“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
Contemporary Persian dance workshop with world renowned dance choreographer, ethnologist, and Sufi master Dr. Farima Berenji. In the early 19th century, new styles of dance began to develop in Persia. Artists traveled to Europe, creating a bloom of modernism in the arts, particularly in the royal courts. Illustrations of this period include splendid paintings and […]
A two-day journey of sacred dance, Sufi whirling, and ancient rituals to awaken the heart and remember the wisdom of the ancients. Facilitated by Dr. Farima Berenji. Step into a sacred journey of remembrance through dance, ritual, and divine movement as we awaken the ancient wisdom of Persia and the mystic heart of Sufism. Across […]
Saturday Evening Sama Gathering – A Gathering of Lovers An Evening of Sema (Whirling), Prayer, Zikr, and Sacred Sound Join us for a heart-opening Sacred Circle and Sama (or Sema) Gathering led by Sufi Master Dr. Farima Berenji. This gathering follows the ancient traditions of Iranian Sufism, drawing from the Khorasani, Qaderi, Ali Qalandar, and […]
A two-day journey of sacred dance, Sufi whirling, and ancient rituals to awaken the heart and remember the wisdom of the ancients. Facilitated by Dr. Farima Berenji. Step into a sacred journey of remembrance through dance, ritual, and divine movement as we awaken the ancient wisdom of Persia and the mystic heart of Sufism. Across […]
Companions of the Sun A Lecture by Scholar Dr. Farima Berenji Rooted 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 […]
Learn about the origins and practice of Iranian dance in this talk and performance by Dr. Farima Berenji. She will discuss Iranian rituals and beliefs in relation to dance, as well as how Iranian culture has impacted global music and dance traditions. There will be a short performance and audience participation dance as part of […]
Dr. Farima Berenji and Qais Essar will perform and discuss dance and music from the cultures along the ancient Silk Road. This event draws connections with the musical instruments and textiles from the vast collections of Eastern Arts on display in the Special Collections Reading Room, Level 4 of the SLC City Libraray to celebrate […]
Dr. Farima Berenji, Dr. Anne Huang, and Samuel Cortez form a discussion panel on "Non-Western Dance & Healing." The 2025 World Arts West Dance Festival will focus on the theme “Dance as Health and Healing,” exploring what constitutes a healthy community. It aims to showcase dance and art forms rooted in cultural traditions, including sacred, […]
Dr. Farima Berenji presents a one hour Sufi whirling workshop at the 2025 World Arts West Dance Festival. Learn the basic technique of Sufi whirling (Iranian and Turkish style), 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 […]
Learn about the origins and practice of Iranian dance in this talk and performance by Dr. Farima Berenji. She will discuss Iranian rituals and beliefs in relation to dance, as well as how Iranian culture has impacted global music and dance traditions. There will be a short performance and audience participation dance as part of […]