6th Generation | Hosted in Agios Lavrentios (Pelion), near Volos, Greece
“Whirling is a journey where awareness expands. When the body, mind, and soul align, movement becomes meditation, and meditation transforms into evolution.”
With great excitement, we open the 6th year of DIPTEP — welcoming the 6th generation of the Teacher Education Program. In 2026, the Core Data (Year‑1) journey moves to Greece: to Agios Lavrentios, the mountain village near Volos where our retreats and masterclasses have been ripening in recent years, in the spirit of our encounters around Music Village and the wider Pelion landscape. Here, between gravity and altitude, tradition and research, we continue to refine whirling as a precise art of navigation — scientific in its mechanics, philosophical in its questions, and metaphysical in its depth.
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.
Core Data: The Foundation of DIPTEP
The Core Data phase forms the first year of the two-year DIPTEP journey. It is focusing on theory, technique, and embodied experience. Key areas of exploration include:
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Fundamental Laws of Whirling Physics: Understanding the multi-directional forces at play in whirling, including balance, gravity, momentum, and energy distribution.
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The DIP Equation: A structured methodology encompassing Data Collection (perceptual awareness), Application (functional movement), and Mastery (sustained whirling competency).
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Navigation In Whirling: Developing kinesthetic intelligence through the navigation of body, emotions, and cognitive processes in motion.
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Anatomy & Body Analysis: Cultivating physical efficiency, alignment, and sustainability in movement through anatomical awareness and biomechanical optimization.
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The DIP Whirling Session: A structured framework including preparation, takeoff, free whirling flow, controlled landing, and reintegration in stillness.
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Interdisciplinary Insights: Exploring whirling through historical, scientific, philosophical, psychological and artistic perspectives, expanding its relevance across multiple disciplines.
Structured in 3 progressive modules:
1st Module: 21–27 September 2026, Agios Lavrentios / Greece 2nd Module: Online (dates to be announced) 3rd Module: 8–15 June 2027, Agios Lavrentios / Greece
First Module
This first module is designed to give participants a clear and practical understanding of how whirling works, why it is possible, and what is the real reason of practicing it. It explores not only the mechanics of turning but also how it can be approached as an accessible and sustainable practice. It is an intensive in-person training, offering a structured combination of physical exploration, theoretical insight, and reflective engagement. In this first module, participants follow a carefully designed 7 DIP Days that ensures both conceptual understanding and hands-on experience.
Daily Structure & Learning Phases
Each DIP Day is a full training unit, consisting of 3 hours of whirling practice alongside preparatory, theoretical, and reflective elements. This structured progression allows for a gradual yet deepening engagement with the practice.
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DIPasana: The days begin with a mindful walk, encouraging spatial awareness, breathing, and grounding.
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DIPup: A structured warm-up and activation phase, integrating body check-ins, stretching, breathwork, and strength-building exercises to enhance flexibility and readiness.
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Theory & Practice: To explore key DIP concepts, blending knowledge with direct application:
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Mastering the mechanics of whirling – refining balance, velocity control, and proprioception.
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Exploring the skirts – understanding flow dynamics, energy distribution, and fabric interaction.
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Whirling in pairs and groups – developing coordination, rhythm, and spatial and relational awareness within collective movement.
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DIP Sessions: A structured whirling segment, extending focus, endurance, and meditative immersion in motion.
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DIPback: The days conclude with a feedback sessions, creating space for debriefing, discussion, and personal insights.
In this 7 DIP Days (21 whirling hours) first module, we will lay the foundation for mastering whirling by developing essential movement techniques, refining self-guidance, deepening body awareness, and integrating a strong theoretical framework—ensuring a comprehensive and transformative learning experience.
Second Module
This phase focuses on Interdisciplinary Insights, covering historical, scientific, philosophical, and artistic perspectives on whirling. It involves theoretical deepening, guided self-practice, and analytical discussion, allowing participants to expand their understanding beyond physical movement. It will run in October/November with 4 weekly Zoom meetings. Each session includes 3 hours of spinning homework, totaling 4 DIP Days (12 whirling hours).
Third Module
Aims to reinforce and consolidate all learned DIP theory and practice, leading to a final immersive experience that integrates movement, comprehension, and transformation. This module concludes the first year (CORE DATA) with a self-evaluation exam, titled “Self-Assessment Examination.” It will span 7 DIP Days (21 whirling hours).
Graduation: Obtaining Core Data Certification
To obtain the DIPTEP Core Data Certification (Year-1), participants must:
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Complete all 3 modules
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Complete 30 DIP Days (90 whirling hours)
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Pass the final “Self-Assessment Examination”
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DIPTEP includes 18 DIP days (54 whirling hours). Missing 12 DIP days (36 whirling hours) can be recovered through DIP workshops or retreats, with a 30% discount for certification requirements.
Location
Agios Lavrentios (Pelion) — near Volos, Greece
Accommodation Options (For The First & Third Modules)
Participants are welcome to arrange their own accommodation. Agios Lavrentios offers a range of local guesthouses and Pelion-style stays. After securing your spot, we will share a curated list of recommended options within walking distance of the training venue.
Contact & Reservation
For contact, reservation, and guidance, please reach us via the official DIPTEP communication Page or the registration form linked in this document/announcement.
PAYMENT TERMS
The Core Data year consists of 3 modules, scheduled at different times, delivered in both in-person and online formats. To accommodate different financial situations, we offer multiple payment options:
- Pay Per Module: Payment is made separately for each module before it begins. Suitable for those who prefer to pay in installments.
The program is limited to 30 participants. Early registration is recommended. One-third of the places are reserved for those needing financial support, artists, and students. Applicants for these supported places are invited to a short interview and asked to send a brief biography and a short statement via our official DIP channels. If you need guidance in your decision-making process, you can request an online consultation through the guidance link included in our communications.