“Teaching dance teaches life lessons.” ~Anonymous
Classes
Drop-ins are welcome. Teens are welcome to attend all adult classes. In advance of your first class send us an e-mail to let us know which class you are interested in and what day you will come. We’d like to help and get to know you. For the best price, students normally register and pay at the first class of the month for all meetings that month. Otherwise drop-ins pay at each class. Look to the schedule below for pricing. Ask us for discount pricing if you plan on purchasing multiple classes.
Sacred Dance and Whirling
Study and practice movements to various sacred dances of the Near East, breathing techniques, whirling movements, vocabulary, and styles. We will explore both spotted and unspotted turns.
Dance of Divine Nature
Learn Sufi whirling and ancient Iranic mystic dance movements within the sacred geometry and spirituality of Nature. Discover the many ways in which Nature speaks to each of us.
Lessons Include:
- Spirals of nature – turns, circles and spirals based on the sacred geometry found in nature
- Communication with plants through dance and rituals
- Whirling of the seven Persian sacred flowers and its mystic and healing meanings
Join us in January to learn sacred dances of nature.
Tuesday 6:30 – 7:30 pm PST (GMT+08), January 5 to 26
$20 – Drop-in
$15/week – Entire month, paid in advance or first class of month.
By online conferencing. Register to obtain link.
Dances of Persia and the Silk Road
Experience one of the world’s most enchanting dance forms! Inspired by Persian poetry and miniature artwork, Persian and Silk Road dance combines swirling arabesques, sweeping gestures, shoulder isolations, footwork patterns, and dazzling spins. In this class we will learn various Persian and Central Asian dance movements, vocabulary, styles, expressions, turning, and short sequences. Class will also focus on the historical aspect of each dance style, costuming, and music.
Beginning and Technique
Learn basic Persian and Silk Road movements and skills for practice in choreography.
Advanced and Choreography
For advanced level students with prior experience in ballet, Persian, or contemporary dance only. Class will be focused on choreography or advanced techniques.
Ornate Gestures
Essential Gestures in Persian Dance
Hand and arm movements are essential elements in all forms of Persian dance to convey the passion and story. Classical Persian poetry and dance requires subtle, intricate, and alluring gestures and symbolism. In folkloric dances, hand and arm position and movement portray the character of a people–their lifestyle and traditions. Gestures portray the profoundness of the Divine in sacred dance. Finally, gestures are an important part of the playful and interactive nature of contemporary Persian dance.
Discover and unleash in your dance the secrets of finger, hand, and arm expressions for all styles of Persian dance: classical, sacred, folkloric, and contemporary.
- Hands and fingers
- Arms and upper body expression
- Body language and story telling
Tuesday 7:30 – 8:30 pm PST (GMT+08), January 5 to 26
$20 – Drop-in
$15/week – Entire month, paid in advance or first class of month.
By online conferencing. Register to obtain link.
Sacred Circle and Sufi Lecture
An hour of ancient mystical and Sufi healing rituals facilitated by Master Farima Berenji, including
- Sufi Zikr (Yarsan and Khorasan Zikr)
- Hu Meditation
- Poetry Recitation
- Farima’s unique element Breath Work
- Ancient Iranic Zoroastrian rituals and Mantras
- Meditation and Chanting
Open your heart, body, and mind in this mystical session of meditation, breath work, and healing. Includes lecture and Q/A of Yarsan Sufism or mysticism.
Our Sunday lecture theme is The Seven Levels of Being
Sunday 10:30 am – 11:30 am PST (GMT+08)
By online conferencing. Register to obtain link.
With introductory lecture on Sufism. The theme this month is The Path of the Beloved.
Thursday 10:00 am – 11:00 am PST (GMT+08)
By online conferencing. Register to obtain link.
Yarasan Sufi Music Theory
An online lecture course for musicians and dancers with Pir (Sufi Master) Seyed Salman Hosseini and Sufi Dance Master and Scholar Farima Berenji.
A study of Yarasan and Iranian Sufi music. Learn the history and listen to an in-depth analysis of the seven Sufi sacred maqams and its association with Iranian Sema, sacred movements, and healing. Highly recommended for those studying Iranian Sufi instruments, music, and dance. Also includes lectures on the importance and history of the tanbur and tanbur making in Iranian mysticism.
Private lessons are available in tar, setar, and tanbur with Sufi Master Seyed Salman Hosseini.
Wednesday 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm PST (GMT+08) Starts February 03, 2021
$10 – Drop-in
$8.75/week – Entire month, paid in advance or first class of month.
By online conferencing. Register to obtain link.
Dance of the Soul
Monthly Sema Gathering (Sufi Whirling) and Zikr
Join us on a path for healing and self growth through the power of meditative whirling and sacred dance to live music, mystical poetry, and Zikr (prayer). With us create a sacred supportive space where we can all open our heart, body, and mind.
Sema is a powerful meditation ritual with music, poetry, and movement that originated over 700 years ago with the Sufis. Whirling is the customary dance of Sema whereby one attempts to abandon ego, pain, and personal desires and reach the source of all perfection. Whirling connects us with our center, our heart. There are no spectators when we enter this sacred gathering together. “Sema” means “listening”. Participate with us in this practice of deep listening, become filled with the energy of blessing, and create a channel of healing for all of creation.
We will open with sacred and mystical Persian poetry and meditation, journey into whirling, healing, and Persian and Near Eastern healing dances/rituals with live music, then close our gathering with chanting, drumming, and sharing.
Please wear comfortable clothing (white or light colored if possible) and wear socks or soft soled shoes. If you choose to turn avoid eating a large meal 2 hours prior. Feel free to bring a poem, story, or music to share. Our gathering welcomes musicians and other spiritual or healing teachers to come and share their art.
Dates, times, and locations vary. Please visit our calendar
Class Montage
All programs are copyright the Farima Dance Company.