“Everything in dance is poetry. Every movement describes a story, a feeling. The dancer takes the audience into a world of fairy tales.” ~Farima Berenji
Learn the basic technique of Sufi whirling with emphasis on Khorasan and Uyghur Sema, its history, and theory. Farima’s teachings are based on Indo-Iranian ancient rituals, science of whirling, and the sacred geometry of whirling. We will learn essential techniques of whirling preparation, maintaining balance and posture, controlling dizziness, self-focus during turning, breath work, and […]
Additional and advanced technique and choreography workshop in Sufi Flamenco fusion presented by Farima Berenji. Explore Sufi Flamenco fusion as a stunning journey from Southern Spain to Persia and Turkey. Learn the history and the beautiful movements of Flamenco, combined with Sufi Whirling traditions of Iran and Turkey in this workshop lead by Master Whirler […]
Two hour Baba Karam dance workshop taught by Farima Berenji. Includes an introduction into the history of the late Qajar Dynasty. Jaheli or Baba Karam is a playful imitation of the machismo style of dance done by the working class men of Tehran. The dance illustrates typical movements inspired by tough street gang members of […]
Join us for a free introductory Persian and Silk Road dance class in honor of Bay Area Dance Week, April 21 - 30. Learn some fun classical and folkloric dances of the Silk Road and experience the beauty of its culture and history as well. See our event listing online among almost 300 Bay Area […]
Farima’s signature project Dance of the Soul combines sacred and mystical whirling movements, Sufi traditions, and healing rituals of ancient Persia, Turkey, and the Altai Mountains. Learn both personal and spiritual whirling based on Farima’s archeological discoveries and research, and of Sufism and its connection to ancient Iranian Zoroastrianism, planets, stars, sacred flowers and animals—all […]
More details coming...
Explore Uzbekistan’s beautiful ethnic music, dance, natural, and cultural heritage in this 10 day tour along the historic Silk Road. Hosted by Farima Berenji, internationally recognized dance scholar and award-winning world dance choreographer and performer. This unique travel experience and opportunity focuses on the history, art, music, and dance traditions of Uzbekistan. Guests will study […]
Persian dance comes from an ancient culture of 8000 years and its movements are a blend of enchanting sacred movements reflecting birds, animals, flowers, and elements. Persian dance is also inspired by Persian poetry and sensuous miniature artwork. It is delicate, refined, and full of meaning. Delicate hand movements, gentle upper body undulations, and facial […]
Join Farima Berenji for a four day intensive retreat and venture deep into the heart through sacred circles and sufi whirling practices, practices based on the sacred number seven in Iranian mystical traditions and Sema rituals, Zikr (sufi prayers), and Shamanic healing, music, and sohbet (Sufi spiritual talk). Retreat and training will focus on Farima’s […]
On the Path of the Ancient Ones... We will take on the path of the ancients, a journey of discovery, in space and time to reconnect with ancient Warrioresses of Persia, Mesopotamia, and the Near East. Drinking deeply from hidden wells of inspiration, now being revealed in our time, we re-discover our empowerment in the […]