The step of the whirling dervishes (not the Mevlevis): complete guide, technical & safety

The step of the whirling dervishes (not the Mevlevis): complete guide, technical & safety

What is the 'not of the whirling dervishes'?

The step of the whirling dervishes, also called the step of the Mevlevis, is a continuous sliding step that allows the prolonged rotation of the body around a stable vertical axis. It is practiced on a voluntarily slippery ground and with sufi slippers with smooth soles or in socks (avoid any non-slip soles). The objective: to turn for a long time without forcing, in a calm breathing, allowing the movement to become circular and regular.

Safety first:

Smooth and clean floor, slippery (varnished parquet, soft marley, smooth slab); sufi slippers (smooth leather sole) or socks. No sneakers, no rubber soles. 

Prerequisites: anchorage, breath, surface

Anatomy of the step (the fundamentals)

The Mevlevis’ Step: step by step

Frequent errors (and corrections)

Anti-vertigo tips

Recommended equipment

FAQ – Not Whirling Dervishes

Yes, slipped and continuous: no clicks, no jumps.

No. The mat brakes. Choose a smooth and slippery floor.

The dancer turns like the earth turns around the sun, he is then in osmosis with the universe by following the rotation of the movement of the planets, he turns on the left side, on the side of the heart.

Traditionally counterclockwise (to the left). Some pedagogies adapt according to ease; especially keep the axis and the slide.

Reduce time, breathe, get out of the tour by slowing down, anchor feet and fix a still point at the end.

Quick checklist (to stick near your practice area)

When we talk about Sufi slippers

Dervish oracle

What is the Dervish Oracle?

It is a silent spiral. Each card is a step in an invisible dance where we join the rhythm of the world. The oracle is not static: it vibrates, it breathes, it allows itself to be tamed by slowness.