What is Sufi Dancing or Sufi Whirling?
According to Wikipedia, Sufi Whirling “is a form of physically active meditation which originated among Sufis, and which is still practiced by the Sufi Dervishes of the Mevlevi order. It is a customary dance performed within the Sema, or worship ceremony, through which dervishes (also called semazens) aim to reach the source of all perfection, or kemal. This is sought through abandoning one’s nafs, egos or personal desires, by listening to the music, focusing on God, and spinning one’s body in repetitive circles, which has been seen as a symbolic imitation of planets in the Solar System orbiting the sun.”
And if you need a little bit more, check out this short informational video!
Why do I ask what Sufi Dancing is?
In August, we are fortunate to be hosting Mohamed El Sayed of Egypt for his first tour through the United States. Mohamed is an up and coming, one might say, already arrived, dancer and drummer currently living in Europe. He will be leading us through a SUFI Dancing Workshop on Saturday, August 4th at the Pittsburgh Dance Center.
After watching a few of his youtube clips, I can only say that I CAN’T WAIT FOR THIS WORKSHOP!!!
If you feel the same ways as I do, sign up now or join us at the Gala Show! Questions? Email me!
Want even more information?
A little more about the origins of Rumi Dervish!
JANIM 