This monthly workshop series is designed to bring whirling enthusiasts together, making it a shared and evolving experience. It is open to advanced whirlers and complete beginners, bringing together movement, connection, and community.   Each month, Ziya Azazi and guest teachers will guide participants through an immersive two-day workshop, integrating techniques, self-discovery, and the joy of whirling. Through this, we are making Vienna the meeting point for whirlers from around the world!   If you’re new to spinning, we will guide you step by step, sharing everything you need to start feeling comfortable and confident in your movement.   OUR 1+1 SPECIAL INVITATION If you’re already an experienced DIP whirler, you are welcome to join alone, but – event better – bring a beginner for free, whether it’s a friend, a loved one, or someone completely new to whirling. This is a great chance to introduce them to the practice and expand the whirling community together! One fee covers both you and your guest.   WHAT TO EXPECT IN EACH WORKSHOP? Warm-up & preparation exercises – Connecting with body and breath. Technical refinement – Helping advanced whirlers deepen their practice. Introduction for beginners – A structured, welcoming start for new participants. Long whirling sessions – Accompanied by a variety of musical selections. Integration & rest – A reflective closing to absorb the experience.   DATES & TIMES Saturdays & Sundays 12pm - 5pm   March 29-30 – Led by Anna Rita Cedroni April 19-20 – Led by Ziya Azazi (Easter Workshop) May 24-25 – Led by Jacqueline Frick June 28-29 – Led by Anna Rita Cedroni   * July will be announced   August 30-31 – Led by Anna Rita Cedroni September 20-21 – Led by Jacqueline Frick October 25-26 – Led by Ziya Azazi November 22-23 – Led by A.R. Cedroni & J. Frick   * December will be announced   Workshop Languages Workshops will be held in German & English.   Venue Arashi Collective, Alte WU, HS 0.5, Augasse 2-6, 1090 Vienna Subway Station SPITTELAU   Workshop Fees 200 € (Workshops by guest teachers) 250 € (Workshops by Ziya Azazi) DIP Flow Pass (3 Workshops) → 550€ DIP Deep Dive Pass (5 Workshops) → 880€ Advanced whirlers can bring a beginner for free (limited contingent!) If you’re bringing a guest, please let us know in advance.   Guest Teachers   Jacqueline Frick Jacqueline is a psychologist, dance & movement therapist, and oriental dance instructor from Switzerland. Her whirling journey began in 2007, and she has been performing intensely for the past decade. Teaching whirling regularly, Dervish in Progress became her primary approach seven years ago. Her sessions focus on creativity, self-expression, and emotional depth, helping participants explore their movement with greater awareness.   Anna Rita Cedroni Anna Rita is an Italian dancer, movement instructor, manager, and architect. With a background in classical ballet, she developed a unique approach to the performing arts, integrating contemporary dance with Butoh, Axis Syllabus, and Dervish in Progress (DIP). She works as a producer for various dance companies while performing and dramaturging across Europe. After intensive study, she completed the DIPTEP (Teaching Educational Program/Core Data) and now integrates Sport Sciences into her practice, embracing Dervish Dance as a path to embodied awareness and transformation.   Contact, Registration & Questions Ziya Azazi | dervishinprogress@gmail.com | WhatsApp: +43 660 5860660 Anna Rita Cedroni | ritainmotion4art@gmail.com | WhatsApp: +43 650 6467746 Jacqueline Frick | info@rahil.ch | WhatsApp: +41 76 2333477

Retreat: May 7 - 9, 2025 Oberlethe, Wardenburg, Germany   “When you turn, you draw closer to the center of your being. Turning takes you to yourself.” Rumi   Your First Step into the Art of Whirling Dervish in Progress (DIP) invites you to this specially designed retreat, perfect for those who wish to begin their journey into whirling. Over three days, under the guidance of experienced instructor Ziya Azazi, you’ll have the chance to learn the fundamental principles of whirling while embarking on a transformative personal journey.   This retreat is an excellent preparation for the DIP Forum from May 9-12, 2025. It’s a physical and mental journey that will not only introduce you to the magic of whirling but also get you ready for the Forum experience. The event is bilingual (English & German)!   Schedule May 7: Starting at 2:00 PM, we’ll welcome you with a circle of introduction. Afterward, we’ll explore the DIP Equation, have a first trial of whirling, and finish the day with our first whirling session, followed by dinner and warm discussions. May 8: We’ll begin the day with a silent morning walk, followed by warm-up exercises named DIP-up, theoretical lessons, and practical applications. Throughout the day, there will be meal breaks, Q&A sessions, and we’ll conclude with the second whirling session and an evening of meaningful conversations. May 9: The last day begins with another morning walk, followed by our DIP-up warm-up session. After breakfast, we’ll finish the retreat with a closing circle, leaving you ready to join the DIP Forum, should you choose to participate. You’re welcome to decide about joining the Forum during the retreat itself.   Participation Fee Participation fee: 230 Euros This includes all teachings during the retreat. Accommodation and meals are not included and must be arranged directly with the venue.   Accommodation: Please book your accommodation directly with Hof Oberlethe: Address: Wardenburger Straße 24, 26203 Wardenburg, Germany Price list: https://www.hof-oberlethe.de/en/services-prices-2/ Travel: https://www.hof-oberlethe.de/en/services-prices-2/directions/ Search for or offer ride-sharing here (check both English & German page!): https://www.hof-oberlethe.de/en/services-prices-2/ride-sharing/   Still have questions? Questions about accommodation & travel: Lea Trampenau +49 170 7532319 trampenau@iss-tt.de Questions about program: Dervish In Progress +43 6605860 660 dervishinprogress@gmail.com

Finding Meaning through Whirling 9th-12th May 2025, Oberlethe, GERMANY   This unique gathering invites DIP followers and graduates, as well as other experienced whirling practitioners and teachers to explore collectively the deeper dimensions of whirling as a spiritual and transformative practice.   Dervish in Progress (DIP), though inspired by Sufism, embraces whirling as a universal movement, much like its use in rituals across various cultures. Free from specific postures, attire, music, or inherited myths tied to particular lineages, DIP offers a contemporary and deeply self-expressive form of moving meditation. This approach has attracted participants from diverse backgrounds, spiritual orientations, and motivations. They value the open space it provides for creating their own unique rituals that promote mental, physical, and emotional transformation.   In the Forum, we aim to facilitate an inspiring exchange on the diversity of these perspectives, individual practices, and the benefits participants have experienced. Under the theme “Finding Meaning through Whirling,” we will share ideas, reflect, and explore how whirling influences our daily lives and supports our journeys of personal growth. The event combines a variety of methods for reflection, creativity, and shared practice to nurture body, mind, and soul. It takes place in beautiful rural surroundings, and the generous (280 m2) “Tao Hall” will be our creative space.   Note: This event language is English and for experienced whirlers, facilitators and teachers who wish to deepen their understanding of the practice. No introduction for beginners will be offered. Beginners interested in joining this event are advised to learn the basics of whirling in a different workshop or through online teaching beforehand.

Ziya Azazi, renowned artist and founder of Dervish in Progress (DIP), is delighted to announce the International DIP Masterclass Residency in the enchanting village of Agios Lavrentios, Greece. Scheduled for 14th to 22nd June 2025, this transformative program is organized in collaboration with Alexandros Seitaridis and the Fortunati art & tech company. This masterclass offers an unparalleled opportunity for self-exploration, artistic growth, and immersion in the art of whirling.   Essential Details   - Dates: 14 – 22 June 2025 - Check-in: 14th June at 5:00 PM - Check-out: 22nd June at 11:00 AM - Fee: €690 (includes VAT, accommodation, breakfast, and training) - Early Bird Discount: €640 (for bookings made by 14th February 2025) - Booking Deadline: 14th May 2025 - Limited Places: A maximum of 16 participants ensures an intimate and focused learning experience. Reserve your spot with a non-refundable deposit of €100.   About the Workshop   This 60-hour masterclass is carefully designed for participants already familiar with the basic DIP terminology and with prior experience in whirling. It provides a focused and immersive learning experience, offering a comprehensive approach to the art and philosophy of whirling. The program emphasizes personal transformation through movement, discipline, and creative expression.   Program Highlights   - Morning hikes and exercises: Start each day with hikes, mindfulness practices, stretching, and strength training in the serene landscapes of Agios Lavrentios. - Dervish Tango: Discover a unique fusion of traditional whirling and tango, focusing on fluidity and grace. - Exploring the Skirts: Dive into the symbolic and practical role of skirts in DIP, enhancing both the visual and spiritual dimensions of your practice. - Performing DIP: Develop your performance skills, combining precise techniques with expressive storytelling. - Masterclass sessions: Two daily sessions—one focusing on practical application and the other on deeper, transcendental exploration. - Personalized learning: Benefit from feedback, Q&A sessions, and tailored guidance to refine your understanding and skills. - Delicious refreshments: Enjoy daily treats with tea, coffee, and soft drinks to sustain your energy throughout the day.   About the Residency Accommodation and Breakfast Arrangements   Participants will stay together for 8 nights in a charming old house located in the picturesque village of Agios Lavrentios. This setup is thoughtfully designed to cultivate a strong sense of community and mutual support among participants during the masterclass. By living together under one roof, sharing meals, and collaborating on daily tasks, participants have the opportunity to form meaningful connections, learn from one another, and develop a sense of collective responsibility.This immersive communal experience lays the foundation for friendships and professional connections that may extend far beyond the duration of the program. Breakfast will be a shared effort to create a welcoming and communal experience.     Payment and Registration   1. Fill in the Registration Form: Start by completing the application form provided on our website: https://dip.fortunati.gr (Ensure all required fields are filled out accurately=. 2. Wait for Approval Email: Once your application is reviewed, you will receive an approval email. This email will confirm your acceptance and include an online payment link. 3. Make Your Payment: Click on the payment link in the email to securely pay the deposit of €100 using a credit or debit card, or transfer the deposit directly to the provided bank account details. 4. Confirmation: After your payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation email with details of your successful enrollment.   If you encounter any issues during the process, feel free to contact us for assistance. For more information you can visit our website: https://dip.fortunati.gr   Production Managers   Eleni Voyiatzidou & Alexandros Seitaridis Fortunati Art & Tech Co. Contact E-mail: info@fortunati.gr    We look forward to welcoming you to Agios Lavrentios in June 2025!  

Date: 3rd - 6th July 2025 Location: Volkshaus Perau, Burgenlandstraße 16a, 9500 Villach, Carinthia, Austria   "Whirling is not about losing oneself; it’s about finding a centre where the body, mind, and emotions align with a deeper truth. It’s where stillness and movement merge, allowing transformation to happen naturally." – Ziya Azazi   A Transformative Experience Awaits   For the first time, Dervish in Progress (DIP) is bringing its renowned whirling retreat to the beautiful and serene town of Villach, Carinthia, Austria. This four-day immersive retreat, taking place from July 3rd to July 6th, 2025, is designed to welcome both beginners and advanced practitioners into a shared space of exploration, alignment, and transformation. In today’s fast-paced, multidimensional world, we often find ourselves navigating what can feel like an overwhelming reality—multi-temporal, multi-special, and multi-skilled. As we adapt to these complexities, it becomes crucial to regularly recalibrate our body, mind, and emotions. Whirling, as practiced in DIP, offers a profound pathway for this recalibration, serving as a vehicle for inner balance, alignment, and renewal. In 2025, DIP is expanding its global presence with a significantly increased number of events, driven by its mission to reach and impact more lives. This retreat is not merely an introduction to whirling but an opportunity to step into a deeper connection with oneself and others, supported by the transformative guidance of Ziya Azazi.   Why Whirling?   Neuroscience highlights the transformative power of rhythmic movement in enhancing neuroplasticity, regulating emotions, and fostering resilience. Whirling, in particular, combines these benefits with profound spiritual insights, creating a practice that nourishes both the mind and soul. DIP is dedicated to making whirling accessible to everyone, especially in this era of multi-dimensional living. By introducing regular practices of alignment and balance, individuals can better navigate the complexities of modern life, finding a stable centre amidst the chaos.   Structure of the Retreat   Day 1 (Thursday, July 3): - For Beginners: New participants will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of whirling, referred to in DIP as the EQUATION, which emphasizes essential principles like balance, focus, and movement alignment. Beginners will also experience their first whirling session, guided with clarity and care. - For Advanced Participants: Advanced DIP participants are welcome to join from the first day to immerse themselves in the retreat’s practices. However, they may also choose to arrive on Day 2 (Friday, July 4) if preferred.   Days 2–4 (July 4–6): From Friday onward, all participants—beginners and advanced practitioners alike—will come together to embark on a collective journey. Under the expert guidance of Ziya Azazi, participants will explore the theories and practices of DIP, delving into the vast and unknown dimensions of the spinning world. Daily Activities Include: - Whirling sessions designed to develop physical alignment, stamina, and presence. - Guided exercises to cultivate body awareness and inner balance. - Insights into the philosophy, mechanics, and spirituality of whirling. - Opportunities for quiet reflection and connection with Villach’s natural beauty.     Practical Information Dates: July 3rd to July 6th, 2025 Location: Volkshaus Perau, Burgerlandstraße 16a, 9500 Villach, Carinthia, Austria https://volkshaeuservillach.at/veranstaltungshaeuser/volkshaus-perau/   Accommodation For accommodations, we suggest the comfortable and welcoming Family–Youth Hostel in Villach: https://www.hiyou.at/en/villach-e/ Single, double, triple, and group rooms are available. Please check availability and prices in advance and mention for reservation: Association mind.set https://www.oejhv.at/wp-content/uploads/Villach-Preise-2025-E.pdf   Fees (VAT & accommodation not included): - €380 – Regular participants - €350 – DIP community members & members of Mind.Set Association - €320 – DIP-TEP graduates & students   Payment Details: - Reserve your spot with a non-refundable deposit of €100 filling the google form: https://forms.gle/joozgvmcv7gDP9sH7 - Snacks and beverages (tea, coffee) will be provided throughout the retreat.   Contact Information For questions or assistance, please contact: office@mind-set.jetzt Charly & Hubert:   +43 676 4227717 or  Anna Rita:  +43 650 6467746   Ziya Azazi: A Visionary in Movement   Ziya Azazi is an internationally acclaimed performer and teacher, renowned for his innovative approach to whirling practices. Born in Antakya, Turkey, he brings over 20 years of experience in blending traditional and contemporary dance forms. Through extensive research, Ziya has developed Dervish in Progress (DIP), a modern interpretation of whirling that emphasizes individual transformation, alignment, and inner connection. Ziya’s work has been featured in prestigious festivals and events across more than 55 countries. His unique methods integrate the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of whirling, offering practitioners a profound journey into the vast unknown of their being.   Join Us This retreat offers a rare opportunity to experience whirling as a tool for profound self-discovery and transformation. In the supportive space of the DIP community, guided by Ziya Azazi, you will explore movement, stillness, and the rich inner landscapes of your being. Whether you are new to whirling or an experienced practitioner, this retreat is an invitation to pause, recalibrate, and rediscover the power of connection—within yourself and with the vast unknown. Take the step to join us in Villach and immerse yourself in this transformative journey. Reserve your spot today and experience the balance, clarity, and joy that await!

An Invitation to the Art of Dancing with Fire   Dear whirling dancers and performance artists,   Join me in Carrara, Italy, on 11–13 July for a unique Fireskirt Masterclass, where we’ll dive into the powerful art of dancing with fire. You’ll learn how to perform with a fiery skirt—mastering both the technical skills and the transformative energy behind it.   The very first Fireskirt premiered in 2004 at the Vienna Fire Brigade Ball and reached global attention with my solo piece EMBER in 2010. This masterclass draws directly from that legacy, guiding you from costume preparation to stage presence.   🗓️ This is a SAVE THE DATE call! Full details will follow once we’ve gauged interest. 🔸 Limited to 25 participants 🔸 Total fee: €300–€500, based on number of participants 🔸 To reserve: €100 non-refundable deposit (Travel and accommodation not included)   💡 New! DIP-Shop will soon offer Fireskirts for sale. You'll have the chance to use your own personal skirt during the masterclass! When confirming your reservation, simply mention if you'd like to purchase one—you’ll receive personalised guidance.   Invite/encourage your friends, colleagues, and beloved whirlers to join. The more we are, the more affordable and enriching the experience becomes for everyone.   If you want to take your performative-whirling-journey to the next level, then reserve your place!    Contact us to pay your deposit: dervishinprogress@gmail.com, +436605860660, or send DM on instagram or Facebook “Dancing with fire is to ignite the flames of the heart, mind, and spirit.”  

Transformation Through Whirling (Beginners Only)   This year, my purpose is clear: to open the doors wide—only for beginners! Because we need more whirling people in this flipping-out, fast-pacing reality!   I warmly invite you to join me for a five-day workshop during the first week of ImPulsTanz 2025, where we’ll dive into the transformative power of spinning. Whether you're seeking personal discovery, physical release, or a fresh perspective on movement and being—this is your chance to start. No prior experience is needed—just your curiosity, your body, and the willingness to turn.   About ImPulsTanz   ImPulsTanz – Vienna International Dance Festival is one of the world’s leading festivals for contemporary dance and performance. Every summer, Vienna becomes a vibrant meeting point for dance professionals, emerging artists, and curious movers from around the globe. With over 200 workshops, groundbreaking performances, and late-night gatherings, ImPulsTanz has become an inspiring melting pot where movement, music, and dialogue flow freely through every space it touches—from grand stages to grassroots studios.   DIP & ImPulsTanz: A Longstanding Dance Dialogue   Since 2013, Dervish in Progress (DIP) has been a regular part of ImPulsTanz, offering unique workshops that merge contemporary movement with the ancient art of whirling. Over more than a decade, hundreds of participants from all walks of life have experienced the physical, emotional, and mental transformations that whirling practice brings.   About This Workshop   This beginners-only workshop is a rare invitation to step into a world you may not know—yet. Whirling is not only about turning—it’s about tuning into your own body, emotions, and thoughts in motion. I especially encourage young movers who are ready to expand their physical, emotional, and mental skills in dance to take this opportunity. This is your moment to discover a practice that connects presence with play, rhythm with release, and movement with meaning.   Spinning alone, with a partner, or in a group opens new inner landscapes. Entering the spinning state offers an abstract journey through self-awareness and surrender, often unlocking realizations that extend far beyond the dance floor. This class will be a supportive, exploratory space where no one is expected to know, but everyone is invited to feel.   Dates: 14.7.–18.7.2025 Time: 17:30–20:00 Location: Arsenal, Objekt 19, 1030 Vienna Detailed info & booking link: https://www.impulstanz.com/en/workshops/pid6851/ Contact: +43 1 235 00 22 · workshopoffice@impulstanz.com   “Don't become passengers, stay pilot. In whirling, as in life, take the lead to meet yourself in motion.”

We are thrilled to welcome Ziya Azazi back to Toplocentrala on July 29, 30, and 31, 2024, for a special evening of movement, energy, and transformation. This time, he brings us two of his most iconic solo performances—Dervish in Progress (DIP) and Ember—which, when performed together, create a deeply immersive experience.   A Look into Ziya Azazi’s Repertoire   Following his full-length performance DERVISH last year and his latest work PIETA 2.0, premiered in January, this combination offers a new perspective through two of his earlier works. With DIP and Ember, Azazi once again challenges movement, tradition, and expression, giving the audience a completely different experience.   Dervish in Progress – The Evolution of Whirling   Dervish in Progress is a meeting point between Sufi whirling and contemporary movement, where tradition transforms into personal expression. Here, Azazi invites us to witness whirling as a living, breathing art form—a practice that carries centuries of wisdom yet remains open to evolution. At the heart of the performance is the skirt—not just a costume, but an extension of his body, his dance partner, his protection, and his freedom. With every turn, it shifts and transforms, just like the journey of self-discovery itself. Through repetition and rhythm, movement becomes meditation, leading both performer and audience into a space of deep awareness.   Ember – Fire, Knowledge, and the Cycle of Existence   While DIP focuses on inner transformation, Ember takes us further—into the raw reality of human struggle, enlightenment, and destruction. Here, Azazi explores the fragility of knowledge, showing how what once guided us can also limit and consume us. Fire takes center stage—not just as an element, but as a symbol of wisdom, creation, and chaos. In Ember, spinning becomes survival, a way to navigate the endless cycles of life and death, creation and collapse.   A Powerful Double Performance   Together, Dervish in Progress and Ember move from the meditative stillness of whirling to the explosive intensity of fire, offering a profound contrast that questions tradition, progress, and the delicate balance between freedom and self-destruction.   Azazi doesn’t just perform—he invites us into an experience, where movement is philosophy, fire is a metaphor, and whirling is a path to deeper understanding.   📍 Venue: Toplocentrala, Sofia, Bulgaria 📅 Dates: July 29, 30, 31, 2025   This is more than a performance—it’s an invitation to feel, reflect, and transform

“Whirling is a journey where awareness expands. When the body, mind, and soul align, movement becomes meditation, and meditation transforms into evolution.”   We are excited to restart DIPTEP (Dervish in Progress Teacher Education Program) this August in Sofia, Bulgaria, hosted by ToploCentrala. This program combines scientific understanding with spiritual depth, integrating theory and practice to help participants develop a deeper connection with their body, emotions, and mind.   In today’s fast-moving world, DIPTEP is designed to give a clear and structured understanding of whirling, covering both its physical mechanics and deeper experiential aspects. It goes beyond just movement, exploring how whirling can be an accessible and sustainable practice for both personal and professional development. To support this, DIPTEP introduces a unique terminology to explain key concepts and uses free-form whirling as a practical tool to build skill, confidence, and awareness.   Dervish in Progress (DIP): A Contemporary Approach to Whirling & Life   DIP is a multi-layered discipline—a contemporary approach to whirling, rooted in the ancient Sufi tradition. It fosters exploration, transformation, and self-mastery across physical, intellectual, and emotional dimensions, enriching personal, relational, professional, and social aspects of life. Accessible to all, DIP has evolved from 30 years of artistic and explorational research in over 50 countries, continuously shaped by scientific and philosophical inquiry. Through performances, workshops, presentations, and retreats, this vision has inspired and engaged tens of thousands of individuals worldwide. Click for YouTube Channel   At its core, DIP is based on the principle that each individual is an artist, actively shaping their own life into a meaningful and evolving creation. With this perspective, we continually seek effective tools for self-development and refinement. In DIPTEP, whirling is taught as an contemporary instrument for transformation. This program, grounded in practice-based learning, trust& transparency, and mindful exploration, encourages participants to engage critically and apply knowledge with clarity and purpose.

“A DIP Instructor is a conscious driver—holding space and sensing shifts. FORMATION turns whirling lovers into guides—leading others into the vast unknown and back to deeper self.” Overview   The second year of the Dervish-in Progress Teacher Education Program (DIPTEP) is titled "Formation". While the first year, Core Data, focuses on collecting foundational knowledge, bodily awareness, and personal mental-emotional alignment, Formation is the year of application, embodiment, and integration. It is designed to deepen the practitioner's mastery and expand awareness through whirling practice and its transformative language.   Graduates of Core Data are warmly encouraged to join this year — not only for the option of becoming DIP instructors, but to explore deeper layers of the unseen through spinning. Each headline of the Formation program opens a new portal to understanding the self and the unknown.   Those who have not completed Core Data but hold solid experience in spinning and its transformative nature are also welcome to join Formation. To ensure readiness before August, one-on-one online sessions are available to cover the full theoretical content of Core Data. Further details can be requested via email at dervishinprogress@gmail.com or by messaging +43 660 5860 660.   “Formation is open to all who feel called by the spinning path and are willing to deepen their journey”.   Participation Prerequisites Candidates are expected to meet the following conditions: - Graduation of DIPTEP Core Data. (Experienced Whirlers without Core Data Graduation, please check the details below). - Ongoing engagement with any form of personal development or physical discipline since graduating from Core Data (e.g. dance, movement, therapy, meditation, martial arts, somatic training, etc.).   For Experienced Whirlers without Core Data Graduation Whirlers who have not completed the first year (Core Data) but are deeply familiar with the spinning practice and its transformative qualities are also eligible to join Formation.   To be accepted: - A short biography and a brief statement of motivation must be submitted to dervishinprogress@gmail.com. A brief online interview will be arranged after the initial contact. - To prepare adequately, candidates without CORE DATA Certificate must complete the Core Data theory via one-on-one online classes before August 2025. These private sessions will ensure they have the foundational understanding necessary to integrate the teachings of Formation and become eligible for certification.  

You can access the PDF files containing the list of events Ziya Azazi has performed in previous years through the following links:   To access our current event lists and register, you can use the 'BOOKING NOW' button.   Past Events in 2023  Past Events in 2024