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.

Technique
Thursday 8:30 – 9:30 pm
$20 – Drop-in  $18 – Summer discount drop-in
$15/week – Entire month, paid in advance or first Thursday of month.
Vision Dance Center, San Jose

Choreography – Advanced Level
Monday 9:30 – 10:30 pm
$20 – Drop-in  $18 – Summer discount drop-in
Vision Dance Center, San Jose

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.

Mondays 8:30-9:30pm
$20 – Drop-in  $18 – Summer discount drop-in
Vision Dance Center, San Jose

Dance of the Soul

Advanced study of various sacred dances of the Near East and whirling movements, vocabulary, and styles. We will explore both spotted and unspotted turns and end with a Sufi whirling dance choreography. Start with breathing techniques, followed by Farima’s unique techniques and teachings of 7 Semas and styles. In association with Jayson Fann.

Tuesdays 7:30-9:00pm
90 Minute dance: $20. Studio schedule
Move Studios, Monterey

Persian Dance for Kids

Hear classical fairy tales from around the world and then use imagination and movement to bring them to life while learning the basics of dance and theatrical role-playing. Creative movement games, including parachute play, finger play, scarves, and musical instruments are also incorporated. This class provides a fun introduction to a structured dance class, coordination exercises and is good preparation for children who would like to receive more formal dance training in the future.

An exciting way for kids aged 4-10 yrs. to keep fit and energized, make new friends, improve confidence, and develop their cultural awareness!

Instructor: Haydeh Keramat

TBD

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.

TBD

Sacred Circle

An evening of ancient mystic healing circles such as Gawati and Zar, Iranian Shamanic healing, Turkish and Iranian zikrs, spirals, Baksi dance, drum circles and movement therapy. Led by Farima Berenji, the Indo-Iranian Shamanic healing and therapy sessions include:

• Sound/Music Therapy based on the Seven Persian Healing Modes.
• Ancient Iranian Stone Therapy.
• Movement Therapy based on Persian Sacred Elements/Animals.
• Breath Work Therapy/Visualization.
• Seven Senses Therapy/Whirling.
• Gwati and Zikr
• Indo-Iranian Magic Dance (releasing unwanted energies).

Farima’s shamanic healing sessions and new research on seven sense whirling are currently being used by private clinics in US and Iran for patients with cancer, anxiety, and depression. Private Shamanic healing is available by appointment.

TBD

Folk Dances of the Silk Road

Folk Dances of the Silk Road will focus monthly on a folk dance of a particular region or people of Persia, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Armenia, Kurdistan, and other locations of Central Asia and the Near East–regions of the fabled Silk Road. Special guest instructors or musicians may be invited. Emphasis will be on fun and participation, not skill. A portion of each class will be reserved for review and recreational dance.

TBD