International touring dance artist, instructor and scholar Farima Berenji will in the Comox Valley this weekend for a weekend of Persian dance, poetry, sufi whirling and zikr.
This time Farima’s visit falls near Imbolc/St. Brigid’s Day/Candlemas/Groundhog Day — all festivals that celebrate the awakening of spring and mark midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.
This event also falls near Jashn-e-Sadeh, an ancient Iranian festival that dates back to Mitrasim. Sadeh celebrates 50 days before Norouz. Sadeh means “hundred” and refers to 100 days and nights past the end of summer (or the beginning of long-winter known to start at the end of summer in ancient Iran).
Sadeh is a mid-winter festival that celebrated the light coming out of darkness. It was a festivity to honour fire and to defeat the forces of darkness, frost, and cold.
On Friday, Feb. 3, we will celebrate the returning light and new life emerging with dance performances by Farima, her Comox Valley Simorgh Dance Collective, Arcana Dea Dance and visiting dancers.
Following the dance performances, with Farima’s guidance we will learn personal and spiritual Sema or sufi whirling as well as other turning practices, while listening to sacred poetry and music.
Feel free to bring a percussion instrument or a poem to share.
People who wish to participate in the Sema Gathering are encouraged to wear white or light coloured clothing. Socks or soft-soled shoes are recommended for whirling. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., performances 8-9, Sema Gathering 9-10 p.m. All are welcome and admission is sliding scale $10-$15 payable at the door.
Also, plan to join us at the Abbey Studio on Saturday, Feb. 4 for a Zikr led by Farima. Zikr is a sufi meditation practice which uses repetitive simple movements and rhythmic chanting as a form of devotion.
This evening event is also open to everyone and is done seated, either on the floor or on a chair making it accessible for those with mobility issues.
All are welcome to attend on a pay at the door/by donation basis.
For more information about these upcoming events contact Cathy at 250-218-0704, or cdstoyko@uniserve.com
The Abbey Studio is located at the corner of First and Penrith Avenue in Cumberland. It is wheelchair accessible.
