workshop Rhinebeck, NY

Dance of the Soul

A Journey Through Iranian Sufism, Whirling & Sacred Music

Dates

Aug 22–27, 2027

Tuition

Member: $470.00

Standard: $525.00

Register
Group of people whirling in a Sufi dance class led by Farima Berenji

Step into a journey of remembrance through Iranian Sufism, sacred movement, and spiritual practices to awaken the heart and honor ancestral wisdom.

Farima Berenji invites you to join her in an exploration of the ancient mystical traditions of Iranian Sufism through movement, music, and spiritual practices.

Join Sufi master Farima Berenji for a 5-day immersion into the mystical traditions of Persian Sufism and the spiritual heritage of ancient Iranian wisdom. Through sacred movement, whirling, breathwork, storytelling, Persian poetry, and contemplative practice, together we explore the timeless connection between body and soul, nature and spirit.

Discover the philosophy behind sacred movement and Persian musical modes (makam), while engaging with teachings rooted in Zoroastrian, Mitra, and Sufi wisdom.

Experience how movement becomes prayer, music becomes remembrance, and the heart becomes a bridge to the divine. Leave with a deeper connection to ancient Persian traditions and the transformative power of embodied spiritual practice.

Who Should Attend? This workshop welcomes all who come with an open heart and a willingness to explore sacred movement, inner awareness, and the timeless wisdom of Iranian spiritual traditions. No previous dance experience is required.

What You Experience

Take part in sacred practices such as prayers to the sun, Iranian zikr (sacred chanting), ancient Iranian healing traditions, and medicine dances. Participants are introduced to the philosophy behind whirling, the spiritual qualities of sacred music modes, and the inner path of transformation. Each day concludes with a Sufi circle, sama gathering, sacred whirling experience, and sharing. Participants are invited to bring poetry or short stories, or musical talents to share as part of the communal experience.

Your Faculty

  • Farima Berenji

    Farima Berenji is a performing artist, choreographer, and Sufi master of the Iranian Sufi order of...

What People Say About This Work

"Thank you for sharing yourself with all of us and for passing ancient traditions into today. I feel blessed to have come across you and your teachings, as they have helped guide me further on my own path of never-ending self-discovery."
—Morgan Leigh, Workshop Participant

"I have truly found a most wise mentor in you—you are a well for sacred beings. Thank you for evolving my spirit and bringing me to the gate."
—Christina Garfield, Workshop Participant

More Information

For the whirling practice, participants are encouraged to avoid heavy meals immediately before sessions to allow the body to move comfortably. The workshop includes gentle to moderate physical movement, including breathwork. Participants are guided gradually and safely through the practices according to their own abilities.

Things to Bring

  • A notebook or journal
  • Light-colored or white comfortable clothing suitable for movement
  • Socks or soft-soled shoes
  • Participants who have a whirling skirt or frame drum may bring them, but these items are not required

Workshop Rhinebeck, NY

Aug 22–27, 2027

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Dance of the Soul

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