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

Sema and Maqam Intensive
2023-05-20 | CA
Join renowned Sufi Dance Master and Scholar Farima Berenji for a full day Sema and maqam intensive workshop.
More details coming…

Rituals, Dances, and Samas in Ancient Iran
2023-05-24 17:30 - 19:30 (Asia/Tehran) | International East Music Center
Lecture online and on-site by Dr. Farima Berenji.
Registration: http://www.eroidad.com

Caravan of Mystics Sufi Retreat
2023-06-02 - 2023-06-12 | Metanoia Wellness and Retreat Center, Baakline, Lebanon
Music and Sema Workshops, Zikr, Sema Gathering, Sacred Circles, Sohbet
Sacred dance, music, and mysticism workshops with masters Farima Berenji, Pir Salman Hosseni, Pir Darush Hosseni, Evan Phillips, and more.
Discover the magic of Metanoia Wellness and Retreat Center nestled in the heart of the Chouf Nature Reserve. Accommodation, high-quality food, and transportation included.
Join us for one or two weeks (June 2 – 5 and June 9 – 12) of ancient wisdom, dance, music, whirling and healing ritual practices of the Anatolian, Khorasan, and Yarsanai mystics. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to experience and discover the ancient roots of mysticism, to connect with your inner Divine, and to learn sacred music and dance from internationally acclaimed artists and scholars.
Retreat includes:

In-depth studies of the origin/roots of mysticism and Sufism of Khorasan and Yarsan.
Turkish, Khorasani, and Yarsani Zikr, poetry, sema and semah (Shams Sema, Rast Sema, Yarsan Sema)
Music workshops and studies of Yarsani and Iranian Sufi makhams with daf, ney, and tanbour.
Sunrise Zikr and meditation.
Sohbet (Sufi discussion) by Pir Salman Hosseini of Yarsan Order of Iran and Farima Berenji

More details…
Contact us for more info and registration. Limited availability.
+961 71 678 794
Faculty

Pir Salman Hosseini
Seyed Salman
Pir Seyed Salman Hosseini (Sufism, Sufi music, maqams, tanbur) 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.

Farima Berenji
Farima Berenji Farima Berenji (Director and master classes) 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..

Evan Phillips
Evan Phillips

We are Nature: Rising and Falling Solstice Celebration
2023-06-24 19:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | NOoSPHERE Arts, 520 Kingsland Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11222, United States
NOoSPHERE Arts will kick off their outdoor season with a music, dance, and performing arts event celebrating the summer solstice. Held in the spectacular, one-of-a-kind setting of wildflower meadows stretching across the roofs of an industrial plant against the iconic backdrop of the NYC skyline, the event will be centered around a Sufi opening ritual honoring nature’s cycles, performed by Whirling Dervish Farima Berenji. Farima—a Sufi Master and Magi from the bloodline of Iranian Zoroastrian Magi—and her sacred dancers will be accompanied by the Klezmer music and Sephardic folk melodies of The Shul Band.
The ceremony has been designed as a unique blend of Muslim and Jewish elements—epitomizing the possibility of interfaith collaboration.
The main event will involve solo acts, duets and a whirling performance in which several participants—including Cyr wheelers—will interpret the movements of individual planets around a star. The show will also feature poetry readings and storytelling by Master Farima and be accompanied by the live music of the Shul Band. Following the whirlers’ performances, The Shul Band will keep playing against the darkening night sky.
In addition NOoSPHERE Arts will also unveil the highly anticipated site-specific installation by this season’s KWBS Residency Award winners, Ezra Campelli and Jeremy Clemente. Prepare to be amazed by “Westerlies,” a mesmerizing fusion of sound and sculpture meticulously crafted for the Kingsland Wildflowers Green Roofs.
Farima Berenji is an internationally acclaimed dance artist, ethnologist, choreographer, instructor, and archaeologist specializing in ancient, sacred, classical, and folk dances spanning the millenniums of Persian civilization, the Silk Road, and the Near East.
The Shul Band, led by Adam Feder, plays music rooted in Jewish folk music but drawing on the musical wellsprings of New York City and of the whole world. It is equally prayerful and raucous, meditative and joyful. The band has performed at major venues such as Carnegie Hall.
NOoSPHERE Arts’ Stage Roof will offer a spectacular setting for the solstice celebration with dance, music and art.
Tickets
We are Nature: Solstice Celebration (2022)

Spirals of Ecstasy: A Sufi Incantation (2021)

Soul of the Sema: Whirling Workshops
2023-06-25 12:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | NOoSPHERE Arts, 520 Kingsland Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11222, United States
We will take on the path of the mystics, a journey of discovery, in space and time, reconnecting with our ancient ancestors and the origin of Sema (Sufi Whirling) and traditions of Ancient Iran, Greater Khorasan, Kurdistan, Central Asia, and the Indus Valley. We will study the sacred rituals, whirling, mystic teachings, music, and prayers of our ancient past from great masters such as Attar, Shams, Rudaki, Khayyám, Khwarizmi, and Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Balkhī (Rumi).
Join world renowned scholar and Master of Yarsani Order, Dr. Farima Berenji for a day/evening of sacred gathering to learn the Sufi traditions of Greater Khorasan, Qaderi, and Yarsani order or Iran. We will take on the path of the mystics, a journey of discovery, in space and time, reconnecting with our ancient ancestors. We will sing, dance in prayer, and immerse ourselves in the Soul of the Sema.
Beginning Level
12-1:30pm | $45
Basics of Whirling practices, technique, knowledge, and respect. Learn the basic technique of whirling. Farima’s teachings are based on ancient ritual techniques, science of whirling, and thesacred geometry of whirling. We will learn essential techniques of preparation, maintaining balance and posture, controlling dizziness, self-focus during turning, breath work, and more. We begin with Farima’s unique 4 Element breathing meditation and relaxation of body and mind, connecting with the 4 sacred directions and manifesting the 4 elements. We will progress into our whirling rituals, create inner and outer circles, progress into movement mediation, while listening to sacred poetry, sound of drums, and the natural sounds around us, and end with sacred movement rituals, Gwati (ancient Iranian medicine dance, and Zikr (Sufi Prayers). Farima will also teach the 4 basic path of Sufism in this class (Respect, Knowledge, the Path, the Truth).
Beginners Level only. No experience required and open to all. This workshop will help people of all experience levels to whirl for a sustained period with ease.
Register
Advanced Level
2-2:30pm | $45
This workshop requires prior experience in whirling and knowledge of the 4 basic paths. The Workshop will include: Khorasan Sema, Qaderi Sema, Yarsani Sema, Shamseh Sema (Whirling of the Sun)
**Workshop will progress to Sema Gathering in the afternoon
Register
Love is Calling – Sema Gathering
2:30 pm (free and open to all/ by donation)
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! Love is Calling!
Our gathering will include:

Sema and Semah
Erfa (ancient Persian Poetry circle)
Zikr (Yarsani and Qaderi Rituals)
The power of the sharing circle and acts of kindness and love toward self and others.
Sohbet (Spiritual talk by Master Farima)

Donate

Artists of Iran: Immortal Spirit
2023-07-16 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Galleria Boheme, 2391 Mission St., San Francisco, CA, United States
Farima Berenji performs at this “Woman, Life, Freedom” inspired art exhibit in honor and solidarity with Iranian women and girls who are courageously demonstrating peacefully for their fundamental human rights.

Journey Through Multicultural Jazz & Dance
2023-08-13 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Hammer Theatre, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, CA, 95113, United States
Journey Through Multicultural Jazz & Dance is a thrilling showcase of global traditions that are practiced in Silicon Valley today, with groups presenting music and movement styles rooted in the traditions of Georgia, India, Mexico, and the Silk Road. The performance was commissioned by Mosaic America, a nonprofit organization that fosters belonging by connecting multicultural people to place and history. The program will include performances by

ReroRera
Simorgh Dance Collective
Xpressions
Ensamble Folclórico Colibrí

This performance is part of 2023 San Jose Jazz Summer Fest Aug 11-13. Tickets enable day-long entry to all stages and many more events.
More details…
Buy Tickets

Summer Bazaar
2023-08-19 12:00 - 2023-08-20 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Clara, Santa Clara, CA
New or Used Persian and Silk Road Ethnic Costumes, Jewelry, and Accessories for Sale
Help support the Simorgh Dance Collective and get authentic gifts for friends and family!
Browse and buy our collection in person by invitation. Send an e-mail to info@farimadance.com for directions.
Simorgh Dance Collective
Today, it’s increasingly important to share an appreciation of the art of Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and other regions of the historic Silk Road. Our work helps present and build an awareness of traditional Persian and Central Asian dance and culture in a world today that ever threatens its existence in its land of origin. It enriches the lives of those who trace their ancestry to these cultures while bringing beauty to our communities.
As a not-for-profit organization, your purchase from or gift to the Simorgh Dance Collective helps fund the research, costuming, travel, scholarship and public presentation of dances by the Simorgh Dance Collective to our local communities such as schools, libraries, and community festivals. Take pride in supporting diverse cultural community events and have your name or company mentioned as program donor. Even a small donation helps.

Gomshodeh - The Lost
2023-09-15 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Cañada College Theater, District of Freedom, 4200 Farm Hill Blvd, Redwood City, CA, 94061, United States
Characters in this musical comedy face the challenges of searching for and living with memories of the past.
A play written and directed by Sadegh Hatefi.
Executive Producer, Rokhand Gharavi.
Presented in Farsi (Persian).
Tickets: $45 online, $55 at the door.
Purchase Tickets

Mosaic Festival Silicon Valley 2023
2023-09-30 15:00 - 2023-10-01 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock, San Jose, CA, United States
Celebrate our mosaic of American cultures at the third 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 Mosaic Festival is a time when we ALL come together to create the multicultural American village, a vision of a society where everybody belongs!
Mosaic Festival includes…

Cultural Performances
Workshops
Visual Art
Food Trucks and Vendors

The Simorgh Dance Collective will be performing, and more…
Register online
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.

Connecting with the Elements Retreat
2023-10-19 - 2023-10-23 | Metanoia Wellness and Retreat Center, Baakline, Lebanon
Music and Sema Workshops, Zikr, Sema Gathering, Sacred Circles, Sohbet

Join us on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and healing at Metanoia Retreat Center, Lebanon for five days of immersion of heart centric prayer and movement medicine. We will open the portal to a deeper space of healing and transformation. Your day will be filled with 6 hrs of ancient Persian and Central Asian sacred healing rituals and whirling, sacred dance, meditation, intensive training in metaphysical practices and yoga.
With Dr. Farima Berenji, Professor of Mysticism, Sufi Master/Reverend and Doctor of Metaphysics
Fire, Water, Earth, and Air are considered so valuable in Persian mystic and Sufi tradition. Among the four elements, Fire is the most holy element as it pervades the entire creation. Ancient Persian culture revered the Elements as the basic building blocks of the universe. The mystic beliefs from early times attribute the interactions between the elements as the cause of development for everything in the universe. Each element is of spiritual growth and vibrations of the root energy. Each element contains 7 sacred elements within it self that connect us to our spirit or one with the Wheel of Mitra (Divine Light). The symbolism of the four elements is found in the Tree of Life, the four directions, the four seasons, and the four Archangels.
Retreat includes:

Sharing Circle and Lecture
Dance Medicine and Healing Circles
Connection, Visualization and Breathing Meditation
Poetry, Music, Iranian Zikr (Prayers and Remembrance), and Sama (Sufi Whirling)
Sightseeing or Rest (your option)

Our setting is the beautiful Metanoia Retreat and Wellness Center, Lebanon. Secluded in lush forest, free from civilization’s grasp, experience the pure, healing embrace of nature within nearly 2,500 square miles of pure tranquility.
Payment and Rules
$600 – Early-bird price until September 18, 2023
$700 – After September 18, 2023
Payment does not include transaction fees or visa fees. Payment may be by Paypal or other methods. Contact us for details.
Online Registration
Space limited. Registration required. Register early to ensure your spot and obtain a discount.
A refund is given if for any reason the retreat is canceled.
Contact us for questions prior to the start of the retreat.
Payment Includes

Shared lodging in beautiful cabins
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, except as noted in the retreat schedule
Daily refreshments and snacks. Tea, coffee, and water are always at your  disposal.
All healing and dance workshops

Payment Does NOT Include

Visa fees (based on your departure country)
Airfare
Transportation or taxi fees
Personal expenses or extra stay
Personal sightseeing
Extra food and drink not included on the menu
Tips or extra services you may require

Retreat Schedule
Come with an open heart and please be receptive to what comes up for you.

Day
Timeline

Thursday
Air – An uplifting session in finding softness and length in the body and connecting with a sense of lightness.
Breakfast – Welcome
-Sharing Circle and Lecture
-Connection, Visualization and Breathing Meditation: Air
-Dance Medicine and Healing Circles: Silence – Calling the Angel of Air.
Lunch
-The Ouj – Earth to Sky: Mystical Dances, Rituals, and Whirling based on Air.
Dinner
Sacred Circle Gathering: Poetry, Music, and Iranian Zikr (Prayers and Remembrance) and Sama (Sufi Whirling).

Friday
Water – This session focuses on extension, the fluid flow of complete range of motion movements.
Breakfast
-Sharing Circle and Lecture
-Connection, Visualization and Breathing Meditation: Water
-Dance Medicine and Healing Circle: Solitude, Water Therapy, Calling the Angel of Water.
Lunch
-The Moj – The Waves and Frequencies: Mystical Dances, Rituals, and Whirling based on Water
Dinner
-Sacred Circle Gathering: Poetry, Music, and Iranian Zikr (Prayers and Remembrance) and Sama (Sufi Whirling)

Saturday
Rest or Sightseeing Option
Breakfast
-Sightseeing – Fun Day
Dinner and Free time

Sunday
Fire – A high intensity session to invigorate the senses, make you sweat and connect you with the power and energy that burns inside you.
Breakfast
-Sharing Circle and Lecture
-Connection, Visualization and Breathing Meditation: Fire
-Dance Medicine and Healing Circle: Fire Rituals, Gwati (Ancient Iranian Healing Dance) and Gazing – Calling on the Angel of Fire.
Lunch
-Fana – The Ecstatic Realm: Mystical Dances, Rituals, and Whirling based on Fire
-The Calling: Farima’s Unique Healing Mediation Ritual based on the 7 Senses and the 7 Sacred Realm.
Dinner
-Sacred Circle Gathering: Poetry, Music, and Iranian Zikr (Prayers and Remembrance) and Sama (Sufi Whirling)

Monday
Earth – a grounding and stabilizing view of posture and movement that generates from natural energy relationship between your body, your heart center and the earth beneath your feet.
Breakfast
-Sharing Circle and Lecture
-Connection, Visualization and Breathing Meditation: Fire
-Yoga Session
Lunch
-Forud – The Return and Awakening: Mystical Dances, Rituals, and Whirling based on Earth
-Dance Medicine and Healing Circle: Heart Connection and Stone Therapy – Calling on the Angel of Earth.
-Ancient Iranian Sun Set Ritual based on the 4 Elements
Dinner
-The Wheel of Mitra – Ancient Prayer and Mystical Circle Dance of Unification and Purification.
-Closing Ceremony

Tuesday
Option – People may stay or leave

Farima Berenji
Farima 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..

Cultural Harvest Celebration
2023-11-10 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Los Gatos Library, 100 Villa Ave, Los Gatos, CA, 95030, United States
Fun for ALL ages: Come to the Library on Friday, November 10, at 4:00 PM for an amazing array of culture! Mosaic America, a Silicon Valley non-profit organization, works to build cohesive communities through intercultural arts and dialogue. We are excited to invite and introduce Mosaic America to the Los Gatos community! Join us for this multi- and inter-cultural celebration of Harvest and Fall with an array of cultural performances in music and dance, and featuring recipes and crafts. With a performance by Farima Berenji and the Simorgh Dance Collective.
For more information about Mosaic America, visit their website.
The Los Gatos Library recognizes the diversity of our community and is committed to accessibility for all patrons. We strive to make every visitor feel comfortable by ensuring equal access to programs, services, and activities. If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in a library program, please contact library@losgatosca.gov

Sema Gathering - Iranian Sufi and Yarsani Gathering
2023-11-12 17:00 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Cope-a-Cabana, 433 S. Henry Ave., San Jose, CA, 95117, United States
Join us in prayer for healing and peace, live music, poetry, Iranian and ancient Mithraic whirling rituals, Yarsani Zikr and reading of Kalams (Zoroastrians, Iranic and Yarsani book of prayers and chanting). 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 – a gateway for self-growth and spiritual transformation– through movement, music, love, and stillness. Be moved by beautiful, sacred music.
During our Sema Gathering, Master Farima Berenji will lead Zikr, Sema, and other rituals and ceremonies. Joining us will be guest samazens and musicans, including Bill Cope, Homeyra Banejad and Ensemble, Katayoon, and more.
Open your heart! Listen! Turn, dance, and move in anyway that makes you feel alive!
Sliding scale donation: $10-20.
Register

Farima Berenji
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, Assistant Director and Program Director of Eastern Arts, founder of Dance of the Soul™, 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..

A Storytelling of the Simorgh
2023-12-13 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Asian Art Museum, SF, 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
The annual Storyteller Holiday Party at the Asian Art Museum will feature storytelling thru dance with the story of the Simorgh. With dance performances by Farima Berenji and the Simorgh Dance Collective.
The Simurgh is a mythical flying creature in Iranian or Persian mythology that’s regarded as a benevolent and generous creature. Read more…

Sacred Movements
2023-12-16 18:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 3108 Fillmore St. Suite B, 3108 Fillmore St. Suite B, San Francisco, CA, 94123, United States
Folkloric and sacred dances of the Silk Road performed by Farima Berenji and the Simorgh Dance Collective.
Sponsored by Hayat Life Magazine.

Christmas and its Ancient Persian Tradition
2023-12-17 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, Dr. Farima Berenji
We 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.
On 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.
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. A sacred dance performance will follow in honor of light.
Park in the Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Center parking lot and enter through the gate in the back. Do not go to the front door.
The program will be broadcast on Zoom. Please join or register using the following invitation:
Join by Zoom
Meeting ID: 217 611 8333
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Please remember to send a donation to the Center for Creative Living so they can keep the doors open. More details…
Farima Berenji
Farima 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.
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6th Annual Black and White Dinner Ball
2023-12-17 17:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | San Ramon Golf Club, Water by Wedgewood, 9430 Fircrest Ln, San Ramon, 94583, United States
The Roya Foundation’s 6th annual Black and White benefit ball with Maryam Jalali, and Majid and Amir Khostavan. Special guests Amir Etemadzadeh, Faranak Shahroozi, and Pantea Izadi Lotfi as master of ceremony. Includes performance by Farima Berenji and the Simorgh Dance Collective.
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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…

Sadeh
2024-01-28 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Sacramento Zoroastrian Center, 10528 Armstrong Ave., Mather, CA, 95655, United States
Farima and the Simorgh Dance Collective are excited to be again on stage with the award-winning actor and director Sadeh Hatefi! This time we will be telling in dance and drama the mesmerizing ancient Persian legend of King Houshang and the creation of fire! Join us on a theatrical journey that sparks the flames of imagination and explores the mystics and mysteries of the element of fire that changed the course of human history. Joining us will be more than 20 talented actors, dancers, and crew that will transport you to a world where every spark tells a story.
Doors open at 2:30 PM
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Farima Berenji
Farima Berenji Farima Berenji is an Iranian-born scholar and an award winning, internationally acclaimed performing artist, choreographer, instructor, lecturer, dance ethnologist, 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. Farima performs, offers workshops, and lectures worldwide upon request and has appeared in the US, UK, Austria, Czech Republic, Turkey, Mauritius, and Iran. Read more..

Sadegh Hatefi
Sadegh Hatefi Sadegh Hatefi is a director, screenwriter, author, and award-winning actor, known for Ghodrat (2007), Simorgh (1987) and Battle of Oil Tankers (1994). He has been director of the films and theatrical productions Story of Rumi and Shams, Simorgh, and Muhammad: The Messenger of God.

Simorgh Dance Collective
Simorgh 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..
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Nowruz Festival 2024
2024-03-09 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Seven Trees Community Center, 3590 Cas Dr., San Jose, CA, 95111, United States
Azerbaijan House in California is thrilled to host The Second International Nowruz Festival with the sponsorship of San Jose City Distict 10 Councilmember Arjun Batra on March 9th at 2pm.
You’re invited to a vibrant celebration of Nowruz, where cultures unite through food, music, and dance! Indulge in a delicious array of traditional dishes and desserts from around the world, accompanied by live performances that will enchant your senses.
Includes a performance by the Simorgh Dance Colllective and dance lessons.

Nowruz Artisan Fair
2024-03-10 11:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Campbell Community Center, 1 W. Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA, 95008, United States
Persian new year, Nowruz, is upon us. Come immerse yourself in an event that brings you exceptional, unique Persian handcrafts and arts arts, music, jewelry, eatable treasures, fun for the family, and so much more. Bring everyone and stroll through while supporting over 30 unique local artisans, take family photos, and make crafts.
Come visit with Farima and the Simorgh Dance Collective as they offer their Silk Road Bazaar with new or used Persian and Silk Road ethnic costumes, jewelry, and accessories. Browse or buy from our collection and help support the Simorgh Dance Collective.
♥️A Portion of the proceeds will be donated to International Rescue Committee in their efforts to assist displaced local families.

Norouz Online Celebration
2024-03-13 20:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Join us for an evening celebrating Norouz, the coming of Spring!
Norouz 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.
Presented by the Simorgh Dance Collective and Eastern Arts, activities for our online gathering will include:

Traditional performances of sacred, classical, and folkloric dances of the Silk Road
Live traditional Persian music
Story telling and lectures of Norouz and rituals across the Silk Road
Poetry reading

All are welcome! Please register in advance to obtain a link to the online presentation.
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Please consider making a donation at http://donate.farimadance.com to support our artists below
Simorgh Dance Collective
Simorgh 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..
Eastern Arts
Eastern 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.
Farima Berenji
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, 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..

Roya Foundation Nowruz Bazaar 2024
2024-03-16 11:00 - 2024-03-17 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | San Ramon Community Center, 12501 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon, CA, 94583, United States
The Roya Foundation Nowruz Bazaar includes a taste of Nowruz food, culture, pastries, cookies and includes sales of Haft-seen items. Come to watch performances 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…

Nowruz Persian New Year Celebration
2024-03-22 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Benicia Public Library, 150 East L Street, Benicia, CA, 94510, United States
Join the Persian New Year (Nowruz) celebration and reception at the Benicia Public Library with sweets, music, poetry, dance performances, and more! Farima Berenji and the Simorgh Dance Collective will be performing. All ages welcome!

Gilead Spring Celebration
2024-03-27 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Gilead Sciences, 333 Lakeside Dr., Foster City, 94404, United States
Gilead Sciences welcomes the Simorgh Dance Collective for a Nowruz presentation and performance in this company event.
