The Abbey Studio in Cumberland welcomes back international dance artist and scholar Farima Berenji for an evening of dance performances, poetry and sufi whirling, Friday, Nov. 13.
The evening will begin with Persian classical and Georgian dance performances by Farima, and Simorgh (Farima’s Comox Valley Dance Collective) will perform Farima’s choreographies.
Also, expect to see Russian Romany ’gypsy’, Flamenco fusion and other styles of dance that night by guest dancers coming for the workshops that weekend.
Following the dance performances, with Farima’s guidance, those in attendance will learn personal and spiritual Sema (Sufi Whirling) as well as other turning practices, while listening to sacred poetry and music.
Feel free to bring and share a poem, percussion instruments and/or snacks to share. Wear white or light coloured clothing and wear socks or soft-soled shoes. All ages welcome, sliding scale $10-15 at the door, doors open at 7:30 p.m, performances 8 p.m., sema gathering 9-10:30 p.m.
For those interested; Farima will also be teaching Persian Classical and folk dance workshops on Saturday and Sunday that same weekend. Call Cathy Stoyko at 250-218-0704 or email cdstoyko@uniserve.com for more info.
The Abbey Studio is located at the corner of 1st & Penrith Ave. in Cumberland.
CV Dance Collective
In March 2015, after the last weekend intensive, Farima’s Comox Valley Dance Collective was formed, the first Canadian wing of her international Simorgh Collective project. The Farima Dance Collective currently has member companies in Alaska, Turkey, the Czech Republic, the Republic of Mauritius, the San Francisco Bay Area and now in the Comox Valley! The Comox Valley Dance Collective is a group committed to furthering studies in Persian dance and dances of the Silk Road under the guidance of Farima Berenji as part of her larger collective project Simorgh.
Collective members have been meeting for regular practices ever since at the Abbey Studio and have performed at many community events sharing the dances/culture respectfully in our community.