May 1 to 3, 2026, Transforming Through Whirling
“Whirling is not an escape from life, it is a way of returning to yourself, again and again.” — Dervish in Progress
After the beautiful energy of our fully booked March workshop, we are very pleased to return to Belgium from May 1 to 3 with a new gathering. This continuation is made possible thanks to the dedication of Eva Zabarylo, founder and director of Compagnie Bougie, and the warm cooperation of my dear friend Karlien Buysse, a whirler and instructor whose clarity, sensitivity and artistic approach I deeply appreciate. I am grateful to collaborate with her in this shared effort to support all who feel connected to whirling.
At the heart of Dervish in Progress lies a simple intention: to support anyone who loves whirling, regardless of tradition, background or style. Traditional, contemporary, experimental or meditative, every colour of whirling is welcome. Many people whirl in their own way and sometimes feel they are missing certain tools or clarity. Dervish in Progress exists to serve this need by offering structure, refinement and understanding. This second workshop invites everyone who is curious, passionate or seeking depth to come together in one shared space.
“Each workshop is a meeting point of body, emotion and mind and of people who choose to grow together.” — Dervish in Progress
This May gathering welcomes both newcomers and experienced whirlers. Those who could not join us in March are invited to begin here, and those wishing to refine their practice will find space to explore advanced elements and to connect more consciously with the inner architecture of the whirling body.
Dervish in Progress is a practice of listening: to breath, to balance, to the subtle forces that organise movement. Through this listening the body rises and expands while the centre remains steady and awake. Beyond the physical foundation, body, emotion and mind begin to move as interconnected wheels, forming a single harmony that transforms whirling into a state of presence.
“The more we whirl, the more we understand that transformation is not sudden, it is layered, continuous and shared.” — Dervish in Progress
Through this practice we discover the internal design of the whirling body: how posture, breath and inner spaciousness organise movement, how resistance softens, and how clarity becomes possible. Whirling then becomes lighter, freer and more spacious, speaking directly to the deeper layers of our being.
“Whether it is your first whirl or your hundredth, the centre you seek is the same. It is steady, silent and always waiting for you.” — Dervish in Progress
Dervish in Progress is both art and awareness, discipline and openness. It grounds the body, softens the heart and clarifies the mind. What begins as technique becomes a doorway to a more present and courageous way of engaging with life.
“We return to Belgium not to repeat what we know but to open new doors each time, to refine, to soften and to expand.” — Dervish in Progress
Workshop Schedule
Friday, 1 May 2026 19:00 to 22:00 Foundations for newcomers and a space for experienced whirlers to refresh and reconnect with the essentials.
Saturday, 2 May 2026 12:00 to 18:00 Integration for newcomers and focused development for practitioners with experience.
Sunday, 3 May 2026 10:00 to 16:00 Deepening work for all participants with both foundational and advanced explorations.
Total: 15 hours of guided practice, discovery and shared understanding.
On Saturday and Sunday the whole group practices together. Newcomers receive step by step support. Experienced whirlers refine advanced aspects including skirt techniques, paired whirling approaches often referred to as Dervish Tango, acceleration and deceleration organisation and detailed question and answer sessions for the fine mechanics of whirling.
Prices
Early Bird prices valid until 31 December. After this date a fifteen percent increase applies.
Full Rate: 290 €
Support Rate: 260 €
Whirling Community: 250 €
Two Days: 220 €
One Day: 130 €
Beginners must start on Friday. If a beginner can only join from Saturday, they must book a one hour individual session with Ziya Azazi on Saturday before entering the group at a cost of 90 €. Experienced whirlers may attend one or two days if they already know the fundamentals.
Venue
Compagnie Bougie Brusselsesteenweg 265 9090 Merelbeke Melle, Belgium www.compagniebougie.be
Contact and Information
“Whirl your body to move your heart and switch your mind.” — Dervish in Progress