Nenačovice / Prague · Czech Republic
22–26 July 2026
An Invitation to Transformation
Sometimes what we need is not more speed, but more clarity, more silence, and a more refined attention. The Dervish in Progress practice gathers the body around an axis while expanding perception at the same time: it opens a living field of work where weight, breath, direction, balance, and decision intertwine.
This retreat proposes that work as a real space of freedom, without confining it only to studio hours. In this special location where we will live together 24/7 from 22–26 July, our studio practice and the rest of the day will nourish each other: we practice together during the working hours, and outside the studio we rest and renew—freely, together.
The place makes this possible: next to our large studio there is a garden, and in the garden a small private pond. As we are in the summer season, in the free hours outside the studio schedule, those who wish can swim, sunbathe, or simply rest in silence and gather themselves. The heart of this retreat beats here: after focused work, to simplify together in the same safe space, soften the body, hear intuition again, and return refreshed.
The spirit of “bohemian” describes this well. A bohemian perspective means living a little more simply; loosening rigid forms; and staying closer to nature, art, creation, and community. Here we do not use “bohemian” as a label, but as an atmosphere: in a safe space, living together in nature, with transparency, care, and freedom—finding a simpler rhythm. That rhythm grows with the practice: disciplined work in the studio, and free breathing outside the studio. In this way the body becomes more fluid, the mind clearer, and the whirling practice goes deeper.
What is Dervish in Progress?
Dervish in Progress (DIP) is a method that approaches the whirling practice in a contemporary language, training body, mind, and emotion together. Its core idea is simple: whirling is not only a movement; when structured well, it reorganizes perception. How we build balance, how we relate to breath, how we meet gravity, our sense of direction, and our attention become more visible during whirling. This visibility offers a chance to know oneself and to reorganize.
For this reason, DIP is both tangible and deep. On one side there is physics and body mechanics: the centre–periphery relationship, weight transfer, friction, acceleration, rhythm, coordination. On the other side there is the inner world: emotional clarity, mental calm, intuition, a search for meaning. DIP does not separate these two domains; it trains them together. This approach is practiced in different formats: performances, workshops, retreats, masterclasses… And in the longer term, with DIPTEP (Dervish in Progress Teacher Education Program), the teaching dimension of the method becomes a structured educational pathway.
Who is Ziya Azazi?
Ziya Azazi is an internationally recognized performing artist, choreographer, teacher, and the founder of the Dervish in Progress (DIP) method. His stage work re-shapes the aesthetic power of whirling through a contemporary language, while his pedagogical work translates the practice into a learning system that can be carried into different bodies, different experiences, and different life contexts.
Over the years, Ziya Azazi has shared DIP within a wide international network; he has taught in 35 countries and performed in 55 countries. This rich experience nourishes both the artistic and the pedagogical sides of DIP. In his approach, whirling is not merely “a form to be taught”; it is a skill that matures through regular practice, a field of research, and a discipline of awareness.
About the Retreat
The DIP Retreat in Bohemia will take place for the first time in the Czech Republic on 22–26 July 2026, and it is shaped by the nature-connected conditions of Dancing Centre Lorien—a place that truly supports living together.
During the studio hours, we practice together. Outside the working hours, we rest in the garden, cool down in the pond, sunbathe, share meals, and share the same space. In this way the practice becomes not only something that happens “in class”, but a maturation process that spreads across the entire day. While strengthening the sense of community, this structure naturally builds two essential grounds for transformation: trust and transparency. When these are present, the body listens better, the mind becomes clearer, and emotions become more fluid and constructive. This retreat offers a modest setting, yet a framework that genuinely makes deepening possible.
Travel
Dancing Centre Lorien is approximately 25 km from Prague Airport. From the airport, arriving by taxi is easy; the cost is expected to be around 20–30 EUR. For those who prefer public transport, traveling toward Nenačovice is an effective solution. Alternatively, you can travel to the nearby town of Loděnice; for participants arriving in Loděnice, a transfer to the retreat location can be organized.
Petra and our hosts will support you with travel and logistics (details are listed below).
Accommodation
Participants can choose accommodation according to their needs. We offer four main options:
- Staying in the studio (on a mattress) – the most economical option: You can stay in studio conditions on mattresses provided by the hosts. This option strengthens the feeling of living together. Please bring your own sleeping bag and pillow.
- Camping – staying in your own tent: Remember to bring your tent and be ready to stay outside in camping conditions. A sleeping bag, mat and pillow are recommended.
- “Yurt tent” (a large shared yurt) – limited capacity: The hosts’ yurt tent has space for up to 4 people. Please bring your own sleeping bag and pillow.
- Airbnb (more comfort): Airbnb options can be considered in the residential area around 10 km from the centre. For this option, participants organize the booking themselves.
Fees
(Fees include retreat tuition, accommodation, three meals per day)
(coffee/tea and snacks during the day for a small fee)
- €440 — For those arranging their own accommodation off-site
- €460 — Studio or camping accommodation (remember to bring sleeping bag & pillow. Tenters bring as well your own tent and mat)
- €490 — Yurt accommodation (up to 4 people in total) (please bring sleeping bag + pillow)
- Early registration discount: 10% off until 1 March 2026
- Reservation with deposit: You can secure your place with €150 (non-refundable).
Dates & Program Framework
22–26 July 2026 (Wednesday–Sunday)
- 22 July, Wednesday: Afternoon arrival and settling in. Around 16:00, an opening circle.
- 23–25 July, Thursday–Saturday: The backbone of each day:
- Early morning: a short silent sit in the garden (contact with nature, breath, simplicity).
- Then DIPup (a “check-up” to wake the body physically, emotionally, and mentally—stretching and revitalizing).
- During the day: theory + practice (the mechanics of whirling and its practical principles).
- End of the day: a long DIP whirling session to complete the day.
- Breaks for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and rest.
- Our garden/pond freedom—shared open time outside the studio schedule.
- 26 July, Sunday: After lunch, our retreat concludes.
Note: The detailed daily timetable will be shared with participants before the retreat.
Location
Dancing Centre Lorien
Address: Nenačovice 80, 266 01 Nenačovice, Czech Republic
Contact & Logistics
For all questions about travel, accommodation, and logistics, you can contact:
Petra Lammas
Phone / WhatsApp: +420 777 217 584