Fararima Berenji - DanceVersity Faculty
Farima Berenji is an artistic director,
performer, choreographer and dance activist committed to the
preservation, revitalization and innovation of dance, art,
and culture. She holds a B.S. in Health Science and Art
History and the Performing Arts, as well as an M.A. in
Anthropology and Archeology with a special emphasis in
Egyptian and Persian studies. Her love of dance has led her
on an extraordinary life long journey. Over the years she
has traveled to various countries learning, teaching,
performing, and advocating art, culture, and dance to help
bridge cultural gaps and create respect, love, and unity
among people of all backgrounds.
Farima has had the privilege to study dance with master teachers around the world and has performed with various dance companies such as the Avaz Dance Company (directed by Dr. Antony Shay), Hala Dance Company (directed by Hala Fazi of Egypt), Sufi Masters of Kurdistan and Iran, Payvand Dance Company, and the Sunnyvale Performing Arts Group. She has been featured in many international music videos, commercials, and theatre, as well as performing for internationally recognized music scholars, playwrights, and performers such as Nobel Ghashen (Jordanian Film director and producer), Naser Musa Ensemble (nationally recognized Middle Eastern music scholar), Pezham Akhavass (international acclaimed master of Persian music), Mohamad Ebrahimi (master of Persian music), and James Robinson (flamenco guitar master) as well as various Iranian singers and film directors.
Farima continues her passion by teaching various dance styles, specializing in dances from the Silk Road (Persia and Central Asia), Middle East, Tribal Fusion, Sufi and Sacred Dances, Ballet, and Theatre, as well as teaching Persian and Egyptian History, art and crafts, and cultural awareness. Farima is currently the artistic director of Farima Dance Company, a principal performer and an instructor for Ballet Afsaneh (a critically-acclaimed and internationally lauded performance ensemble that performs dances from the Silk Road), as well as a principal performer for Miriam Peretz Dance Ensemble, guest performer for Payvand and Chinese Performing Arts of America, and the Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator and Instructor for the City of Sunnyvale.
Her web site: FarimaDance.com
