“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
From the mystic East comes an epic tale befitting Romeo and Juliet, a tale of love between a Sufi Shaikh, a Christian maiden, and a simple love that grows despite the divisions of their beliefs. Based on the 12th century story by Attar of Nishapur, Tarsa is a dance drama accompanied by traditional Persian music […]
Emptiness as Fullness: In Nothingness, We Find Everything Sufis believe that as you whirl, you find harmony in the motion of the universe, that as you turn with outstretched arms, you collect the energy from your environment -- enabling you to direct it within yourself and back to the earth. In this class, we will […]
Join Farima for a Sufi Whirling Workshop and Sema Gathering, with sacred music, meditation, and whirling. We will create a sacred, supportive space where we can all release whatever energy no longer serves us, relax and open our heart, body, and mind. We will discover the power and mystery of ancient dances and rituals – […]
Norouz is the traditional spring and new year celebration of Persian and Central Asian people. Norouz means “New Day” and it falls on the March equinox, the first day of spring. Families on Norouz get together and wait for the exact time it is declared, exchange gifts and eat a traditional food. It's a time […]
CANCELLEDdue to concerns regarding the risk of exposure to the coronavirus (COVID-19) in mass gatherings Celebrate Norouz with dance performances by Farima Berenji and the Simorgh Dance Collective. Nowruz celebrates the first day of spring and the beginning of the year in the Persian calendar. Nowruz has been celebrated by people from diverse ethnic communities […]
CANCELLEDdue to concerns regarding the risk of exposure to the coronavirus (COVID-19) in mass gatherings The Simorgh Dance Collective will be showcasing Persian and Silk Road dances in honor of the Persian celebration of Spring--Norouz. Guests are most welcome at this joyous celebration on the occasion of the Spring Festival. Enjoy an array of international […]
Join us online for a fun social dancing workshop and party. Follow along with Farima as she illustrates Persian social dance moves and styles for parties and weddings. Discover her secrets for being the best social dancer at Persian parties. Stay to the end for improvised dancing to some fun Persian pop music. A delightful […]
Learn Uzbek traditional dance technique, choreography, and history with Rashid Shadat and Farima Berenji. Part of our Silk Road dance intensive program. At each monthly intensive you will learn history, music, costuming and choreography from Farima and guest master instructors. The program focus by month includes: April: Georgia May: Uzbekistan June: Azerbaijan Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, […]
Enjoy an online program of Silk Road dance and music performances by the Simorgh Dance Collective without leaving your home. Featuring Farima Berenji, Rashid Shadat, Mona Gafari, Homeyra Banejad, Nariman Assadi and the Simorgh Dance Collective. Register with Eventbrite to receive the live video streaming link. When you register you have the opportunity to help […]
Whether you are an actor or dancer this workshop will help you identify how to improve your performance on the stage. Stage presence refers to the ability to command the full attention of a theater audience by the impressiveness of one's performance. When combined with skill, experience and hard work, stage presence can create a […]