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Yoga Vacation Program
December 25 — 27, 2025

Sufi Dance of Oneness

Banafsheh Sayyad

Step into an extraordinary evening of dance and poetry, where Banafsheh will transport you to the mystical realms of your own soul. Her masterful blend of choreographed and improvised dance, paired with mystical poetry, creates a powerful, immersive experience that will invite you on a journey of self-discovery and inner illumination. Each movement and word is an invitation to reveal the radiant gem within you, as the fusion of structured movement and spontaneous expression opens doors to profound transformation. This performance isn’t just art—it’s a portal to deeper connection with yourself and the universe.

Workshops:
Embark on a life-changing two-part whirling workshop with Banafsheh, designed for everyone—from absolute beginners to experienced whirlers. Banafsheh’s accessible method simplifies this ancient practice, offering an initiation into the sacred Sufi dance of Sama. In just a few easy steps, you’ll learn to whirl with ease, entering a meditative flow that dissolves mental chatter and connects you to the vast ocean of presence. This is a unique chance to embody one of the most profound practices of Sufi mysticism, as you explore the deep wisdom passed down from Rumi and Shams.

More than just a dance, the Sama is a journey to the Beloved—an experience of liberation, grounding, and wild inspiration. If you’re seeking a way to ground your spirituality through movement, cultivate a deep connection to the Earth, and live with more grace and clarity, this program is for you. Learn practical tools to calm the mind, reduce stress, and elevate your state of being, while accessing profound inner stillness and activating creativity.

The workshop also offers an exploration of Rumi’s love poems that were born from his whirling, as well as the philosophy and symbolism behind Sama, a practice the Dalai Lama describes as embodying the true meaning of life. Through the spin, you’ll activate higher levels of intuition, enhance coherence between your heart, mind, and body, and cultivate an elevated sense of peace and inspiration.

Program Benefits:
– Activate high levels of intuition
– Elevate your state of being
– Access profound inner silence and stillness
– Feel energized and unlimited
– Calm your mind, reduce stress, and increase inner peace
– Cultivate conscious coherence between your heart, mind, and body
– Activate inspiration and creativity

Bring socks or soft-soled dance shoes, and please refrain from eating a heavy meal two hours before the workshop. This is your chance to step into the transformative power of whirling and open yourself to a world of love, beauty, and freedom.

Offered as 1 satsang and 2 workshops (subject to change).

The presentations associated with this Yoga Vacation Program begin with an 8pm satsang on the first day of the program and conclude with a 90-minute noon workshop on the last day of the program.  Click here to read more about the Yoga Vacation Program details and view the ashram schedule for yoga classes and meals during your stay. We suggest you arrive at least one day prior to the start of your program for the optimal experience.

Banafsheh Sayyad is a master Iranian sacred dancer, choreographer, transformational teacher, activist and founder of Dance of Oneness®. A deeply profound and highly accessible spiritual teacher of embodiment, Banafsheh performs and teaches internationally, initiating people into the wisdom of their bodies. Her signature style of holy wildness infused with ancient wisdom ignites transformation and illumination in all those who watch her and dance with her from around the globe. Banafsheh invites the dancer within to remember, reclaim and resource the innate healing intelligence streaming through us and spiraling all around us. She is among the few bearers of authentic Persian dance in the world. Banafsheh has been dancing the Sufi dance of Sama for 35 years and is a pioneer in creating a liberated feminine expression in the genre previously performed only by men.

Her modality, Dance of Oneness® is dance as a spiritual path and science of embodiment. It facilitates a way to embody the flame of love, loving our Self and our body so we can live more fully and love with the whole of our being.
Dance of Oneness® fuses 3 streams: the art of dance: rigorous technique and self-expression; healing; and wisdom teachings. With a Masters of Fine Arts in Dance and Choreography from UCLA and a Masters in Chinese Medicine, Banafsheh is dedicated to individual and collective healing through conscious dance. Her award-winning work has been presented in North America, Europe and Australia. Her dance film, “In the Fire of Grace” with Andrew Harvey traces Rumi’s journey of the soul in dance.

Banafsheh’s award-winning solo dances and ensemble work with her dance company, NAMAH, has been presented in North America, Europe and Australia. Visit www.danceofoneness.org to learn more about Banafsheh and her in person and online offerings.

danceofoneness.org

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