Banafsheh Sayyad

Banafsheh Sayyad, MFA, LAc

The Founder of Dance of Oneness®, Banafsheh is a Persian Sufi dancer, transformational teacher and acupuncturist. She is one of the few bearers of authentic Persian dance, an innovator of Sufi dance, and one of the few dance artists who has mastered a fusion of dance and spirituality. Her modality, Dance of Oneness® is a way of living our fullest potential through loving our body, our Self, and living as a lover. It fuses 3 dimensions: the art of dance, spirituality, and the science of healing. Banafsheh performs and teaches internationally, initiating people into the wisdom of their body. With an MFA in Dance from UCLA and an MA in Chinese Medicine, she is dedicated to healing and transformation through sacred dance and conscious movement. Banafsheh is the Creative Director and Co-director of Ubiquity Chartres Academy at Ubiquity University where she is also faculty. Her film with Andrew Harvey In the Fire of Grace traces Rumi’s journey of the soul in five stages. www.banafsheh.org

Upcoming Programs by Banafsheh Sayyad, MFA, LAc

“You know that thing when you think you soul might be finally crushed for good and the nameless, wordless, friendless dread of the city has sucked you dry? Well, this place has the cure. You can help with the grounds and garden, you can yoga and meditate, you can get the best massage in 48 states, you can eat the most delicious vegetarian cuisine, and my favorite, walk the trails and paths through bubbling brooks and over rushing waterfalls and regain your spirit and feel the beat of your heart in time to nature.”

Robbie S.

“The genius is in the details of this place. Simple . elegant and chic. The food is always creative, delicious and healthy. The staff is right on. There is nothing they won’t do to make you comfortable. And then there’s the Spa. It’s the big embrace when you walk through the door. The whole place is a huge container of LOVE.”

Elaine Mackle

“This is a beautiful retreat center complete with spa nestled in the lush green countryside of the Catskills. Peace and tranquility are the first to greet you upon arriving at Menla. The staff is warm, professional, and helpful. I have had a couple of massages with hot rocks by a very competent and knowledgeable massage therapist. He is the BEST I have ever had, and I highly recommend going to DEWA Spa at Menla”

Diane Boehm

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