Afsaneh Dance Academy

Traditional Dance Classes for Children and Adults:
All of the magic, technique and artistry that create the legend of Ballet Afsaneh are offered for families in the Bay Area. Classes focus on Persian and Central Asian classical or folkloric styles. Regional dances of Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, and Western Ballet technique are also explored.

Class Schedule: Spring 2008

  • Afsaneh Dance Academy - North Bay

    Berkeley
    Mondays 7:00 - 8:00pm, Central Asian and Persian Dance
    Basic/Intermediate-Advanced Adults, Spring Fall Studio in Berkeley
    Instructor: Miriam Peretz, Assistant Director Ballet Afsaneh
    Classical Persian, Tajik, Afghan and more.....
    Information: miriamp@mindspring.com, (510) 848-2192

    Wednesdays 6:30 - 8:00, Central Asian and Persian Dance
    Basic/Intermediate Adults, 8th Street Studios in Berkeley
    Instructor: Rosa Rojas, Ballet Afsaneh Principle Dancer
    Classical Persian, Tajik, Afghan and more.....
    Information: rosarosarojas@yahoo.com, (510) 207-0282

    Marin County/San Anselmo
    Tuesdays 8:00 - 9:30pm, Central Asian Persian and N. Indian
    Starting Date: February 7th
    Multi-Level, Knights of Columbus Hall
    Instructor: Tara Pandeya, Ballet Afsaneh Principle Dancer
    Classical Persian, Tajik, Afghan, N. Indian and more.....
    Information: lailastar3@yahoo.com, (415) 259-9710

  • Afsaneh Dance Academy - South Bay
    Starting January 2008, Ballet Afsaneh Dance Academy in San Jose will hold Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Persian and Central Asian Dance Classes as well as a new Cultural Education Dance Class-Dances of Persia. Join us and explore the wonderful culture of Persia and Central Asia through dance. First Session will be FREE for all prospective new students. We have several special seminars offered in January through the South Bay Academy---- also for free!

    San Jose Classes & Seminars
    Tuesdays 5:30 - 6:30pm, Beginning Persian and Central Asian Dance
    Beginning Level Kids, Ariel Dance Studio in Campbell
    Instructor: Farima Berenji, Ballet Afsaneh Ensemble Dancer
    Learn the basic Persian Classical and Central Asian dance movements in order to prepare you for the intermediate and advance/performance level.
    Information: farima_berenji2yahoo.com, (408) 386-5005

    Thursdays: 4:30 - 5:30pm Kids, 5:30 - 6:30pm Adults & Teens
    Intermediate/Advanced - Performance Level
    Classical Persian & Central Asian Dance
    Instructor: Rosa Rojas, Priciple Dancer Ballet Afsaneh
    Learn more advanced and challenging Persian Classical and Central Asian dance movements, enhance dance technique with new choreography, and perform.
    Information: rosarosarojas@yahoo.com, (510) 207-0282

    Sundays 11:00 -12:00pm Dances of Persia, Cultural Education
    Beginning Level Kids and Adults
    Instructor: Farima Berenji, Ballet Afsaneh Ensemble Dancer
    Learn the beautiful Persian Culture and History through dance. Explore Persian Folklore Dances such as: Azeri, Kurdi, Gilaki, Bandari, Bakhtiari, Qashqai, Sistani, Taleshi, Lori, Turkmeni, Lezgi and Persian Court Dance and learn about the customs, music and culture.
    Information: farima_berenji@yahoo.com, (408) 386-5005

    !!! FREE SEMINARS & PROGRAMS !!!
    The Afsaneh Arts & Culture Society would also like to inform you of
    some exciting upcoming free workshops and Seminars on Persian History,
    Culture and Dance in San Jose.

    History of Persia/Cultural Education: FREE Seminar Series
    Sunday January 13, 2008 11:30 -12:00pm -- "Wonders of Persia"
    Sunday January 20, 2008 11:30 -12:00pm -- "The Heroic Age of Persia"
    Where: Alborz Academy/Farsi School, Camden Community Center in San Jose
    Join Farima Berenji a Cultural Anthropologist/Archeologist and Ballet
    Afsaneh dancer in an exciting 2-day Seminar as she explores the wonders of Persia (Iran). There will be prizes, snacks, music, dance, costumes, fun for all ages to enjoy.

    Resting between the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf is the land some scholars consider to be the "Cradle of Civilization," home of the Babylonians, the Assyrians, and the Persians. Learn how the empires of this land contributed to modern society through their art, dance, culture, language, science and
    technology. Explore the great wonders and reconnect modern Iran with
    the empires that created this country.

    Come hear the stories of the greatest poets, physicians, philosophers,
    mathematicians and astronomers of all times such as Hafez, Saadi,
    Ferdowsi, Rumi, Omar Khayyam, Abu Ali Sina, Abu Raihan Biruni, and
    Zakariya Razi. Learn more about the cultural events of Persia - the
    Festival of Yalda, the Festival of Mehregan, the Festival of Fire and
    NoeRooz. Find out about Iran's major provinces and nomads. Learn how
    they dance and dress.

    Have you or members of your family ever wanted to learn more about Persia (Iran), the land, the people, geography, language, the culture, and the arts? Ever wondered how the Persians believed the land was created or about ancient
    Persian myths, Gods and Goddesses? Ever wondered about Iran before the
    Iranians, about Cyrus the Great and the Persian Empire? Want to know more about Persian history, the Archamenians and Sassanian Dynasty, the Arab Conquest, the Turkish Dynasty, the Mongol Invasion, the Safavids, and the Qajars? Then this free seminar series is just the perfect opportunity for you!
    Information and Registration: farima_berenji@yahoo.com, (408) 386-5005

    Free Workshop: Classical Persian, Central Asian Dance & Persian Folklore
    Saturday Jan. 26, 2008 9:00 -10:00am
    Where: Ariel Dance Studio
    Join Farima Berenji and Principle Instructor Rosa Rojas for one hour
    dance and information session exploring the various dances from Persia and Central Asia. Learn more about the Afsaneh Dance Academy, events, concert, and outreach programs.
    Information: farima_berenji@yahoo.com, (408) 386-5005