International school – 2026 edition: from Saturday 08 to Saturday 29 August 2026
The international school of Sufi Dance has established its space of transmission at the Sufi Temple of Arles, a unique place, inhabited by the inner quest, and dedicated to teaching, creation and sharing of Sufi art.
Work is underway to transform this place into a true sanctuary of body and soul, where every detail will participate in the experience of a deep spiritual and artistic immersion.
Each day is structured around moments of practice, theory, and sharing, offering a balance between: ancrage et transcendance.
Opening: Discovering the circle and grounding.
Deepening: Immersion in dance and poetry.
Revelation: Integration and celebration of unity
The training is structured into three independent and complementary modules.
It is possible to follow one, two or all three modules depending on your availability, each module constituting a complete stage of the course.
The modules not taken can be completed the following year, in order to allow a progression adapted to each person’s pace.
The number of participants is limited, in order to guarantee the quality of the transmission and the depth of individual and collective work.
Each session constitutes a veritable initiatory retreat, punctuated by practice, study and presence.
The participants are welcomed in a spirit of simplicity, fraternity and sharing, faithful to the dervish tradition.
The collective sleeping accommodation is provided free of charge, so that everyone can fully experience the retreat in a spiritual and caring setting.
during the 7 days of the retreat.
Those who prefer more privacy or comfort can opt for accommodation outside (free choice among hotels, guest houses or rentals in Arles and its surroundings).
Saturday is a free day (off), dedicated to rest, integration and contemplation. Classes therefore start on Sunday.
Technique, breathing, and posture
Oral teachings and living transmission
Knowledge and mastery of the dance
Practice of percussion and exploration of the voice
State of presence and letting go
Our training is composed of what you choose according to your aspirations:
Discovery of the semâ‘ and fundamental postures. You will learn the symbolism of open arms and body centering, to resonate with the rhythm of the heart.
Technical work on leg rotation, pelvic grounding, and arm fluidity. You will deepen the meditative dimension of the semâ‘ and its connection with mindfulness.
Exploration of personal interpretation, creation of short solos inspired by Sufi poetry, and connection to your inner inspiration.
Training in pedagogy, the history of Sufism, and course organization. For those who wish to spread Sufi dance worldwide.
Each week offers a complete and balanced immersion in the world of Sufi dance. The main themes—body preparation, spinning practice, poetic listening, rituals, and sharing moments—are approached every day, with subtle variations in perspective to enrich the experience while maintaining a continuous spirit and method.
Spirituality
Semâ
Transmission
Interculturality
Certification
Full 3-Module Training & Registration
Participants arrive on Saturday.Classes will start on Sunday.Every Saturday will be a rest day.
What advice for beginners?
Not to be afraid and to dare, I say this with all my heart because I am made of fear and doubt and precisely because it is a school, me when I see those who dance and who manage in 2-3 days to twirl and with freedom of expression, I am absolutely admiring, found thanks to the gestures I was saying earlier, thanks to this symbolism and the fact of no longer being focused on my doubts, of getting there, and of being able to free myself through this communion with this totally universal symbolic. I didn’t say it earlier but I find that, you were telling me earlier, what to tell the people who are interested? I would also tell them that this is a teaching that is completely universal, for me it’s something that has touched me a lot.
Participants will receive the official certification of the internationally recognized Rana Gorgani Method.
Sufi Dancer & Instructor – Rana Gorgani Method
These certifications not only acknowledge active participation and commitment in the learning journey of Sufi dance, but also highlight the skills and knowledge acquired, marking each significant stage of your progression within this profound spiritual and artistic discipline.
The transmission aspect is particularly emphasized for those who complete the full program, enabling them to share their knowledge and teach Sufi dance according to the Rana Gorgani Method.
Rana Gorgani’s teaching is an invitation to enter the sacred world of Sufi dance—an art of simplicity and elevation. Through a unique approach blending physical practice, spirituality, and oral transmission, she guides participants toward a deep inner experience, where the circular movement becomes a language of the soul.
Far from being a mere technique, the Sufi dance taught by Rana Gorgani is a journey—a quest for balance between the grounded and the transcendent. She teaches her students to free themselves from mental control and enter a state of pure presence, where the body becomes an instrument in the service of breath and heart.
Each turn, each rhythm is a gateway to the abandonment of the self—an inner space where the individual dissolves into universal movement. Far from academic constraints, Rana invites everyone to experience dance as a moving prayer, a return to one’s deepest essence.
