Mosaic Festival Silicon Valley
2022-08-26 15:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock, San Jose, CA, United States
Celebrate our mosaic of American cultures at the second annual Mosaic Festival in Silicon Valley. This “destination” event is actually a journey that welcomes each of us to honor our unique history while also co-creating a vision of our shared future of belonging, healing, and harmony.
The Friday Aug. 26 evening program includes

Global Dance Party (outdoors)
Yoga and meditation (outdoors)
Inter-cultural music spanning several genres and instruments (in the theater with Covid-guideline friendly seating)
Food trucks and vendors

Friday the Simorgh Dance Collective performs a Silk Road ethnic dance.
Festival Schedule
Don’t forget to check out the program on Sat-Aug 27th! We encourage you to come as you are. This free event is for ALL, no prerequisites: We are committed to intentionally creating a space of empathy and compassion where everyone is welcome. And safety first, all current COVID guidelines will be followed.
By registering for the festival, you are automatically entered to join our raffle!
Register
We acknowledge that this event will be held on Thámien Ohlone Tribal ethnohistoric territory, which based upon the 18 unratified federal treaties of 1851-1852, includes the unceded ancestral lands of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Mosaic Festival Silicon Valley
2022-08-27 15:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock, San Jose, CA, United States
Celebrate our mosaic of American cultures at the second annual Mosaic Festival in Silicon Valley. This “destination” event is actually a journey that welcomes each of us to honor our unique history while also co-creating a vision of our shared future of belonging, healing, and harmony.
On Saturday Aug. 27 afternoon we welcome you to immerse yourself first, 3-6PM in workshops (mindfulness, arts and crafts) and inter-cultural performances. Then, from 6-10PM, experience the healing practices and (participative) performances by the tens of cultures in our very own neighborhoods + food trucks and vendors!
The Simorgh Dance Collective will perform and hold a dance workshop in Silk Road Dance.
Festival Schedule
Don’t forget to check out our Fri-Aug 26th program! We encourage you to come as you are. This free event is for ALL, no prerequisites: We are committed to intentionally creating a space of empathy and compassion where everyone is welcome. And safety first, all current COVID guidelines will be followed.
By registering for the festival, you are automatically entered to join our raffle!
Register
We acknowledge that this event will be held on Thámien Ohlone Tribal ethnohistoric territory, which based upon the 18 unratified federal treaties of 1851-1852, includes the unceded ancestral lands of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Viva Calle SJ 2022
2022-09-18 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Kelley Park, 1300 Senter Rd, San Jose, 95112
Viva CalleSJ provides people with the chance to enjoy a day of fun connecting with other residents of San Jose and their city in a whole new way. Viva Calle SJ is an open streets event! Feel free to walk, bike, skate or just come play in the streets!
The Simorgh Dance Collective will perform sponsored by Mosaic America at 10am, 11am, and 12:15pm in Kelley Park. The area is route’s end for Viva Calle SJ, where they close many streets in San Jose for vehicles; and encourage people to walk/ bike/ skate… The performance will include audience interaction.
Viva Calle SJ is a program of the city of San Jose and the San Jose Parks Recreation and Neighborhood Services.

Journey to Khorasan
2022-09-19 - 2022-09-22 | Khorasan, Iran, Islamic Republic of
With Farima Berenji, Master Seyed Salman Hosseini, and Amir Arzani

Essence of Persian Dance
2022-10-01 12:00 - 2022-10-02 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | La Vie Dance & Culture, 1255 W. Morena, San Diego, CA, 92110, United States
A weekend workshop intensive and performance with Master Farima Berenji.
Persian Classical Dance Workshop
Sat. Oct 1, 12:00 – 1:30PM
Experience one of the world’s most enchanting dances. Persian dance is inspired by medieval Persian poetry, miniature artwork, sacred elements, animals, and geometry. Persian dance comes from an ancient culture of 8000 years and its movements often reflect the swirling of a birds, beautiful gesture and feelings, footwork patterns, and dazzling spins. Many great Persian poets extolled dance in their poems and used it as a symbol of the power of life and represented dance as a spiritual instrument to become one with the Divine.
Persian classical dance is delicate, intricate, subtle, and full of meaning. 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, by displaying a variety of expressions. This workshop introduces Persian classical dance technique, history and a simple choreography
Essence of Persian Dance Dinner Show
Sat. Oct 1, 7:30pm
Goli Reataurant, San Diego, CA
An amazing evening dinner show of beautiful Persian and Middle Eastern Dance with Master Artist Farima Berenji and the Simorgh Dance Collective, Nataliya Saborio with Russian Oriental Belly Dance, and Lucia Herlinda.
$50 includes gourmet pizza buffet. More details…
Bandari (Khaliji) Dance Workshop
Sun. Oct 2, 2:30 – 4:00PM
Iranian folk dances reflect the ancient mythical stories, celebration of solstices, tribute to the ancient sacred animals, Gods, and mother earth. It reflects lifestyle of people who lead a simple and spiritual nomadic life. They are rhythmic and elegant movements that reflect a nomadic way of living, beliefs, work, struggles, and battles.
Centuries-old trade between Africa and Persia in the Persian Gulf introduced a blend of high-energy exciting folk dance and music known as Bandari. Bandari combines African, Arab, and Persian movements such as hand and shoulder shimmies, hip thrusts, and head tosses, earning it the name “Persian bellydance.” Bandari is a wild, celebratory dance that can be done as a group or solo. Iranian people of all ages perform this dance at parties, traveling around in a circle and sometimes stepping in to the center for a solo with encouragement from their friends.
Join Farima for this workshop and learn Bandari dance technique, history, and participate in a simple choreography.
Registration
$30 Advance or $35 at the door
Contact: Lucia (619) 405-2308 or cairolucy@cox.net

Essence of Persian Dance Dinner Show
2022-10-01 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Goli Restaurant, 18021 Calle Ambeinte, Suite 403, Rancho Sante Fe, San Diego, CA, 92067, United States
An amazing evening dinner show of beautiful Persian and Middle Eastern Dance with Master Artist Farima Berenji and the Simorgh Dance Collective, Nataliya Saborio with Russian Oriental Belly Dance, and Lucia Herlinda.
$50 includes gourmet pizza buffet.
Reservations suggested at (858) 260-9500

Peace and Solidarity for Iran
2022-10-16 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
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.
Together we wish the people of Iran find healing and peace in the face of alarming social unrest and challenges in their country.
Sema starts:
October 16, 2022
10:00 am – 11:30 am Pacific
8:30 pm – 10:00 pm Tehran
Enter by Zoom

Peace and Solidarity for Iran
2022-10-23 10:00 - 11:00, 2022-10-30 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
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.
Together we wish the people of Iran find healing and peace in the face of alarming social unrest and challenges in their country.
Sema starts:
Sundays October 2022
10:00 am – 11:00 am Pacific
8:30 pm – 9:30 pm Tehran
Enter by Zoom

Levitt Pavilion Fall Concert 2022
2022-10-23 15:00 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | St. James Park, San Jose, N 2nd St &, E St James St,, San Jose, CA, 95129, United States
Join us for a FREE Levitt Pavilion San Jose concert, with food vendors, community, and cultural programming by FOUR different groups, curated by Mosaic America.
Mosaic America strengthens communities, cultivates belonging, and catalyzes inclusion through intercultural and co-created cultural experiences. Mosaic’s thoughtfully curated programming weaves through the forgotten and remembered journeys in and of a specific Place, presenting living moments that are drawn from all our histories. They work with local artists and community leaders to authentically represent cultures collaboratively and inclusively, to irrevocably cultivate Belonging. Through the pieces of art created during this process, they uncover threads that connect our different cultures, proving once again that art can unite us. On Sunday you will be able to see the amazing talent displayed by Kawayan Folk Arts, the Simorgh Dance Collective, Ensamble Folclorico Colibri (EFC), and Grupo Puyakan

Woman Life Freedom
2022-11-05 17:30 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Cope-a-Cabana, 433 S. Henry Ave., San Jose, CA, 95117, United States
An intimate gathering to honor and celebrate the bravery of Iranian people
Join us as we stand in unity with the people of Iran. We will have poetry recital, live music, and Persian and Silk Road dance performances to share with you, accompanied by light bites and drinks. There will also be time for sacred dance, Sema (whirling dance), and prayer. Feel free to bring a poem or music to share. Our gathering welcomes musicians to come and share their art.
Events will be held both indoors and outdoors. Bring something warm to wear outside.
Our venue is a home studio with limited street parking. Be sure to give yourself extra time to find parking. There is also parking available on Stevens Creek Blvd a short walk away. Because of our limited capacity we ask you to confirm registration here or by contacting us
This is a free event so it can be as inclusive as possible. If you can, please help us offer a token of appreciation to all the professionals who are making this event possible.
Register

The Lioness
2022-12-04 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Legends of the Ancient Iranic Female Warriors and Commanders
In ancient Persia, women were considered living goddesses and many had important positions in court of law, ministries, military, state departments, and other official administrative positions. Many ancient Persian cities and states were ruled by women and had their army under full control of female commanders. They were known to be great warriors, had great sword skills, and went into battle side by side with their king or husband. The significant role of women in ancient Iran both horrified and fascinated the ancient Greek and Roman male-dominated societies.
In this lecture Farima will present the history and legends of:

The ancient Iranic empresses, Hamazons (Amazon warriors), and commanders.
Ardalans – “The Mighty Fighters” and great horseback riders
Sarmatians and Scythians – The great spear fighters and women archers.
Hazarabam – Known for their great sword skills and famously known as the “Immortal Army.”
The role of women in the epic book of the Shahnahmeh (The Book of Kings)

Free for those taking the full Warriors of Light workshop.
Register
Farima 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…

Quest of the Magi
2022-12-11 11:00 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center, 938 The Alameda, San Jose, CA, 95126, United States
A Lecture by Scholar and Ethnologist, Farima Berenji
Learn the little known background of the Persian Magi who journeyed toward the sacred star on Christmas in this delightful holiday lecture by Farima Berenji. There are many stories of the Magi. Were the Persian Magi priests, a coven of sorcerers, or a class of highly educated and honored physicians, astronomers, engineers, and scientists who allied with their beliefs sought to help humankind? Farima will help unshroud the mystery of the Magi for their origins, life, and beliefs.
Hosted 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.
Park in the Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Center parking lot and enter through the gate in the back. Do not go to the front door, enter through the gate in the back.
Farima 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…

Dance of the Soul: Shebi Arus Gathering
2022-12-17 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Last Frontier NYC, 520 Kingsland Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11222, United States
A Sacred Dance, Music and Healing Journey with Sufi Master of Yarsan Order and Scholar, Farima Berenji
Join us on a path of healing and self-growth through the power of Sufism, Sacred Circles, music, and Sacred Dance. In that journey, the promptings of the Inner Divine are found, and love, kindness, and compassion flow naturally into our daily life.
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 Persian and Sufi dance and rituals — a gateway for self-growth and spiritual transformation–through prayers, whirling, music, and love. Be moved by beautiful Sufi rituals, sacred music, songs, chanting, poetry, and dance in prayers and Love!
For this workshop and gathering, we will combine the sacred phrases, chants, music, and movements from the ancient Persian spiritual traditions of Khorasan and Yarsan to help touch the spiritual essence within us and to help us recognize it in others. These fundamental elements compose the ancient, contemporary, and devotional roots of sacred dance.
In this workshop/gathering we will experience:

Presence and surrender to Love.
Practice devotional embodiment and ancient Persian healing dance rituals.
The power of healing and love through poetry, zikr, and Sufi whirling (Iranian, Central Asian, and Turkish Rituals and Zikr)
The power of the sharing circle and acts of kindness and love toward self and others.
Dance and Music as prayer and spiritual transformation.
Breathing meditations.
Basic whirling techniques for beginners (Iranian, Turkish and Central Asian Sema and Semah)
Gwati and Iranian Zikr Rituals (Sufi Prayers and Ancient Medicine Healing Circles)
Sema Gathering, Performances, and Sohbet (Sufi Whirling Gathering and Spiritual Talk/Lectures), Q&A, and Sharing Circles.

Participants are encouraged to bring a poem or story to share. Musicians feel free to bring your instruments to inspire and bring love into our circle!
Register
Register also for our Dance of the Soul workshop on December 18

Dance of the Soul: Workshop
2022-12-18 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Last Frontier NYC, 520 Kingsland Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11222, United States
A Sacred Dance, Music and Healing Journey with Sufi Master of Yarsan Order and Scholar, Farima Berenji
Join us on a path of healing and self-growth through the power of Sufism, Sacred Circles, music, and Sacred Dance. In that journey, the promptings of the Inner Divine are found, and love, kindness, and compassion flow naturally into our daily life.
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 Persian and Sufi dance and rituals — a gateway for self-growth and spiritual transformation–through prayers, whirling, music, and love. Be moved by beautiful Sufi rituals, sacred music, songs, chanting, poetry, and dance in prayers and Love!
For this workshop, we will combine the sacred phrases, chants, music, and movements from the ancient Persian spiritual traditions of Khorasan and Yarsan to help touch the spiritual essence within us and to help us recognize it in others. These fundamental elements compose the ancient, contemporary, and devotional roots of sacred dance.
In this workshop/gathering we will experience:

Presence and surrender to Love.
Practice devotional embodiment and ancient Persian healing dance rituals.
The power of healing and love through poetry, zikr, and Sufi whirling (Iranian, Central Asian, and Turkish Rituals and Zikr)
The power of the sharing circle and acts of kindness and love toward self and others.
Dance and Music as prayer and spiritual transformation.
Breathing meditations.
Basic whirling techniques for beginners (Iranian, Turkish and Central Asian Sema and Semah)
Gwati and Iranian Zikr Rituals (Sufi Prayers and Ancient Medicine Healing Circles)
Sema Gathering, Performances, and Sohbet (Sufi Whirling Gathering and Spiritual Talk/Lectures), Q&A, and Sharing Circles.

Register
Register also for the Shebi Arus gathering on December 17

Yalda: Calling in the Light
2022-12-21 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
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.
Shab-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.
The 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.
All are welcome. Please register in advance to obtain a link to the online presentation.
Please consider making a donation at http://donate.farimadance.com to support our work.

State of the County 2023
2023-01-31 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | County of Santa Clara Office, 70 West Hedding Street, San Jose, CA, 95110, United States
The annual State of the County held by the Santa Clara County Supervisors includes 2023 State of the County address by Santa Clara County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg. The event celebrates our community with

Dance performances by Mosaic America and the Simorgh Dance Collective
Music with the Lincoln High School Orchestra
Student Art Gallery Exhibition by ArtHouse
Santa Clara County Office of Education Alternative Education Department
Silicon Valley Creates
Reception by Zanotto’s Markets

Making Connections: Stories from the Land
2023-02-11 11:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Los Altos History Museum, 51 S San Antonio Rd, Los Altos, CA, 94022, United States
Farima Berenji and the Simorgh Dance Collective will take part of Mosaic America’s performance at the beautiful Los Altos History Museum! Performance time for the Simorgh Dance Collective should be about 1pm, but come early to enjoy the program.
Celebrate the opening of the Museum’s Permanent Exhibition, “Making Connections: Stories from the Land,” with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, cultural performances, and exhibition tours.
Visit Los Altos History Museum’s Making Connections: Stories from the Land online page for more details of the exhibit.

Festival of the Oaks
2023-02-12 09:30 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Live Oak Recreation Center, 1301 Shattuck Avenue (at Berryman), Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
The 74th annual international Festival of the Oaks features a morning international folk dance workshop, a hot lunch, exhibition dance performance, and a program of afternoon recreational dances. Includes a pre-owned folk dance costume sale in the dance hall. Fun for all ages! No partner needed.
Dance ethnographer, scholar, and choreographer Farima Berenji will teach a short workshop of Iranian folk dances followed by a performance by her Simorgh Dance Collective. Lenore Watson will call contras, Following lunch there will be a brief presentation by Tahitian Dance Company Te Mana O Te Ra and a program of international dance.
Schedule
All Day — Institute and Folk Dancing, $30.00

9:00-9:30am
Registration

9:30am-12:00pm
Dance workshop with Farima Berenji, Silk Road folk dance performance by the Simorgh Dance Collective, and contras with Lenore Watson, $18.00

12:00-1:00pm
Hot lunch, $10.00

12:00-1:00pm
Federation membership meeting. Includes lunch provided to Federation members attending.

12:30-4:30pm
Pre-owned folk dance costume sale

1:00pm
Brief presentation by Tahitian Dance Company Te Mana O Te Ra

1:00-5:00pm
International dance party. Dances from around the world and institute reviews. $17.00

Attendees must be fully vaccinated, including boosters. KN-95 or N-95 masks required.
Free refreshments will be served all afternoon.
To send dance requests for the afternoon party, or for more info, e-mail a request to rg94610@gmail.com or to yvonneprovaznik@comcast.net.

Download and print a flier to share with others.
Register and pay in advance
Register
Farima Berenji
Farima Berenji
Farima is an award winning, internationally acclaimed performing artist, instructor, dance ethnologist, and archaeologist. She specializes in sacred, classical, and folkloric dances of the Silk Road. She is a third generation artist – her devotion to the world of arts was inspired by both her mother and grandmother – performing artists, poets, and musicians of Azerbaijani heritage. Farima has spent her lifetime studying Persian/Iranian and Central Asian dance, culture, and history. 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.
Farima has lectured, facilitated research projects, collaborated, choreographed, & performed for highly acclaimed internationally renowned companies and institutions such as Avaz Dance Company, Mosaic America (formerly Sangam Arts), ODC, World Dance Fusion of San Francisco, Istanbul Conservatory of the Arts, Vienna Conservatory of the Arts, the National Folk Organization (NFO), the Unique Circle of Manchester, the Tumata Organization of Turkey, UNESCO, SF City Hall, Kansas State University, University of Manchester, University of London, Istanbul University, Stanford University, San Francisco State University, San Francisco City Hall, the Iranian National Museum and Conservatory and many more. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts, and advisory council member of Mosaic America. She is honored to be the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. The Simorgh Dance Collective was the first Iranian dance company, directed by an Iranian woman to perform during a reception for President Obama and President Biden. Recognized as one of few world experts and scholars of Persian dance history, Farima infuses spirituality into her dance and teachings to impassion, empower, and inspire. For more details and media visit http://farimadance.com
Lenore Watson
Lenore started folk dancing and contra dance in college. She has taught international folk dance since the early 2000’s with Redding International Folk Dance. And she has been calling contra dances since 2014 in Redding and Chico, as well as at special events – weddings, festivals, etc. She has called contras in previous years at the Festival of the Oaks and at other events in Northern California, including the Officers Ball and Stockton Folk Dance Camp. Lenore loves calling contras, and seeing the how the dancers connect and collaborate to make it work and have fun. Her favorite explanation of contra dance is that it’s like “an amusement park ride that we all create together.”

Sepandārmazgān: The Day of Love
2023-02-19 11:30 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
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.
Sepandārmazgān 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.
Listen 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.
Invite your sweetheart and join us for fun in a tribute to the Iranian day of love.

Register 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.
Register

Candlelight Labyrinth Walk
2023-03-10 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Grace Cathedral, 1100 California Street, San Francisco, CA, 94108, United States
Walk a sacred path at Grace Cathedral, stepping into an ancient spiritual archetype found on nearly every continent across numerous cultures for thousands of years. Candlelight Labyrinth Walks are an opportunity to immerse your senses in an enchanted atmosphere unlike any other in San Francisco. Surrounded by the cathedral’s stunning stained glass, be transported by the ethereal strains of unique live music drawn from a variety of world musical traditions each month, and complemented with the whimsical glow of flickering votives along the walls.
Music performed by Gabriel Gold and whirling with Farima Berenji.

Roya Foundation Nowruz Bazaar
2023-03-12 11:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | San Ramon Community Center, 12501 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon, CA, 94583, United States
Nowruz Baazar 2023 The Roya Foundation Nowruz Bazaar includes a taste of Nowruz food, culture, pastries, cookies and selling Haft-seen items. Includes performance by the Simorgh Dance Collective.
Roya Foundation
Providing Humanitarian, Educational Assistance, Health Care, and Medical Aid Globally
The Roya Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides humanitarian, educational assistance, and medical aid to disadvantaged children. Provide aid in the expansion of schools, orphanages, and hospitals towards the betterment of the lives of children globally. Their mission is to help provide the children with a well-equipped, safe, and nurturing educational environment enabling them to thrive as healthy and productive adults. Read more…

Spring Dances of the Silk Road
2023-03-16 09:30 - 10:30, 2023-03-16 11:30 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Theater, Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Rd., Saratoga, California, 95070, United States
Montalvo Performing Arts Series for Students
Enjoy and participate in a sampling of the beautiful traditional dances celebrated each spring by the people of the Silk Road. There is the colorful scarf dance of the Iranian Qashqai people, basket dance of the Iranian Gilaki people, Turkish spoon dance, Kurdish or Azerbaijani dance, and more. Introduced with narrative and traditional clothing, the music and dances provide insight into the ethnic culture and life of the communities of their origin. Live musicians will accompany the vibrant company of seasoned dancers. Young audiences will also have an opportunity to learn some of the dances!
Spring Equinox celebrations known as Norooz or New Day is the traditional spring and new year celebration of the Silk Road Regions (Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kurdistan and many more). The March equinox, the first day of spring is a universal and centuries old traditions. We honor Mother Earth, nature, and the spirits that represent them by thanksgiving and various dances. For this celebration we will be presenting Folk and classical dances, stories, and songs from various regions of the Silk Road that honors the coming of Spring and the New Beginning.
The performance is 1 hour in length with no intermission. There will be an educational audience participation and engagement elements within the show. Schools may stay on the property for lunch before or after their performance.
Tickets
ABOUT THE SIMORGH DANCE COLLECTIVE
The Simorgh Dance Collective is a world community of artists devoted to educate and present traditional, classical, and sacred dance styles of the Silk Road. Since 2007, it is the first Iranian dance collective led by an Iranian woman, Artistic Director and Founder Farima Berenji. The Simorgh Dance Collective had the honor of performing at receptions for President Obama and President Biden, and has member companies and artist affiliations in Alaska, Canada, Turkey, UK, Iran, and the US.

SLCC Norouz Celebration
2023-03-21 12:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Salt Lake Community College, 4600 S Redwood Rd, Salt Lake City, UT, 84123, United States
Performances, raffle, and student presentations in honor of Norouz, the Persian New Year, at Salt Lake Community College. Featuring Farima Berenji and the Simorgh Dance Collective among the performers.

Belonging: Celebrating Community, Heritage, and HERstories
2023-03-26 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | San Jose History Park, 635 Phelan Ave, San Jose, CA, 95112, United States
Celebrate Women’s History Month with a festive community gathering! Join History San José and Mosaic America as we honor the achievements and contributions of women throughout Santa Clara Valley’s history. The festival will feature a diverse lineup of performers, storytellers, and history makers throughout San José’s History Park. Historic buildings and exhibitions will be open to the public from 12:00-4:00 pm with a range of vendors and authors hosting outdoor community booths. The festival is a family-friendly event, and there will be plenty of crafts and activities for the kids, with delicious food, drinks, and treats available for purchase. This is an event not to be missed so come to History Park and celebrate incredible women and community who shape our world.
Performing artists include:

Akshay Savale
House of Inanna
Kawayan Folk Arts
Jen’a Sims
Opera San José
Portraits of the Past
Raíces de México
Sifu Jeffrey Fung, Bay Area Tai Chi
Simorgh Dance Collective
Tabia African American Theatre Ensemble
Viet Steps
Zaza Korintelli

There will also be a Congolese Dance and Music Workshop will be taught by Donna McCraney and Massengo Constant.
Writers and Filmmakers include:

Dr. Amita Roy Shah
Anne Marie Todd
Beth Kile
Cassie Kifer
Professor Jan Batiste Adkins
Jenny Clendenen
Kathy Cotton
Rosana Alvarez
Tricia Creason-Valencia

Sponsored by Mosaic America and History San Jose

Spring Around the World
2023-03-31 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Leona Wagner Black Box Theater, 138 West 300 South, Salt Lake City, UT, 84101, United States
Friday March 31st at 7:00 pm, Eastern Arts presents Spring Around the World, a celebration of music and dance featuring special guests from San Jose, Farima Berenji and Simorgh Dance Collective along with World Dance Company, Salt Lake City Ballet, Character Dance Ensemble from the University of Utah and Eastern Arts dancers. Come enjoy music and dance from Iran, Armenia, Turkey, Ukraine and much more. This event is free and all are welcome, with thanks to Salt Lake County Zoo Arts and Parks; Utah Division of Arts and Culture; George S and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation and City Arts.

Honoring the Earth with Mosaic America and NUMU
2023-04-23 12:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | New Museum Los Gatos + Art Studio, 106 East Main Street, Los Gatos, CA, 95030, United States
In celebration of Earth Day 2023, let’s come together through art, history, and music to build a community where we all belong. Along with New Museum Los Gatos (NUMU), we invite you to experience traditional and contemporary practices of belonging from cultures that have made their home in our collective neighborhood of Santa Clara County. Featured also will be the contemporary stories and voices of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe. This family-friendly event will include live performances and art-making for all ages.
Includes a performance by the Simorgh Dance Collective.
Reserve a spot

Mystical Gathering in Kermanshah
2023-05-11 - 2023-05-14 | Kermanshah, Kermanshah, Kermanshah, Iran, Islamic Republic of
A group with Master Farima Berenji, Pir Salman Hosseni, and other masters and musicians will be visiting sacred sites in Kermanshah, Iran May 11 to 14.

Content Magazine Pick Up Party
2023-05-19 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | West Valley College, Cilker School of Art & Design, 14000 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga, CA, 95070, United States
Farima Berenji and other South Bay artists are featured in interviews and photos in Content Magazine “Perform” Summer 2023 15.3:
A third-generation master cultural artist, Farima Berenji grew up in the light of her dancer mother and grandmother, literally dancing even as she learnt to walk. What puzzled her even then was how the matriarchs just seemed to accept the age-old traditions, and in turn, expected her to move to the melody without being able to explain why. Determined to find answers, Farima would turn to the sacred practitioners, the mystics, who were part of her learning eco-system.
That urge to dig deep, seek the truth, and understand the Why led her to pursue a degree in archeology in the US… Farima Berenji [is] founder and artistic director of Simorgh Dance Collective, anthropologist, archaeologist, and member of the International Dance Council CID UNESCO.
Farima wears the mantle of cultural ambassador with pride, aware of the enormous work ahead, committed to always stay in learning mode, adding, “The ancients said that when one stops learning, that is the end to life. Only 30 percent of history in Persia has been excavated, 70 percent remains to be found.
Written by Priya Das @priyadasmosaic
Photography by Cyntia Apps @cyntiaappsphotography
Content Magazine highlights and connects South Bay culture curators, artists, and innovators through the art of story telling, an online community, and local event experiences. https://www.content-magazine.com
Order Pre-release issue 15.3
Celebrate the release of issue Content Magazine 15.3, Summer 2023 “Perform,” highlighting three Content Emerging Artist Grant recipients and featuring select student artists from The Cilker School of Art and Design, the chair of the visual arts department, and Chancellor of the West Valley-Mission Community College District, with us at Cilker School of Art + Design, West Valley College.
The evening will feature an exposition showcasing the work of students graduating in art, architecture, design, and performing arts, including the Cilker Art & Design annual fashion show and work from other local artists featured in issue 15.3: Designer – Carlos Pérez | Photographer educator – Dan Fenstermacher | Painter – Renée Hamilton-McNealy | and Artist Rubén Darío Villa – Mr. Fuchila.
Register
