Workshop: Whirl to Feel - Lapinlahti Film Festival 2026

Whirl to feel by Safa Solati

Whirl to Feel –Whirling Dance Workshop. 

Step into the spiral.

Return to the center.

Let memory move you.

”Whirl to Feel” is an immersive 2 hours long workshop exploring the ancient art of whirling as a path to embodied memory, emotional release, and joyful celebration. We'll reconnect with the innate freedom of spinning, something most of us experienced spontaneously in childhood, now held within a conscious, meditative container. As adults we grow to be conditioned by many taboos but the ancient practice of whirling is a powerful tool to break them.

No prior experience is needed, just your presence, curiosity, and willingness to move.

Please, note:

• Please do not eat at least 2 hours before we start. 

• Avoid alcohol and coffee preferably a day before and on the day of the workshop. 

• Wear comfortable clothing and bring a bottle of water and light snacks and an open heart.

• Duration: 2 hours

Participants will be provided with whirling skirts to try and whirl. 

The workshop is facilitated in English. 

If you would like to thank the facilitator for their work, you are welcome to make a voluntary contribution via MobilePay after the workshop.

About the facilitator: 

Safa is a trained psychologist specializing in music psychotherapy, with a deep passion for dance as a path of healing and spiritual exploration. She has studied Persian dances for many years and, over the past 10 years, has devoted herself to the study and practice of Sufi whirling combined with contemporary elements. 

After five years in Italy, where she trained with various dance teachers, Safa returned to Finland in 2020 and began offering introductory whirling workshops in Helsinki. In 2023, she hosted Ziya Azazi – her teacher and a globally renowned whirling artist who deeply inspires her – for an intensive workshop.

Safa’s unique approach called ”Life dance through whirling” centers on the therapeutic and spiritual dimensions of whirling, rather than religious tradition. She utilizes whirling as a tool to guide her participants navigate through their life journey.

Instagram: @whirling_lifedance

Webpage:www.whirlingarts.fi