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.

Beginning Persian Mystical Dance and Sufi Whirling

Discover the power and mystery of whirling as a gateway for self-growth and spiritual enlightenment through movement, music, and meditation. Inspired by nature, ancient Iranic rituals, science, and the beautiful spiritual traditions of Sufism, join Farima to learn the essentials of whirling meditation including preparation, balance and posture, controlling dizziness, self-focus, breath work, and more. Class starts with breath work, a warm up, and progresses into Sufi whirling technique, Sema, and Semah. Iranian, Turkish, and Central Asian styling will be introduced.

This is a beginning level/ technique only class only. No experience necessary to begin participating.

Saturday 10:00 – 11:00 am PST (GMT+08), Resumes April 17
$20 – Drop-in
$15/week – Entire month, paid in advance or first class of month.
By online conferencing. Register to obtain link.

Registration coming soon!

Sacred Dance and Whirling

For the month of March we will

• Review whirling styles, vocabulary, and technique
• Incorporate some ancient Persian devotional dances
• Learn a sacred dance choreography

This month is a good time to register if you have been introduced to whirling before and want to review basic skills and styles.

Tuesday 6:30 – 7:30 pm PDT (GMT+08), Resumes April 20
$20 – Drop-in
$15/week – Entire month, paid in advance or first class of month.
By online conferencing. Register to obtain link.

Registration coming soon!

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.

Dances of Persia and the Silk Road

Focus this month will be to

• Review of Persian classical vocabulary, style, and technique
• Learn a beautiful new choreography

This month is a good time to register if you have had Persian dance or training before and want to review basic skills, vocabulary, and styles.

Tuesday 7:30 – 8:30 pm PDT (GMT+08), Resumes April 20
$20 – Drop-in
$15/week – Entire month, paid in advance or first class of month.
By online conferencing. Register to obtain link.

Registration coming soon!

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.

Yarsan 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 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 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 PDT (GMT+08) Resumes April 21
$10 – Drop-in
$8.75/week – Entire month, paid in advance or first class of month.
By online conferencing. Register to obtain link.

Registration coming soon!

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