Persian Mystical Dance and Whirling

Learn the technique, rituals, and theory of sacred dances of Persia and the Silk Road as well as Sufi whirling in this intensive three month course with Master Farima. Farima’s teachings are based on her research in ancient rituals, the science of whirling, and sacred geometry. Learn the essentials of preparation, maintaining balance and posture, controlling dizziness, self-focus during turning, breath work, and devotional dances. Each class will include lecture, intensive core strengthening and ballet technique, warm up, and drills.

1. Module 1: Beginning technique, breath work, and rituals
   Learn and practice essential techniques of breath work and preparation, maintaining balance and posture, controlling dizziness, and self-focus in Iranian and Central Asian whirling and sacred dances.
2. Module 2: Dances and whirling of the elements
   In this series we will study sacred and devotional dance along with Sufi whirling based on the sacred elements of fire, water, earth, and air that are considered valuable in Persian culture.
3. Module 3: Dance and whirling of the timeless
   In this series we will continue at an advanced level to build speed and confidence, learn blocking and releasing, hand use, torso and head tossing, and more devotional movements.

No experience necessary to begin participating. With help anyone can learn and master whirling techniques while respecting one’s own limitations.

Module 3: April 8 – 29, 2023
Saturday 10:00 – 11:00 am Pacific
$20/week – Entire month, paid in advance or first class of month.
$25 drop-in
In-person or online conferencing. Register to obtain link.

Registration for August classes coming soon!

Become a Sacred 1 Member – Ahurani member of Patreon to receive class videos and additional exclusive content such as music, mini-tutorials, and more. Membership is $80/month.

Beginning Persian Dance Series

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, turns, and short sequences. Class will also focus on the historical aspect of each dance style, costuming, and music. Farima will teach her own unique technique and style based on years of research and field work. Each class will include lecture, intensive core strengthening and ballet technique, warm up, and drills.

1. Module 1: Essentials of Persian Dance
   Our focus will be on basic Persian dance techniques, the three rules of dance, vocabulary and styling, sequences, traveling, and patterns, upper body and torso movements, isolation and drills.
2. Module 2: Ornate Gestures and the Art of Expression
   Class will focus on hands, fingers, arm, upper body and facial expression, body language, and narrative gestures that are essential elements in all forms of Persian dance.
3. Module 3: Persian Miniature Art Dance and Geometry
   In this class we will bring the art of Persian miniatures and sacred geometry to life. Learn to incorporate use of sacred geometry, symbolism, asymmetrical and symmetrical form, and patterns in your dance. Discover the art of improvisation to create your own dance. Students will work toward participating in Roya (Dreams), a beautiful choreography based on sacred geometry.

$20/week – Entire month, paid in advance or first class of month.
$25 drop-in
In-person or online conferencing. Register to obtain link.

Become a Persian Dance – Ahurani member of Patreon to receive class videos and additional exclusive content of this class such as music, mini-tutorials, and more. Membership is $60/month.

Sacred Circle

Facilitated by Master Farima Berenji with guest lecturers. Open your heart, body, and mind in this mystical session of meditation, healing, and lectures.

Sacred Circle includes

• Farima’s unique element breath work
• Meditation and chanting
• Live music and poetry reading
• Sema (whirling dance meditation ritual)
• Sufi Zikr (Yarsan Khorasan Zikr)
• Ancient Iranic rituals and mantras
• Lectures and discussion on Yarsan Sufism practice (sohbet)
• Special guest lecturers, dervishes, and musicians

More in-depth knowledge, Sema teachings, and practices for Zikr, fasting, and prayers are provided to Morids (students taking the Sufi path).

Topics vary weekly and monthly. Open for all to participate. No experience needed. Feel free to bring a poem, story, or your music to share.

Sunday 10:00 – 11:00 am PST (GMT+08),
$5/class

Zikr and Sacred Circle

An online weekly gathering for Sufi Zikr facilitated by Master Farima Berenji. Zikr is a form of moving meditation, a ritual prayer or litany practiced by Sufis for the purpose of glorifying God and achieving spiritual perfection.

Yarsan & Turkish Zikr, Zoroastrian and Ancient Iranic Prayers

Tuesday 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Pacific,
$10 donation

Yarsan Mystic Music Theory

History lecture and lessons in various Sufi and Yarsan music for musicians and dancers with Pir (Sufi Master) Seyed Salman Hosseini and Sufi Dance Master and Scholar Farima Berenji.

A study of Yarsan 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, history, and craft of the tanbur 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 Pacific,
$10/week – Entire month, paid in advance or first class of month.
$12 – Drop-in
Register