Dervish in Progress (DIP) is hosting a retreat in Wendland, Germany, from April 30th to May 6th, 2024, tailored for both beginners and advanced practitioners.
Between April 30th and May 2nd, foundational teachings will be imparted, focusing on the core principles of DIP, such as ‘equation’ – understanding the dynamics of whirling, ‘steering the wheels’ – mastering control and balance, and ‘body analysis’ – recognizing and aligning body movements with the rhythm. Starting May 2nd, the retreat offers an integration of three specialized master classes:
- Dervish Tango: A fusion of whirling & partner dances, emphasizing fluidity and grace, to experience dualities such as responsibility-surrendering, holding-dropping, accepting-rejecting, and taking-giving, masculinity-femininity in partnering.
- Exploring the Skirts: This class delves into the symbolic and practical aspects of using skirts in DIP, enhancing the visual and spiritual experience. But also to incorporate the flow and movement of the multiple skirt whirling techniques and learn how to use the skirt as an instrument, partner, extension, or mirror of the body/self.
- Performing DIP: Focuses on the performance aspect, combining technique with expressive storytelling, and how to captivate the audience with mesmerizing performances. The class covers various staging aspects, and aims to enhance creativity, emotional awareness, and performance skills.
Beginners and those looking to refresh their knowledge will be given basic information on the first 2 days. From May 2nd, three master classes will be addressed separately, but also will be blended together. As the retreat progresses, these classes will intertwine like puzzle pieces, helping participants better understand the teachings of DIP.
The aim is for practitioners to leave the retreat feeling they have progressed and ascended a level in their whirling dance skills, and thanks to the cumulative format of the information to make them feel the holistic advancement in DIP.
