of Dance of the Soul ® and the Awakening and Lioness Project ® (Ancient Iranic Warrior Dances and Rituals\, 2013) \nFarima Berenji is an award winning Dance Ethnologist and internationally acclaimed dance artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, and Sufi dance master. Recognized and certified as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology by UNESCO\, she travels worldwide to record\, research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. She is a Magi (Iranian Shaman Master) and a Sufi. \nFarima has worked as a UN scholar\, researching and led an excavations team of Iranian archeology emphasizing the preservation of ancient and mystical Iranic dances. Farima’s dance and spiritual training spans years of intensive research with master artists\, scholars\, and spiritual teachers worldwide. She comes from the Sufi Order of Yarsan of Iran and has devoted her life into researching and brining back the ancient Sufi traditions of Iran and the origin of Sema (Khorasan Sema). \nFarima teaches her own original research findings\, methods\, techniques\, and exercises to uncover the connection between the soul and dance movements based on the book she is writing ‘Seven Sema’ the connection of human soul and the 7 sacred elements of life. Her signature dance projects (dance of the soul and the lioness) combines Persian and Near Eastern sacred and mystical dance forms\, history\, poetry\, and the Sufi and healing rituals of ancient Iran Persia\, the Altai Mountains\, and Central Asia. \nAs a scholar\, Farima presents new archaeological discoveries and research upon Sufism and its connection to the ancient Zoroastrianism and Sufism\, the human body\, and its symbolic meaning in the Universe along the pathway to the soul. She will introduce you to ritual movements celebrating the grace and joy of life and to a society where and when people lived in harmony with each other and with nature. She teaches her own unique movement and techniques that are researched and inspired during her various studies in Khaneqas (Sufi Houses) and Fire temples of Khorasan\, Kurdistan\, Tehran\, and Shiraz. \nFarima is one of the few Iranian women who has been allowed to teach\, write and perform the Gwati and Vahishta Sema Rituals in Iran and around the world and has been recognized by Iran and UN as the pioneer of bringing back the original mystic Rituals of Khorasan. She is the first Iranian woman to have received the CID-UNESCO award and certification and is currently the dance ambassador of UNESCO\, the first Iranian woman artist to receive the National Folk Dance Association award\, and the first Iranian woman healer and dancer to have been chosen for TED Talk. Farima is the recipient of the prestigious UN award and has been recognized by Congressman Mike Honda\, by the Iranian Women’s Rights Committee “30 Voices\,” Music and Cultural Organization of Turkey. Farima was the first Iranian\, to have been invited and perform during a reception for US President Obama\, Governor of Alaska\, UN\, EU\, Ambassador of Canada\, and Ambassador of Spain. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/sema-gathering-anatolia/ LOCATION:Yoga Studio\, Anatolia Clubhouse\, 11828 Chrysanthy Blvd\, Rancho Cordova\, CA\, 95742\, United States CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema),Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/DanceOfTheSoul-Anatolia.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Shery Allahyari":MAILTO:sherysjewelry@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190721T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190721T113000 DTSTAMP:20260413T092621 CREATED:20190425T224914Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190707T180058Z UID:18663-1563706800-1563708600@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Connecting with Sacred and Traditional Dance DESCRIPTION:A Lecture by Farima Berenji \nInternationally acclaimed dance artist\, choreographer\, and scholar Farima Berenji is passionate when she speaks of the role dance has played in her life. At her core\, she believes dance rituals invoke healing and harmony. This was the legacy of these dances but over time\, people have lost connection to them. She feels strongly that bringing these ancient rituals back to life will help bring positive change to our lives. \nGuests are cordially invited. Free will offering accepted. \nDOWNLOAD flier… \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji is an award-winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, instructor\, dance ethnologist\, choreographer\, and archeologist. Recognized as one of few world experts and scholars of Persian dance history\, Farima infuses spirituality into her dance and teachings to impassion\, empower\, and inspire. Farima travels worldwide to research\, perform\, teach\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance. Farima is founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, and a TEDx lecturer. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/connecting-sacred-dance/ LOCATION:Cultural Integration Fellowship\, 2650 Fulton Street\, San Francisco\, CA\, 94118\, United States CATEGORIES:Lecture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/DSC_0044.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Cultural Integration Fellowship":MAILTO:culturalfellowship@sbcglobal.net END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Moscow:20190622T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Moscow:20190622T160000 DTSTAMP:20260413T092621 CREATED:20190604T101232Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190605T171939Z UID:18789-1561197600-1561219200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Sufi Dance Workshop DESCRIPTION:Join Farima Berenji for a four hour workshop in Sufi dance. Venture deep into your heart to meet your sacred self and learn various styles of Sufi whirling practices including breathing techniques and moving meditation. \nThe workshop will be divided into two parts: \nPart I: Fundamentals\, 10 am to 12 pm\nBreathing\, basic techniques\, and whirling exercises (beginners only). \nPart II: Advanced\, 2 to 4 pm\nMoving meditation\, breathing\, and various styles of Sufi whirling theory. \nLunch break will be from 12 to 2 pm. For $10 enjoy one of our vegetarian healthy homemade meals prepared with love. \nRegistration\nFull workshop only $70\, one part instead only $40.\nPurchase our vegetarian healthy homemade meal for $10. \nKindly contact us at 70 803875 ~ 01 219597\nSpace limited. Book your spot ASAP. \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji is an award-winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, instructor\, dance ethnologist\, choreographer\, and archeologist. Recognized as one of few world experts and scholars of Persian dance history\, Farima infuses spirituality into her dance and teachings to impassion\, empower\, and inspire. Specializing in ancient\, sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances\, Farima travels worldwide to research\, perform\, teach\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance. Farima is founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, and a 2018 TEDx lecturer. Read more… URL:http://farimadance.com/event/sufi-dance-workshop/ LOCATION:Shakti Wellness Center\, 2nd floor\, Ghazaliyeh street\, Haddad Building\, Sioufi sector\, Achrafieh\, Lebanon CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/61935032_3085710324773243_5630211085740015616_n.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Shakti Wellness Center":MAILTO:info@shakti.life END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Tehran:20190530T000000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Tehran:20190609T000000 DTSTAMP:20260413T092621 CREATED:20160615T151630Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T035133Z UID:6036-1559174400-1560038400@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Cultural & Mystical Tour of Iran DESCRIPTION:Cultural & Mystical Tour of Iran \nDiscover Iran’s beautiful cultural heritage and mysticism of the Silk Road! Led by Farima Berenji\, internationally recognized dance scholar and award-winning world dance choreographer and performer. \nThis unique travel experience and opportunity focuses on the history\, mysticism\, art\, music\, and dance traditions of Iran and the Silk Road. Guests will study dance\, poetry\, music\, history\, and visit mystic and ancient sites. Destinations include Tehran\, Yazd\, Kashan\, Isfahan\, Shiraz\, Qashqai and Bakhtiar Nomads\, Persapolis\, Pasarghad\, Chak Chak Village\, Abiane Village\, and includes whirling and ancient Iranic healing rituals in the desert and more… \nThe soul of Persia has been inspiring humans for ages to commune with mysticism. Through poetry\, music\, sacred architecture and carpet patterns\, Persia invites us to travel beyond the realm of duality to meet ourselves\, each other\, and the world to a space beyond mere existence. \nWe invite you to a unique journey meet the soul of Persia. We will travel to the heart of this ancient land\, meet the mystery within and about us. We will rest in a space of deep silence\, where ancient caravans of travelled west to meet the new world. \nPayment Includes\n\nHotel accommodation and taxes\nBreakfast and lunch\nDaily refreshments and snacks (tea\, coffee\, Nescafe\, and mineral water are always at your 
disposal enroute)\nPrivate transport\nDomestic flights\nEntrance fee of the monuments based on itinerary\nWorkshops and lectures\nAll transfers\n\n  \nPayment Does NOT Include\n\nVisa fees (based on your departure country)\nAirfare\nPersonal transportation or taxi fees\nPersonal expenses or extra stay\nPersonal sightseeing\nHotel and transport service tips\nDinner\nExtra food and drink not included in the menu list\nAlcoholic beverages\n\nPayment and Rules\n$800 – Simorgh members\n$850 – Early-bird price prior March 30\, 2019\n$950 – After March 30\, 2019 (For all and including Simorgh Members) \nDEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS APRIL 1ST. A DEPOSIT OF $350 IS REQUIRED TO HOLD SPACE. \nDue to advance reservations and planning requirements we will not register anyone after April 1st. \nVisa\nAll U.S. and Canadian citizens must apply for visa at least 1.5 months before the start of the tour. All other nationalities\, please contact your local embassy to see if a visa is required. For visa requirements please visit evisa.mfa.ir to apply. \nA $300 agent and processing fee is required from US and Canadian Citizens (visa process and background check). Contact your local embassy for more details. We do not provide any legal advice. \nMore Information\nFor more details please contact us. A full schedule details will be given prior to the start of the tour. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/mystical-iran-tour/ LOCATION:Iran\, Iran\, Islamic Republic of CATEGORIES:Retreat,Tour,Workshop ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Anchorage:20190504T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Anchorage:20190504T213000 DTSTAMP:20260413T092622 CREATED:20180703T022014Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230515T021113Z UID:17714-1556996400-1557005400@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Colors of Persia DESCRIPTION:Roya-e-Ranghin\nA Dance and Music Journey Through Persia\nJoin the Simorgh Dance Collective for a dazzling concert that celebrates the diverse cultures\, music\, and dance traditions of Persia. Featuring ethnic dances performed in costume by the Simorgh Dance Collective\, and Farima Berenji. Includes pre-show dinner banquet. \nDoors open at 6:30 PM \nThe Simorgh Dance Collective gratefully acknowledges the support of the Trinity Presbyterian Church and other generous individuals. \nTickets\n\nAdmission includes pre-show dinner banquet.\nAdult: $35 advance\, $40 at the door.\nYouth (6-12): $15 advance or at door. \nIn Anchorage you may call to arrange purchase of printed tickets from Gita Franklin: 907-306-2941 \nLavish new costumes\, live music\, and studio and theater rental poses a great challenge on a limited budget. Your support enables the professional and emerging artists of the not-for-profit Simorgh Dance Collective to bring audiences an appreciation for the culture of the Silk Road in dance and music. \nPlease help us accomplish this huge effort by donating ANY amount above the admission price you can. Be generous as the more we raise the better our production and benefit to the community will be. \nONLINE TICKETS \nFarima Berenji – Artistic Director\, Choreographer\n“I cannot put the concert from tonight in words. Emotional\, full of energy\, oneness and beauty. Especially the last two songs and Farima’s powerful and emotional Sufi whirling left me so affected. I am still shaking from the energy. Will never forget this concert. Thank you again and I hope there will be many more.” \n—Meral Ozturk – Manchester\, England\, on Seven Cities of Love\n\nFarima Berenji \nFarima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, lecturer\, dance ethnologist\, and archaeologist specializing in classical\, folkloric\, and sacred dances of Persia and the Silk Road. Her training spans a lifetime of intensive collaboration and research with master artists\, scholars\, and spiritual teachers worldwide. She is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a worldwide collaborative devoted to teach dance technique\, interpret\, illustrate\, present\, and perform dances of the Silk Road. Farima performs\, offers workshops\, and lectures worldwide upon request and has appeared in the US\, UK\, Austria\, Czech Republic\, Turkey\, Mauritius\, and Iran. Read more..\n \n  \nSimorgh Dance Collective\nSimorgh Dance Collective \nThe Simorgh Dance Collective is a world community of artists devoted to cross-cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration through traditional\, classical\, and sacred dance styles of the Silk Road. The Collective currently has member companies and artist affiliations in Alaska\, British Columbia\, Turkey\, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Read more.. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/colors-of-persia/ LOCATION:Trinity Presbyterian Church\, 12310 Lorraine St\, Anchorage\, AK\, 99516\, United States CATEGORIES:Dinner and Dance Show,Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/36550957_2373768119300804_4151025525818654720_o.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190310T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190310T140000 DTSTAMP:20260413T092622 CREATED:20181219T193534Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190212T075233Z UID:18125-1552215600-1552226400@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Central Asian Dance Workshops DESCRIPTION:Once monthly dance workshop on Central Asian ethnic dance taught by Nancy Rose Aktas\, Farima Berenji\, and Dr. Gurbuz Aktas. Cultural styles taught include Uzbek\, Tajik\, Afgan\, and Azeri. Workshop dates are January 13\, February 10\, and March 10. \nBoth men and women are welcome! Students have an opportunity to perform in a future dance show. \nAzerbaijani Dance with Nancy Rose Aktas\nMar 10\, 11:00am – 12:30pm\, $35\nLearn Kafkaz and Azeri dance choreography and technique including fast footwork and some Lezginka for both men and women. \nMay be taken in conjunction with Uzbek Dance for a combined payment of $60. \nUzbek Dance with Nancy Rose Aktas\nMar 10\, 12:30pm – 2:00pm\, $35\nKhorezm\nHave great fun learning and performing the famous dance Lazgi from the Khorezm region of western Uzbekistan! This style of Uzbek dance is perfect for gatherings large and small\, has lots of animal imitative movements\, and an intriguing shamanic past. We fly like gulls high over the rippling waters of the Aral Sea. The sumptuous costuming and abundant jewelry reflect both the ancient culture of the city of Khiva\, but also of the surrounding Turkmen nomadic tribes. Participants please bring wrist bells if you have them! \nInstructor Nancy Rose Aktas has studied and performed this dance style since the early 1980’s\, emulating the style as taught by Viloyat Akilova\, Kadir Muminov\, and Malika Kalantarova. She has presented this form in concerts and private gatherings in Turkey\, and coaches and teaches privately all forms of Uzbek dance. \nMay be taken in conjunction with Azeri Dance workshop for a combined payment of $60. \nTajik Dance with Farima Berenji\nschedule and details soon… \nAfghan Dance with Farima Berenji\nschedule and details soon… \nInstructor Bios\nNancy Rose Aktas\nMaster Instructor and Costume Designer \nNancy Rose Aktas began her 50 year career in dance in New York at age 13. Fully trained in modern dance\, classical ballet\, and various ballroom styles\, she has also studied\, taught\, choreographed\, costumed\, and performed the dances of Azerbaijan\, Daghestan\, Georgia\, Kabardinia\, North India\, Eastern Turkestan\, Persia\, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. \nShe was the founding co-director of two SF Bay Area dance companies\, Silk Road Ensemble and Kafkaz Dance Company in the 1980’s and 1990’s\, and for 5 years was co-owner and lead instructor of the ballroom studio Dance Arts Izmir\, with her husband Gurbuz Aktas\, in Turkey. She represented Azerbaijan (“Terekeme”) and Uzbekistan (“Zang”) as a featured soloist of SF’s Ethnic Dance Festival in 1993 and 1994. \nIn ethnic costume design her New Leaf Traditions costumes highlight museum quality replicas of ethnic dress\, and she works on commission for domestic and international clientèle. \nDr. Gurbuz Aktas\nDr. Gurbuz Aktas was born into the Kafkas (Caucasian) culture in Kars\, Turkey\, where he performed the dance and music of the area since childhood. His eventual mentors included top teachers of Azerbaijani\, Northern Caucasian\, Georgian\, Daghestani and Russian dances and he has performed with some of the top dancers of the state companies of these areas. During his study of dance at San Francisco State University\, he was the founding director of the renowned Kafkaz Folk Song and Dance Ensemble in San Francisco\, CA from 1986-1996. \nHe went on to become the Director of the Dance Department at Ege University’s State Turkish Music Conservatory in Izmir\, a post from which he retired after 22 years\, in the spring of 2018. \nAs a leading expert in the traditional dances of Azerbaijan he has conducted extensive field research in remote villages interviewing older dancers as well as interviewing founding members of the Azerbaijan State Ensemble. His work was officially sponsored by the Turkish government \nGurbuz Aktas holds a BA\, MA \,and is a Full Professor PhD in Ethnochoreology. \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, lecturer\, dance ethnologist\, and archaeologist specializing in classical\, folkloric\, and sacred dances of Persia and the Silk Road. Her training spans a lifetime of intensive collaboration and research with master artists\, scholars\, and spiritual teachers worldwide. She is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a worldwide collaborative devoted to teach dance technique\, interpret\, illustrate\, present\, and perform dances of the Silk Road. Farima performs\, offers workshops\, and lectures worldwide upon request and has appeared in the US\, UK\, Austria\, Czech Republic\, Turkey\, Mauritius\, and Iran. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/central-asian-dance-workshops/ LOCATION:Vision Dance Center\, 375 Saratoga Ave. Suite B\, San Jose\, CA\, 95129\, United States CATEGORIES:Class,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/48369268_2700107900000156_3335516377107660800_n.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190309T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190309T210000 DTSTAMP:20260413T092622 CREATED:20190127T060917Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250616T073716Z UID:18311-1552147200-1552165200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Femina DESCRIPTION:Sangam Arts & Guru Shradha presents \nFemina\nIn celebration of women… \nLocal master choreographers and artists representing artistic traditions from around the globe will present 75 minutes of glorious music and dance. Featured styles include Cambodian (Charya Burt)\, Chinese (Haiyan Jackson Dance)\, Indian (Bharatanatyam – Vidhya Subramanian & Odissi- Guru Shradha)\, West African (Cheza Nami)\, Cumbia Colombiana (Daybreaker Pro). \nIncludes a dance re-enactment exemplifying the legendary ancient women warriors and goddesses of ancient Persia by Farima Berenji and the Simorgh Dance Collective to traditional Persian music performed live by Homeyra Banejad and Ensemble. \nThe performance will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with artists. \nOne day\, two shows: March 9\, 2019 4:00pm & 7:30pm \nBuy Tickets \n\nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, lecturer\, dance ethnologist\, and archaeologist specializing in classical\, folkloric\, and sacred dances of Persia and the Silk Road. Her training spans a lifetime of intensive collaboration and research with master artists\, scholars\, and spiritual teachers worldwide. She is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a worldwide collaborative devoted to teach dance technique\, interpret\, illustrate\, present\, and perform dances of the Silk Road. Farima performs\, offers workshops\, and lectures worldwide upon request and has appeared in the US\, UK\, Austria\, Czech Republic\, Turkey\, Mauritius\, and Iran. Read more.. \nSimorgh Dance Collective\nThe Simorgh Dance Collective is a world community of artists devoted to cross-cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration through traditional\, classical\, and sacred dance styles of the Silk Road. The Collective currently has member companies and artist affiliations in Alaska\, British Columbia\, Turkey\, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Read more.. \nHomeyra Banejad\nHomeyra Banejad is an Iranian daf player and vocalist. As a member of the Iranian Musician Union of Iran she has performed in Iran and the US with Sima Bina\, Hamed Nikpay\, Simin Ghanem\, and many more artists! URL:http://farimadance.com/event/femina/ LOCATION:Joe Goode Annex\, 401 Alabama Street\, San Francisco\, CA\, 94110\, United States CATEGORIES:Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/50663687_2795392987138313_5525216718948925440_n.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Sangam Arts":MAILTO:info@sangamarts.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190228T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190228T170000 DTSTAMP:20260413T092622 CREATED:20190211T200841Z LAST-MODIFIED:20201008T055543Z UID:18377-1551362400-1551373200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:West Valley College Persian New Year Celebration 2019 DESCRIPTION:Celebrate Persian New Year with dance and musical performance\, as well as food. Special guest Masih Alinejad with dance performances by Farima Berenji and the Simorgh Dance Collective\, and live music by Homeyra Banejad and Ensemble. \nMasih Alinejad\nMasih Alinejad is an Iranian women’s rights activist\, journalist\, and author. Alinejad launched the “My Stealthy Freedom” campaign\, with more than three million followers on social media and one of the many such efforts inside and outside Iran against the oppression of women in the Islamic Republic of Iran. \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, lecturer\, dance ethnologist\, and archaeologist specializing in classical\, folkloric\, and sacred dances of Persia and the Silk Road. Her training spans a lifetime of intensive collaboration and research with master artists\, scholars\, and spiritual teachers worldwide. She is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a worldwide collaborative devoted to teach dance technique\, interpret\, illustrate\, present\, and perform dances of the Silk Road. Farima performs\, offers workshops\, and lectures worldwide upon request and has appeared in the US\, UK\, Austria\, Czech Republic\, Turkey\, Mauritius\, and Iran. Read more.. \n \nSimorgh Dance Collective\nThe Simorgh Dance Collective is a world community of artists devoted to cross-cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration through traditional\, classical\, and sacred dance styles of the Silk Road. The Collective currently has member companies and artist affiliations in Alaska\, British Columbia\, Turkey\, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Read more.. \nHomeyra Banejad\nHomeyra Banejad is an Iranian daf player and vocalist. As a member of the Iranian Musician Union of Iran she has performed in Iran and the US with Sima Bina\, Hamed Nikpay\, Simin Ghanem\, and many more artists! \nDOWNLOAD promotional flier URL:http://farimadance.com/event/west-valley-norouz/ LOCATION:West Valley College\, Campus Center\, 14000 Fruitvale Ave\, Saratoga\, CA\, 95070\, United States CATEGORIES:Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/wvcNorouz2019.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190129T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190129T203000 DTSTAMP:20260413T092622 CREATED:20181228T232147Z LAST-MODIFIED:20181230T012011Z UID:18144-1548790200-1548793800@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Sacred Circle DESCRIPTION:An evening of ancient mystical healing rituals including breath work\, Sufi zikr circle\, Hu meditation\, sufi walk meditation\, and more facilitated by Farima Berenji. \nOpen your heart\, body\, and mind in this mystical session of meditation\, breath work\, and healing led by Farima Berenji. We will seek the foundation of spiritual healing in the mysticism of vibration and sound\, realizing how all life emerges from silence\, and all things have sound hidden within them. We will open by awakening the soul in meditation to the word “Hu”\, the breath of the devine\, God\, then journey into healing with Farima’s unique 5 element breath therapy\, zikr (Sufi prayers)\, candle gazing\, and walking meditation. \nRegister online \nFarima Berenji\nFarima is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, instructor\, dance ethnologist\, and archaeologist. Recognized as one of few world experts and scholars of Persian dance history\, Farima infuses spirituality into her dance and teachings to impassion\, empower\, and inspire. She is the founder and artistic director of the Farima Dance Company and the Simorgh Dance Collective. Exposed from youth to various music and dance styles her love of dance has led her upon an extraordinary life-long journey throughout the world\, including her home countries Iran and Azerbaijan as well as other neighboring Silk Road countries\, where she has researched\, studied\, and performed with master teachers and performing artists. For over 15 years\, Farima has continued her passion traveling great distances to learn\, research\, lecture\, promote\, perform\, and to teach sacred\, classical\, and folk dances of the Silk Road. \nRead more… \nHow to Find Us\nThe nearest cross streets for the Center for Creative Living are 4th St and Koll Circle. Drive into the parking lot and proceed to the left\, AROUND TO THE BACK of the building. It is well lit and there is plenty of parking. Enter through the back door. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/sacred-circle/ LOCATION:Center for Creative Living\, 1460 Koll Circle\, Suite C\, San Jose\, CA\, 95112\, United States CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema) ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/SacredCircle.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190112T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190112T140000 DTSTAMP:20260413T092622 CREATED:20181212T204524Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190107T161406Z UID:18110-1547294400-1547301600@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Embodiment Workshop DESCRIPTION:Channel – Connect – Transform\nBecome outside yourself in dance! Channel your passion into another being or element and uncover how you can use your body to speak and guide you. \nAll forms of life have a language within them. There is a subtle energy in every element\, object\, animal…. and the manifestation of the greater spirit. Learn the language that the mystics used to manifest these beings and how to connect with them. \nUsing ancient Persian rituals and mystical dances connect to your body and emotional self. We will also learn to correct our posture and body lines based on what we manifest. \nWhirling dance experience helpful but not necessary. Everyone welcome. \nRegister online \nFarima Berenji\nCertified and Scholar of International Dance Council-UNESCO\nMagi (Ancient Iranic Shamanic Master)\, Dervish and Sufi Dance Master. \nFarima is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, instructor\, dance ethnologist\, and archeologist. Recognized as one of few world experts and scholars of Persian dance history\, Farima infuses spirituality into her dance and teachings to impassion\, empower\, and inspire. A Dervish and travels worldwide to research\, perform\, teach\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance. Farima is founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, and a 2018 TEDx lecturer and performer. \nAs a scholar\, Farima presents new archeological discoveries and research upon Sufism and its connection to the ancient Zoroastrianism\, the human body\, and its symbolic meaning in the Universe along the pathway to the soul. She will introduce you to ritual movements celebrating the grace and joy of life and to a society where and when people lived in harmony with each other and with nature. She teaches her own unique movement and techniques that are researched and inspired during her various studies in Khaneqas (Sufi Houses) and Fire temples of Khorasan\, Kurdistan\, Tehran\, Azerbaijan\, Altai Mountains\, Turkey\, and Shiraz. URL:http://farimadance.com/event/embodiment-workshop/ LOCATION:Center for Creative Living\, 1460 Koll Circle\, Suite C\, San Jose\, CA\, 95112\, United States CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:http://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/48137919_2694592833884996_8596601192992210944_o.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR