Diso (LE) / Lecce – Puglia | April 3–5, 2026 (Easter weekend)
Hosted by Andrea Carlino / Associazione Patr’Act • With production support from Associazione In Albera
Italy has been one of my long running Dervish in Progress homes since 2010. I have returned again and again, from north to south, meeting people through performances and workshops. Now I am happy to come back to the Lecce area for the second time, invited by my dear friend Andrea. After my previous visit with a presentation and performance, this time we meet in the studio for a three day workshop.
Who is Ziya Azazi?
Ziya Azazi is a performing artist, choreographer, and teacher known internationally for his work with whirling as a contemporary stage language and as a practice of awareness. He has performed in 55+ countries and taught in 35+ countries, bringing his work into theaters, festivals, studios, and educational contexts. His approach is both artistic and human: clear physical training, strong structure, and an open, universal view of spirituality that speaks to modern life.
What is Dervish in Progress?
Dervish in Progress (DIP) is the method and educational system founded by Ziya Azazi to bring the ancient culture of whirling into a clear, contemporary practice. DIP has grown internationally through performances, workshops, retreats, and talks, building a shared language for people who want to explore whirling as an active meditation. It uses simple tools to train focus, balance, breath, alignment, and safe rotation, while opening space for deeper reflection. In DIP, whirling is not only tradition and not only technique: it is a practical bridge between body, mind, and inner life.
About the workshop
Dervish in Progress brings the tradition of whirling into a contemporary format that is direct and easy to enter. It is an active meditation: it moves the body, sharpens attention, and supports emotional balance. Through rotation we train stability, coordination, and breath, while creating space for inner quiet and clearer thinking. Simple steps, rich layers, deep results.
Workshop structure
Friday evening builds the foundation: basic principles, safety, and the first practice. Saturday and Sunday deepen the experience with Dervish in Progress tools and terminology, supporting both new and experienced whirlers in the same circle.
Who can join?
Everyone is welcome if you truly feel curious to whirl and to learn. Age 18+ • Capacity: max. 30 participants
Schedule
Friday, April 3 — 19:00–22:00 — Basic introduction and first practice
Saturday, April 4 — 12:00–18:00 — Technique, focus, balance, breath, deepening Sunday, April 5 — 10:00–16:00 — Integration, flow, practice depth, closing
Fees
New participants — 290 €
Early bird (until Feb 20) — 250 €
DIP members & DIPTEP students — 250 €
Location
Contact