BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Farima Dance - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://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: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 BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20220313T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20221106T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20230312T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20231105T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20240310T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20241103T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20250309T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20251102T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20260308T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20261101T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20270314T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20271107T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260322T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260329T110000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20260302T035621Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T040005Z UID:33383-1774170000-1774782000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Dances of the Mystics DESCRIPTION:A 6-week online course exploring sacred dance practices from around the world meeting weekly March 22nd – April 26\, 2026 \nLed by master dancers\, spiritual teachers\, and lineage holders from across traditions\, sharing the dances and prayers of their lineages as living doorways into awakening. \nDances of the Mystics is an online course that invites us into exploring movement as devotion. Each week\, master teachers and tradition bearers will guide embodied practices from their lineages\, offering dance as a doorway into presence\, healing\, and spiritual insight.Dances of the Mystics is an online course that invites us into exploring movement as devotion. Each week\, master teachers and tradition bearers will guide embodied practices from their lineages\, offering dance as a doorway into presence\, healing\, and spiritual insight. Through Sufi whirling\, West African ceremonial dance\, Candomblé ritual\, Southern Italian trance dance\, Korean healing rites\, and the Dances of Universal Peace\, we explore how movement can awaken our connection to spirit\, community\, and the wisdom held within the body. More Details… \nRegister \nWeek 2: Dance of the Soul with Farima Berenji\nDiscover the power and mystery of whirling as a gateway to self-growth and spiritual enlightenment through movement\, music\, and meditation. \nThis beginning/intermediate-level training explores Turkish\, Iranic and Central Asian whirling rituals\, as well as the science of whirling. Participants will be guided through the essential foundations of whirling meditation\, including preparation\, balance and posture\, controlling dizziness\, self-focus\, breathwork\, and more. \nDrawing from years of study\, teaching\, and embodied practice\, Dr. Farima Berenji will also introduce her own original method\, integrating traditional wisdom with contemporary understanding to support a grounded\, safe\, and transformative experience. URL:https://farimadance.com/event/dances-of-the-mystics/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Class,Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1.png ORGANIZER;CN="LILA Series":MAILTO:lilatheseries@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260304T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260304T200000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20260303T044436Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T045535Z UID:33395-1772650800-1772654400@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Sema and Prayers for Iran DESCRIPTION:Join us for a free online prayer session and Sema gathering to support peace and solidarity for the people of Iran. Guest musicians are welcome to play for whirling for peace. Please bring stories and poetry to share for peace. \nTogether we wish the people of Iran find healing and peace in the face of alarming social unrest and challenges in their country. \nEnter by Zoom URL:https://farimadance.com/event/sema-prayers-iran/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema),Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SemaForIran030426.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260127T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260127T200000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20260119T035455Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260126T231811Z UID:33319-1769540400-1769544000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Peace and Solidarity for Iran DESCRIPTION:Join us for a free online prayer session and Sema gathering to support peace and solidarity for the people of Iran. Guest musicians are welcome to play for whirling for peace. Please bring stories and poetry to share for peace. \nTogether we wish the people of Iran find healing and peace in the face of alarming social unrest and challenges in their country. \nEnter by Zoom URL:https://farimadance.com/event/peace-for-iran-2/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema),Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/SemaForIran3.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260113T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260113T200000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20260112T063651Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T063706Z UID:33315-1768330800-1768334400@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Peace and Solidarity for Iran DESCRIPTION:Join us for a free online prayer session and Sema gathering to support peace and solidarity for the people of Iran. Guest musicians are welcome to play for whirling for peace. Please bring stories and poetry to share for peace. \nTogether we wish the people of Iran find healing and peace in the face of alarming social unrest and challenges in their country. \nEnter by Zoom URL:https://farimadance.com/event/peaceforiran/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema),Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/SemaForIran.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260111T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260111T143000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20251228T160915Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T031426Z UID:33261-1768136400-1768141800@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Companions of the Sun Author Talk DESCRIPTION:Companions of the Sun\nA Lecture by Scholar Dr. Farima Berenji\nRooted in one of the world’s oldest civilizations\, the traditions of Iranian/Persian sacred dance and music embody the profound wisdom of our ancestors. Observing nature\, the stars\, and the rhythms of life\, they crafted movements expressing love\, strength\, and spiritual transcendence. These rituals continue to inspire cultures worldwide\, preserving a legacy of mysticism and artistic expression. \nAuthor Dr. Farima Berenji presents her research upon the evolutionary origins and practice of Iranian rituals\, beliefs\, and dances\, exploring how Iranian culture permeated global music and dance traditions\, developing distinctly from its sister nations. All this is explored in her book Companions of the Sun \nRegister Now! \nDr. Farima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Dr. Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology\, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward\, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism\, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions\, Sufism\, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden\, the EU\, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts\, founder of Dance of the SoulTM\, advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, National Folk Organization member\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more… URL:https://farimadance.com/event/companions-of-the-sun-capitola/ LOCATION:Capitola Branch Library\, 2005 Wharf Rd\, Capitola\, CA\, 95010\, United States CATEGORIES:Book,Lecture,Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/CompanionsoftheSunCover1Finaltrimmed_49a58d2b-e1f4-46d9-974b-a07ce4704922.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251204T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251204T210000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20251201T002612Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251201T052944Z UID:33238-1764876600-1764882000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Companions of the Sun and Mitramass DESCRIPTION:Dr. Farima Berenji will present her book Companions of the Sun and will discuss the resemblance of winter rituals of Mithra to Christmas. \nWe have always known of Christmas on December 25th\, with a traditional decorated tree\, candles\, and gifts. Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ yet its rituals and traditions far precede that time. Unquestionably\, our ancestors adopted the rituals from an ancient Iranian pagan religion known as Mithraism\, a form of nature worship based on the Sun God/Goddess Mithra. \nOn the darkest night of the year (December 20 or 21) legend has it Mithra gives birth to “Light” causing each day thereafter to grow longer until the Summer solstice. In this lecture\, learn more of the role and history of Mitramass whose beliefs and rituals were the inspiration to those of Christmas today. Dr. Farima Berenji will include fun anecdotes of Mitramass and how to prepare a table for the celebration. \nRegister Now! \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology\, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward\, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism\, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions\, Sufism\, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden\, the EU\, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts\, founder of Dance of the SoulTM\, advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, National Folk Organization member\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more… URL:https://farimadance.com/event/mitramass-2025/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Lecture,Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/PHOTO-2025-11-20-22-56-39.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251203T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251203T190000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20250802T193133Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251116T223207Z UID:33014-1764784800-1764788400@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Companions of the Sun Author Talk DESCRIPTION:Companions of the Sun\nA Lecture by Scholar Dr. Farima Berenji\nRooted in one of the world’s oldest civilizations\, the traditions of Iranian/Persian sacred dance and music embody the profound wisdom of our ancestors. Observing nature\, the stars\, and the rhythms of life\, they crafted movements expressing love\, strength\, and spiritual transcendence. These rituals continue to inspire cultures worldwide\, preserving a legacy of mysticism and artistic expression. \nAuthor Dr. Farima Berenji presents her research upon the evolutionary origins and practice of Iranian rituals\, beliefs\, and dances\, exploring how Iranian culture permeated global music and dance traditions\, developing distinctly from its sister nations. All this is explored in her book Companions of the Sun \nRegister Now! \nDr. Farima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Dr. Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology\, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward\, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism\, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions\, Sufism\, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden\, the EU\, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts\, founder of Dance of the SoulTM\, advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, National Folk Organization member\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more… URL:https://farimadance.com/event/companions-sjsulibrary/ LOCATION:Dr. Martin Luther King\, Jr. Library\, One Washington Square\, San Jose\, CA\, 95192\, United States CATEGORIES:Book,Lecture,Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Banner2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251116T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251116T210000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20250930T005439Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251102T010719Z UID:33133-1763323200-1763326800@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Rhythm of the Soul- Sufi Dance and Rhythms DESCRIPTION:Immerse in the rhythms of Sufi dance and music! This performance blends traditional rhythms with contemporary elements. The whirling dance and Daf drum create an interaction between cultural expression and human participation. With Nariman Assadi on daf and Dr. Farima Berenji as Sufi whirler. \nHybrid event\, audience members may join online or in-person. \nRegister \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 teaches daf\, tombak\, other percussions\, and music for children in Davis\, Sacramento\, and the Bay Area. He also offers music classes and workshops online. Read more..\nDr. Farima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Dr. Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology\, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward\, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism\, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions\, Sufism\, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden\, the EU\, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts\, founder of Dance of the SoulTM\, advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, National Folk Organization member\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more… URL:https://farimadance.com/event/rhythm-of-the-soul/ LOCATION:SF Community Music Center (SFCMC)\, 544 Capp St\, San Francisco\, 94110\, United States CATEGORIES:Online,Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/vlcsnap-2024-09-25-reduced.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251011T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251011T143000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20250704T185652Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251007T193826Z UID:32994-1760189400-1760193000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Companions of the Sun Author Talk DESCRIPTION:Companions of the Sun\nA Lecture by Scholar Dr. Farima Berenji\nRooted in one of the world’s oldest civilizations\, the traditions of Iranian/Persian sacred dance and music embody the profound wisdom of our ancestors. Observing nature\, the stars\, and the rhythms of life\, they crafted movements expressing love\, strength\, and spiritual transcendence. These rituals continue to inspire cultures worldwide\, preserving a legacy of mysticism and artistic expression. \nAuthor Dr. Farima Berenji presents her research upon the evolutionary origins and practice of Iranian rituals\, beliefs\, and dances\, exploring how Iranian culture permeated global music and dance traditions\, developing distinctly from its sister nations. All this is explored in her book Companions of the Sun \nRegister Now! \nDr. Farima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Dr. Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology\, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward\, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism\, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions\, Sufism\, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden\, the EU\, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts\, founder of Dance of the SoulTM\, advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, National Folk Organization member\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more… URL:https://farimadance.com/event/companions-of-the-sun-nrb/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Book,Lecture,Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Banner2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250803T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250803T110000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20250522T205111Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250728T032642Z UID:32869-1754215200-1754218800@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Companions of the Sun Author Talk DESCRIPTION:Companions of the Sun\nA Lecture by Scholar Dr. Farima Berenji\nRooted in one of the world’s oldest civilizations\, the traditions of Iranian/Persian sacred dance and music embody the profound wisdom of our ancestors. Observing nature\, the stars\, and the rhythms of life\, they crafted movements expressing love\, strength\, and spiritual transcendence. These rituals continue to inspire cultures worldwide\, preserving a legacy of mysticism and artistic expression. \nAuthor Dr. Farima Berenji presents her research upon the evolutionary origins and practice of Iranian rituals\, beliefs\, and dances\, exploring how Iranian culture permeated global music and dance traditions\, developing distinctly from its sister nations. All this is explored in her soon-to-be released book Companions of the Sun \nThe program will be broadcast on Zoom hosted by the Center for Creative Living as part of their weekly Sunday gathering. Please register in advance \nJoin by Zoom\nMeeting ID: 217 611 8333\nPasscode: 812753 \nPlease remember to send a donation to the Center for Creative Living so they can keep the doors open. \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology\, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward\, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism\, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions\, Sufism\, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden\, the EU\, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts\, founder of Dance of the SoulTM\, advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, National Folk Organization member\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more… URL:https://farimadance.com/event/ccl-companions/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Book,Lecture,Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG_2588-lengthwise2-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Center for Creative Living":MAILTO:safecorky@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250617T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250617T110000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20250616T230704Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250616T232952Z UID:32941-1750154400-1750158000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:A Gathering for Peace DESCRIPTION:Join us for a free online prayer session\, sema\, and zikr gathering to support peace and solidarity for the people of Iran. Please bring stories and poetry to share for peace. \nTogether we wish the people of Iran find healing and peace in the face of alarming unrest and challenges in their country. \nRegister URL:https://farimadance.com/event/peace-gathering-for-iran/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema),Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/GatheringForPeace.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250315T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250315T120000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20250226T233102Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250303T012924Z UID:32721-1742036400-1742040000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Norouz Online Celebration DESCRIPTION:Join us for an afternoon celebrating Norouz\, the coming of Spring! \nNorouz is the traditional spring and new year celebration of the Persian and Central Asian people. Norouz means “New Day” and it falls on the March equinox\, the first day of spring. Families on Norouz gather together and wait for the exact time it is declared\, exchange gifts and eat a feast of traditional food. It’s a time to celebrate ancestry and family. Norouz has been celebrated by people from diverse ethnic communities and religious backgrounds for thousands of years. \nHosted by Dr. Farima Berenji and the Simorgh Dance Collective\, activities for our online gathering will include: \n\nTraditional performances of sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances of the Silk Road\nTraditional Persian music\nStory telling and lectures of Norouz and rituals across the Silk Road\nPoetry reading\n\nAll are welcome! Please register in advance to obtain a link to the online presentation. \nRegister \nPlease consider making a donation at http://donate.farimadance.com to support our artists below \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..\nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, instructor\, choreographer\, and dance ethnologist. A master instructor and performer in Persian and Sufi dance\, she specializes in ancient\, sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances of Persia and Central Asia. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts\, founder of Dance of the SoulTM\, advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, National Folk Organization\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to record\, research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more.. URL:https://farimadance.com/event/norouz-online-celebration-2025/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Lecture,Online,Party,Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/NorouzGala-25.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250215T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250215T120000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20250208T020102Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T063409Z UID:32699-1739617200-1739620800@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Sepandārmazgān: The Day of Love DESCRIPTION:Sepandārmazgān was a day when women rested and men had to bring them gifts. Learn of the history and origins of Sepandārmazgān\, the Persian festival of love\, with Scholar Dr. Farima Berenji. This enchanting one hour program includes lecture on the origins of the Day of Love\, ritual dances honoring Goddess Diana\, Iranian Goddess of Love\, and instructions for mixing an ancient Iranian “love” potion based on an ancient Iranian recipe. \nSepandārmazgān is dedicated to Spenta Armaiti also known as “Diana” the Persian Goddess of love\, beauty\, and desire. The day Diana was born\, February 24th\, is known as the “Spendarmad\,” which means “Day of Love.” This day is the annual celebration to honor the female being and mother earth. According to Iranian scholar al-Biruni\, it was a day where women rested and men had to bring them gifts. The observation of this ancient festival has been revived in modern Iran as a celebration day of love towards mothers and wives. \nListen as Farima explains what the festival represents and its legacy\, as well as the mythological origins of the Goddess of Love. Learn of the ancient festival’s rituals and those customs that are celebrated today. Follow us online as we prepare a healthy “love” potion based on an ancient Iranian recipe. \nInvite your sweetheart and join us for fun in a tribute to the Iranian day of love. \nRegister and contact us in advance and you will receive an ingredients list in order to prepare the ancient Iranian “love” potion as we do online. \nRegister URL:https://farimadance.com/event/sepandarmazgan-25/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Lecture,Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Sepandarmarzgan-Day-of-Love-25-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241229T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241229T110000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20241218T073921Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241222T074223Z UID:32637-1735466400-1735470000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Mitramass DESCRIPTION:Mitramass: Christmas and its Ancient Iranic Origins\nA Lecture by Scholar Dr. Farima Berenji\nWe have always known of Christmas on December 25th\, with a traditional decorated tree\, candles\, and gifts. Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ yet its rituals and traditions far precede that time. Unquestionably\, our ancestors adopted the rituals from an ancient Iranian pagan religion known as Mithraism\, a form of nature worship based on the Sun God/Goddess Mithra. \nOn the darkest night of the year (December 20 or 21) legend has it Mithra gives birth to “Light” causing each day thereafter to grow longer until the Summer solstice. In this lecture\, learn more of the role and history of Mitramass whose beliefs and rituals were the inspiration to those of Christmas today. Dr. Farima Berenji will include fun anecdotes of Mitramass and how to prepare a table for the celebration. \nThe program will be broadcast on Zoom. Please register in advance \nJoin by Zoom\nMeeting ID: 217 611 8333\nPasscode: 812753 \nPlease remember to send a donation to the Center for Creative Living so they can keep the doors open. \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology\, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward\, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism\, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions\, Sufism\, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden\, the EU\, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts\, founder of Dance of the SoulTM\, advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, National Folk Organization member\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more… URL:https://farimadance.com/event/mitramass/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Lecture,Online,Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Xmas2024B.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Center for Creative Living":MAILTO:safecorky@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240313T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240313T210000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20240305T003415Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240305T183242Z UID:31498-1710360000-1710363600@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Norouz Online Celebration DESCRIPTION:Join us for an evening celebrating Norouz\, the coming of Spring! \nNorouz is the traditional spring and new year celebration of the Persian and Central Asian people. Norouz means “New Day” and it falls on the March equinox\, the first day of spring. Families on Norouz gather together and wait for the exact time it is declared\, exchange gifts and eat a feast of traditional food. It’s a time to celebrate ancestry and family. Norouz has been celebrated by people from diverse ethnic communities and religious backgrounds for thousands of years. \nPresented by the Simorgh Dance Collective and Eastern Arts\, activities for our online gathering will include: \n\nTraditional performances of sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances of the Silk Road\nLive traditional Persian music\nStory telling and lectures of Norouz and rituals across the Silk Road\nPoetry reading\n\nAll are welcome! Please register in advance to obtain a link to the online presentation. \nRegister \nPlease consider making a donation at http://donate.farimadance.com to support our artists below \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..\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.\nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, instructor\, choreographer\, and dance ethnologist. A master instructor and performer in Persian and Sufi dance\, she specializes in ancient\, sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances of Persia and Central Asia. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts\, founder of Dance of the SoulTM\, advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, National Folk Organization\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to record\, research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more.. URL:https://farimadance.com/event/norouz2024/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Lecture,Online,Party,Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/NorouzGala-24.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231217T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231217T123000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20231121T232848Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240121T011928Z UID:30739-1702810800-1702816200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Christmas and its Ancient Persian Tradition DESCRIPTION:A Lecture by Scholar and Ethnologist\, Dr. Farima Berenji\nWe have always known of Christmas on December 25th\, with a traditional decorated tree\, candles\, and gifts. Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ yet its rituals and traditions far precede that time. Unquestionably\, our ancestors adopted the rituals from an ancient Iranian pagan religion known as Mithraism\, a form of nature worship based on the Sun God/Goddess Mithra. \nOn the darkest night of the year (December 20 or 21) legend has it Mithra gives birth to “Light” causing each day thereafter to grow longer until the Summer solstice. In this lecture learn of the remarkable parallels between ancient Mithraism beliefs and rituals to those of Christmas today. \nHosted by the Center for Creative Living\, the program starts at 11am with a song\, prayer\, meditation\, and announcements. Farima will be introduced and speak 30 to 40 minutes. A sacred dance performance will follow in honor of light. \nPark in the Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Center parking lot and enter through the gate in the back. Do not go to the front door. \nThe program will be broadcast on Zoom. Please join or register using the following invitation: \nJoin by Zoom\nMeeting ID: 217 611 8333\nPasscode: 812753 \nPlease remember to send a donation to the Center for Creative Living so they can keep the doors open. More details… \nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji has an MA in Anthropology/Archaeology\, MA in Iranian dance ethnology both from Cal State Hayward\, and an M.Msc. and a PhD from the University of Sedona in Iranian metaphysics and mysticism\, specializing in Iranian mystic traditions\, Sufism\, and women’s mystic rituals. She is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer and has been recognized as one of the few world scholars of ancient and mystical Iranian dance ethnology. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden\, the EU\, and the UN. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts\, founder of Dance of the SoulTM\, advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, National Folk Organization member\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. She has excelled in artistic and innovative forms of cultural preservation and has been recognized by the international press. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Visit her online at http://farimadance.com.\nRead more… URL:https://farimadance.com/event/xmas23-persian-origins/ LOCATION:Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center\, 938 The Alameda\, San Jose\, CA\, 95126\, United States CATEGORIES:Lecture,Online,Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Xmas2023-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Center for Creative Living":MAILTO:safecorky@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230219T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230219T123000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20230127T233611Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230131T011540Z UID:28711-1676806200-1676809800@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Sepandārmazgān: The Day of Love DESCRIPTION:Sepandārmazgān was a day when women rested and men had to bring them gifts. Learn of the history and origins of Sepandārmazgān\, the Persian festival of love\, with Scholar Farima Berenji. This enchanting one hour program includes lecture on the origins of the Day of Love\, ritual dances honoring Goddess Diana\, Iranian Goddess of Love\, and instructions for mixing an ancient Iranian “love” potion based on an ancient Iranian recipe. \nSepandārmazgān is dedicated to Spenta Armaiti also known as “Diana” the Persian Goddess of love\, beauty\, and desire. The day Diana was born\, February 24th\, is known as the “Spendarmad\,” which means “Day of Love.” This day is the annual celebration to honor the female being and mother earth. According to Iranian scholar al-Biruni\, it was a day where women rested and men had to bring them gifts. The observation of this ancient festival has been revived in modern Iran as a celebration day of love towards mothers and wives. \nListen as Farima explains what the festival represents and its legacy\, as well as the mythological origins of the Goddess of Love. Learn of the ancient festival’s rituals and those customs that are celebrated today. Follow us online as we prepare a healthy “love” potion based on an ancient Iranian recipe. \nInvite your sweetheart and join us for fun in a tribute to the Iranian day of love.\n\nRegister and contact us in advance and you will receive an ingredients list in order to prepare the ancient Iranian “love” potion as we do online. \nRegister URL:https://farimadance.com/event/day-of-love-23/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Lecture,Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Sepandarmarzgan-Day-of-Love-23-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221221T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221221T200000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20221115T033354Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221212T031946Z UID:27686-1671647400-1671652800@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Yalda: Calling in the Light DESCRIPTION:Join us for an evening gathering sharing stories\, poetry\, and more for Yalda\, the winter solstice. This year we dedicate our evening with prayers and sacred rituals honoring the bravery of the Iranian people who are facing a long period of unrest. Feel free to share stories or poetry during this third annual online Yalda gathering. Together let us bring back the light and call in peace and unity. \nShab-e Yalda (Yalda Night) is the Persian Winter Solstice Celebration on the eve of the Winter Solstice. The Persians believed that this night is the night of the birth of Ahura Mazda and Mithra\, Persian God of Light and Truth. \nThe longest and darkest night of the year is a time when friends and family gather together to eat\, drink and read poetry (especially Hafez) and Shahnameh until well after midnight. Fruits and nuts are eaten and pomegranates and watermelons are particularly significant. The red color in these fruits symbolizes the crimson hues of dawn and glow of life. The poems of Divan-e Hafez\, which can be found in the bookcases of most Iranian families\, are read or recited on various occasions such as this festival and Nowruz. Shab-e Yalda was officially added to Iran’s List of National Treasures in a special ceremony in 2008. Yalda is observed in Iran\, Azerbaijan\, Afghanistan\, Tajikistan\, by Iraqi Kurdistan\, and in Turkey by Kurds and Azeris. \nAll are welcome. Please register in advance to obtain a link to the online presentation. \nPlease consider making a donation at http://donate.farimadance.com to support our work. URL:https://farimadance.com/event/yalda-2022/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Lecture,Meditation Gathering (Sema),Online,Party,Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Yalda-2022.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221030T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221030T110000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20221017T074036Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221105T001421Z UID:27478-1667124000-1667127600@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Peace and Solidarity for Iran DESCRIPTION:Join us for a free online prayer session and Sema gathering to support peace and solidarity for the people of Iran. Guest musicians are welcome to play for whirling for peace. Please bring stories and poetry to share for peace. \nTogether we wish the people of Iran find healing and peace in the face of alarming social unrest and challenges in their country. \nSema starts: \nSundays October 2022\n10:00 am – 11:00 am Pacific\n8:30 pm – 9:30 pm Tehran \nEnter by Zoom URL:https://farimadance.com/event/peace-for-iran3/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema),Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/SacredCIrcleForIran4.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221023T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221023T110000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20221017T074002Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221105T001421Z UID:27475-1666519200-1666522800@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Peace and Solidarity for Iran DESCRIPTION:Join us for a free online prayer session and Sema gathering to support peace and solidarity for the people of Iran. Guest musicians are welcome to play for whirling for peace. Please bring stories and poetry to share for peace. \nTogether we wish the people of Iran find healing and peace in the face of alarming social unrest and challenges in their country. \nSema starts: \nSundays October 2022\n10:00 am – 11:00 am Pacific\n8:30 pm – 9:30 pm Tehran \nEnter by Zoom URL:https://farimadance.com/event/peace-for-iran2/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema),Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/SacredCIrcleForIran2.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221016T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221016T113000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20221005T054340Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221105T001421Z UID:27407-1665914400-1665919800@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Peace and Solidarity for Iran DESCRIPTION:Join us for a free online prayer session and Sema gathering to support peace and solidarity for the people of Iran. Guest musicians are welcome to play for whirling for peace. Please bring stories and poetry to share for peace. \nTogether we wish the people of Iran find healing and peace in the face of alarming social unrest and challenges in their country. \nSema starts: \nOctober 16\, 2022\n10:00 am – 11:30 am Pacific\n8:30 pm – 10:00 pm Tehran \nEnter by Zoom URL:https://farimadance.com/event/peace-for-iran/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema),Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/SacredCIrcleForIran2.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220625T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220625T173000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20220416T161141Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251031T201720Z UID:26219-1656172800-1656178200@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Dance of the Soul: An Introduction to Sufi Whirling DESCRIPTION: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\, breathwork\, and more. \nWhirling in the practice of devotion\, healing\, and meditation originated thousands of years ago with the ancient Persians using it as way of connecting the body and soul. Today\, Sufis use it as a powerful meditation ritual with music\, poetry\, and movement. Based on this centuries-old Sufi ritual\, whirling can unite mind\, heart\, and body. \nOnline\, hosted by East West Books of Mountain View\, CA. \nPrice is $20. \nRegister \nIn advance:\n\nPlease wear comfortable clothing and plan to wear socks or soft soled shoes.\nAvoid eating a large meal 1-2 hours prior.\n\nNo experience necessary to begin participating. With help anyone can learn and master whirling techniques while respecting one’s own limitations. URL:https://farimadance.com/event/dance-of-the-soul-jun22/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Online,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/DanceOfTheSoul-Jun2022.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220612T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220612T123000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20220606T064520Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221105T001418Z UID:26501-1655033400-1655037000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Prayers and Whirling for Abadan DESCRIPTION:Join us for a prayer session\, ancient mourning ritual of the Persian Gulf (Call of the Sea)\, and whirling in memory of the casualties and devastation in Abadan\, Iran. Together we wish the people of Abadan healing in the face of this tremendous tragedy\, to all those who have been wounded\, lost family\, or have property destroyed. Our team will deliver food and first-aid to the people who have been working day and night at the damage sites and offer free healing sessions and counseling to those in-need. \nIf you like to make a donation to help with these efforts please let us know or make a donations at the link below. A receipt of donations will be provided to anyone who wish to have a copy. Please send me a message to get free link to attend online or the address to attend in-person. \nWith Master Seyed Salman\, Master Farima Berenji\, guest dervishes\, and musicians. \nWe are collecting donations to help those of this terrible tragedy below. Your donations will help greatly. \nSema starts: \nJune 12\, 2022\n11:30 am – 12:30 pm Pacific\n11:00 pm – 12:00 am Tehran \nEnter by Zoom URL:https://farimadance.com/event/abadan-sema/ LOCATION:San Jose\, CA\, San Jose\, CA\, United States CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Meditation Gathering (Sema),Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/SemaGathering-abadan.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220327T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220327T130000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20220314T010638Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221107T211537Z UID:26001-1648382400-1648386000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Norouz Celebration 2022 DESCRIPTION:Join us for an afternoon celebrating Norouz\, the coming of Spring! \nNorouz is the traditional spring and new year celebration of the Persian and Central Asian people. Norouz means “New Day” and it falls on the March equinox\, the first day of spring. Families on Norouz gather together and wait for the exact time it is declared\, exchange gifts and eat a feast of traditional food. It’s a time to celebrate ancestry and family. Norouz has been celebrated by people from diverse ethnic communities and religious backgrounds for thousands of years. \nPresented by the Simorgh Dance Collective and Eastern Arts\, activities for our online gathering will include: \n\nTraditional performances of sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances of the Silk Road\nLive traditional Persian music\nStory telling and lectures of Norouz and rituals across the Silk Road\nPoetry reading\n\nAll are welcome! \nJoin \nPlease consider making a donation at http://donate.farimadance.com to support our artists below \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..\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.\nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, choreographer\, instructor\, lecturer\, dance ethnologist\, Sufi master\, 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. In 2018\, Farima became the first American-Iranian woman honored to be a TEDx dance speaker and performer. Farima is a member of the International Dance Council (CID – UNESCO)\, UNESCO\, and the National Folk Organization (NFO). Read more.. \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 “” 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… \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\nSeyed Salman Hosseini\nSeyed Salman Seyed Salman Hosseini possesses a bachelor degree in music ethnology and is an Iranian traditional music researcher\, composer and a master musician of tambour\, setar\, tar\, and rebab. He directs the traditional Persian music ensemble Cherikeh which has been performing sacred and traditional music for many years. Seyed has produced many albums including Javdanegni and Tabeh Ghaleh. He is the music director and composer for films such as Song of God and Gadam Yar. Seyed has composed and performed more than 40 concerts and TV programs including composing music for national broadcasts of Iran. He has performed professionally in Iran\, Germany\, Syria\, and the Iraqi Kurdistan region. Additionally\, he is a Sufi master and has his own school of music and mysticism. \nDr. Mehravar Sorush Kaboli\nDr. Mehravar Sorush Kaboli We are also very privileged to have Dr. Mehravar Sorush Kaboli as guest speaker. Dr. Sorush Kaboli is a scholar of Iranic Studies and Mythology and Zoroastrianism. Her doctoral thesis was on the Gathas of Zoroaster. URL:https://farimadance.com/event/norouz2022/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Online,Party,Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/NorouzGala22.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220308T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220308T200000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20220126T033420Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220301T021358Z UID:25624-1646762400-1646769600@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Ancient Wisdoms: Mithraism\, Zoroastrianism\, and our Cultural Roots DESCRIPTION:Mithrasim\, Zoroastrianism\, and our cultural roots\nThe roots of mystical thinking were found in ancient Iran. The philosophy of Iranian mysticism by nature fosters adoption of other cultures. It is not based on a single source but is based on many\, and that philosophy traveled to emerge among many civilizations. \n   \nMany of today’s modern holidays\, festivals\, religious traditions\, dance\, and even children’s fairy tales or Hollywood movies have been based upon the myths and beliefs of the ancient Persian religions of Mithraism and Zoroastrianism. This lecture by Farima reveals some of the mysteries of these religions and how they shaped our modern culture\, beliefs\, and traditions. \nRegister URL:https://farimadance.com/event/ancient-wisdoms/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Lecture,Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Zoroastrians-lex-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220307T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220307T203000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20220126T043520Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220211T170635Z UID:25636-1646679600-1646685000@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Dance of the Soul: An Introduction to Sufi Whirling DESCRIPTION: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\, breathwork\, and more. \nWhirling in the practice of devotion\, healing\, and meditation originated thousands of years ago with the ancient Persians using it as way of connecting the body and soul. Today\, Sufis use it as a powerful meditation ritual with music\, poetry\, and movement. Based on this centuries-old Sufi ritual\, whirling can unite mind\, heart\, and body. \nOnline\, hosted by East West Books of Mountain View\, CA. \nPrice is $20. \nRegister \nIn advance:\n\nPlease wear comfortable clothing and plan to wear socks or soft soled shoes.\nAvoid eating a large meal 1-2 hours prior.\n\nNo experience necessary to begin participating. With help anyone can learn and master whirling techniques while respecting one’s own limitations. URL:https://farimadance.com/event/dance-of-the-soul-workshop-mar22/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Online,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/DanceOfTheSoul-mar22.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220227T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220227T130000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20220126T042806Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220314T012118Z UID:25633-1645963200-1645966800@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Sepandārmazgān: The Day of Love DESCRIPTION:Sepandārmazgān was a day when women rested and men had to bring them gifts. Learn of the history and origins of Sepandārmazgān\, the Persian festival of love\, in this enchanting one hour lecture by Persian Scholar Farima Berenji. \nSepandārmazgān is dedicated to Spenta Armaiti also known as “Diana” the Persian Goddess of love\, beauty\, and desire. The day Diana was born\, February 24th\, is known as the “Spendarmad\,” which means “Day of Love.” This day is the annual celebration to honor the female being and mother earth. According to Iranian scholar al-Biruni\, it was a day where women rested and men had to bring them gifts. The observation of this ancient festival has been revived in modern Iran as a celebration day of love towards mothers and wives. \nListen as Farima explains what the festival represents and its legacy\, as well as the mythological origins of the Goddess of Love. Learn of the ancient festival’s rituals and those customs that are celebrated today. Invite your sweetheart and join us for fun in a tribute to the Iranian day of love. \nDr. Mehravar Sorush Kaboli We are also very privileged to have Dr. Mehravar Sorush Kaboli as guest speaker. Dr. Sorush Kaboli is a scholar of Iranic Studies and Mythology and Zoroastrianism. Her doctoral thesis was on the Gathas of Zoroaster. \nRegister URL:https://farimadance.com/event/day-of-love/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Lecture,Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sepandarmarzgan-Day-of-Love-2-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220220T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220220T140000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20200604T003931Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220220T044142Z UID:22652-1645358400-1645365600@farimadance.com SUMMARY:The Art of Improvisation DESCRIPTION:Master the art of improvisation in Persian dance in this workshop with Farima Berenji. Learn the secrets for effective improvisation in Persian dance to different styles of music \n\nAs a single dancer\, in couples\, or in groups\nAs a solo performer\, dancing with a partner\, or in a group\nTo different music rhythms and tempos\nWith eight essential rules of improvisation in Persian dance.\n\nClassical Persian poetry and dance is delicate\, intricate\, subtle\, and full of meaning. Improvised dance movements often reflect the swirling of a birds\, mystical creatures\, beautiful gesture and feelings\, and dazzling spins. Delicate hand movements\, gentle upper body undulations\, and facial expressions are the essential elements of this dance. The dance emphasizes feeling\, rather than movement. The dancer tells a story\, teases the audience with her coquettish glances\, or can display a variety of expressions: reluctance\, joy\, sensuality\, pride\, laughter. \nIn Persian dance\, each dancer develops her own style and improvises within a recognizably Persian framework of movements. Persian women begin to learn to dance within their family when they are small. A third generation dancer in her Iranian family\, Farima will share her secrets for effective dance improvisation in this two hour dance workshop online. \nStudents are encouraged to be ready with poetry\, music\, or art image to create an improv. dance. Includes lecture and break time for creation of dance. \nRegister URL:https://farimadance.com/event/the-art-of-improvisation-22/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Online,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ArtOfImprovisation-3-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211221T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211221T223000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20211103T175913Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220227T021144Z UID:24732-1640115000-1640125800@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Yalda: A Festival of Light DESCRIPTION:Join us for an evening celebrating Yalda (winter solstice)\, the longest night of the year. \nShab-e Yalda (Yalda Night) is the Persian Winter Solstice Celebration on the eve of the Winter Solstice. The Persians believed that this night is the night of the birth of Ahura Mazda and Mithra\, Persian God of Light and Truth. \nThe longest and darkest night of the year is a time when friends and family gather together to eat\, drink and read poetry (especially Hafez) and Shahnameh until well after midnight. Fruits and nuts are eaten and pomegranates and watermelons are particularly significant. The red color in these fruits symbolizes the crimson hues of dawn and glow of life. The poems of Divan-e Hafez\, which can be found in the bookcases of most Iranian families\, are read or recited on various occasions such as this festival and Nowruz. Shab-e Yalda was officially added to Iran’s List of National Treasures in a special ceremony in 2008. Yalda is observed in Iran\, Azerbaijan\, Afghanistan\, Tajikistan\, by Iraqi Kurdistan\, and in Turkey by Kurds and Azeris. \nPresented by Eastern Arts and the Simorgh Dance Collective\, this second annual online gathering will be accompanied by traditional music\, dance\, poetry reading\, presentations\, quizzes\, stories\, and more! \nAll are welcome. Please register in advance to obtain a link to the online presentation. \nRegister \nPlease consider making a donation at http://donate.farimadance.com to support our artists below \nArtists\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..\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.\nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, instructor\, choreographer\, and dance ethnologist. A master instructor and performer in Persian and Sufi dance\, she specializes in ancient\, sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances of Persia and Central Asia. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, founder of Dance of the Soul\, she is the advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, Eastern Arts\, National Folk Organization\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to record\, research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more.. \n\nSeyed Salman Hosseini\nSeyed Salman Seyed Salman Hosseini possesses a bachelor degree in music ethnology and is an Iranian traditional music researcher\, composer and a master musician of tambour\, setar\, tar\, and rebab. He directs the traditional Persian music ensemble Cherikeh which has been performing sacred and traditional music for many years. Seyed has produced many albums including Javdanegni and Tabeh Ghaleh. He is the music director and composer for films such as Song of God and Gadam Yar. Seyed has composed and performed more than 40 concerts and TV programs including composing music for national broadcasts of Iran. He has performed professionally in Iran\, Germany\, Syria\, and the Iraqi Kurdistan region. Additionally\, he is a Sufi master and has his own school of music and mysticism.\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 teaches daf\, tombak\, other percussions\, and music for children in Davis\, Sacramento\, and the Bay Area. He also offers music classes and workshops online. Read more..\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\, was released in 2019 as Sufi\, Saint & Swinger. 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… \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.. \nand others… URL:https://farimadance.com/event/yalda-2021/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Lecture,Meditation Gathering (Sema),Online,Party,Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Yalda-2021.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211212T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211212T113000 DTSTAMP:20260410T131814 CREATED:20211128T015455Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220227T021116Z UID:24855-1639303200-1639308600@farimadance.com SUMMARY:Whirling and Sema Celebrating Sheb-i Arus DESCRIPTION:Join us to celebrate our fellowship in love and spirit with whirling dance (Sema)\, meditation\, music\, prayers\, and poetry. Sheb-i Arus commemorates the death and thereby union between the Persian mystical poet Khodavandeghtar Jalaludin Mohammad Balkhi (Rumi) and the universe. \nOur ceremony will be shared multi-nationally online with Master Seyed Salman Hosseini\, Master Farima Berenji\, and with live music by Dr. Lloyd Miller\, Nariman Assadi\, and Evan Phillips. \nThere will be sacred and mystical Sufi poetry (Farsi and English)\, meditation\, whirling with live Sufi music\, and Yarsani zikr. Please join masters and dervishes of the Yarsani and Mevlevi Sufi order for this sacred commemoration. \nWe will whirl and journey together to celebrate love\, unity\, and allow the light to enter our soul. Open your heart! Listen! Turn\, dance\, and move in anyway that makes you feel alive! \n$10-15 sliding scale donation. Your donation is greatly appreciated. \nOur gathering is not a performance. Come and join our sacred circle. Everyone is welcome to practice and/or observe. \nRegister \nGuidelines and Tips\n\nWe kindly ask for no interruptions during the ceremony. We will mute all participants during the ceremony then unmute for open participation. \nIf you are whirling from home prepare to wear comfortable clothing\, whirling skirt (optional)\, socks or soft-soled shoes. Avoid eating a large meal 2 hours prior.\n\nFarima Berenji\nFarima Berenji Farima Berenji is an award winning\, internationally acclaimed performing artist\, instructor\, choreographer\, and dance ethnologist. A master instructor and performer in Persian and Sufi dance\, she specializes in ancient\, sacred\, classical\, and folkloric dances of Persia and Central Asia. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective\, founder of Dance of the Soul\, she is the advisory council member of Mosaic America\, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO)\, Eastern Arts\, National Folk Organization\, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology\, she travels worldwide to record\, research\, lecture\, perform\, educate\, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more.. \n\nSeyed Salman Hosseini\nSeyed Salman Seyed Salman Hosseini possesses a bachelor degree in music ethnology and is an Iranian traditional music researcher\, composer and a master musician of tambour\, setar\, tar\, and rebab. He directs the traditional Persian music ensemble Cherikeh which has been performing sacred and traditional music for many years. Seyed has produced many albums including Javdanegni and Tabeh Ghaleh. He is the music director and composer for films such as Song of God and Gadam Yar. Seyed has composed and performed more than 40 concerts and TV programs including composing music for national broadcasts of Iran. He has performed professionally in Iran\, Germany\, Syria\, and the Iraqi Kurdistan region. Additionally\, he is a Sufi master and has his own school of music and mysticism.\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 teaches daf\, tombak\, other percussions\, and music for children in Davis\, Sacramento\, and the Bay Area. He also offers music classes and workshops online. Read more..\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\, was released in 2019 as Sufi\, Saint & Swinger. 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… URL:https://farimadance.com/event/sheb-i-arus-2021/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Meditation Gathering (Sema),Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://farimadance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/DanceOfTheSoul-ShebiArus2021.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Farima Dance":MAILTO:info@farimadance.com END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR