GYPSY DANCE TOUR

Istanbul, Turkey - May 1st to 7th, 2024

This dance trip was designed as a full immersion in the local music, dance, culture and traditions. It was organized together with our Turkish collaborators who will offer you a unique artistic experience, filled with encounters, rhythms, dance steps, rituals, meaningful ceremonies, and authentic celebrations.

During this week, we will :

* Learn dances and assimilate them in the best possible way: in traditional festivities.
* Welcome the spring by accomplishing rituals with the Romani community.
* Attend an authentic Sufi whirling dervishes ceremony.
* Discover the authentic essence of Istanbul by exploring the vibrants non-touristy neighborhoods.
* Meet the local population, their culture, way of life and traditions.
* Party with local musicians and dancers.
* Savor the best that Turkish cuisine has to offer.

DANCE WORKSHOP

Partly accompagnied by the musicians, various choreographers will lead a 21-hour dance workshop at various locations in the city. The primary focus will be on Turkish Romani dances, with additional instruction in a selection of local dances commonly danced in celebrations and festivities.

For some parts of the workshop, we won't be alone with our instructor. A group of skilled dancers will join us, contributing to a vibrant energy that will help us learn under the best conditions.

We will have the opportunity to practice the dances we've learned during local festivities. It is in this context that these dances come to life, taking on their full value and meaning.

The workshop dances:

Roman Havası - Turkish Romani/Gypsy dance
15 hours of workshop + practice in festivities

Turkish folk dances
Approximately 3 hours. The most popular dances, those you will have the opportunity to dance during dance parties.

Kurdish folk dances
Approximately 3 hours. The most popular dances, those you will have the opportunity to dance during dance parties.

HIDIRELLEZ

Hıdırellez is a pre-islamic festival that celebrates the spring renewal. According to a belief, one day a year the Prophets Hizir and Ilyas meet on the earth creating an envelope of time, over the eve of May 5 to May 6, in which the wishes may be granted and the mistakes forgotten.

Hıdırellez is rich in unique rituals and traditions. The purifying fire, the colorful wishes hanging on the trees, young women dancing in white dresses... It is a time for cleansing, purification, and preparation for the upcoming cycle. Hıdırellez a joyous celebration and everyone participating plays music or dances. And it all leads up to an exciting fire-jumping ritual that takes place late at night.

Celebrating Hıdırellez in Turkey is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a joyful and meaningful celebration with both Roma and Turkish people, embracing the arrival of spring and the spirit of renewal in our hearts and lives.

OUR HOTEL

Orka Royal Hotel & Spa 4*

Orka Royal Hotel & Spa is a 4* hotel situated in the heart of the old city, next to Gülhane Park and the Sirkeci metro and tram stop. It is also within walking distance of Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, and the archaeological museum.

From the rooftop terrace you will enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of the Bosphorus. The hotel's SPA, equipped with a Turkish bath, sauna, jacuzzi, indoor pool, and fitness room, will be at your complete disposal throughout your stay. In addition to these facilities, the hotel offers a restaurant and a bar.

SULTANAHMET
OUR NEIGHBORDHOOD

In the heart of the historic Sultanahmet district, you will discover the incredible history of this city that was, for centuries, one of the most powerful in the world. Formerly the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire and later the Ottoman Empire, known successively as Byzantium, New Rome, Constantinople, Istanbul is located at the crossroads of two continents and the convergence of cultures.

Sultanahmet is home, among other things, to the fascinating Topkapi Palace and its harem, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, and the Istanbul Archaeological Museum. The Gülhane Park, the oldest and largest in Istanbul, is located just minutes away from the hotel.

SUFI CEREMONY

We will have the unique opportunity to attend an authentic Sufi ceremony of whirling dervishes. This powerful and profound moment of prayer includes music and dance known as samā. The ceremony takes place in a magnificent location steeped in history and, by pure chance, it is located a 3-minute walk from our hotel. Experiencing this in Turkey is a must at least once in your life.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

* A 21-hour dance workshop (recordings allowed)
* Accommodation in a 4* hotel in the heart of the historical center of Istanbul (double occupation)
* Unlimited use of the hotel SPA (hammam/Turkish bath, sauna, jacuzzi, swimming pool)
* Welcome dinner in a restaurant with live Gypsy music
* Daily open buffet breakfast (served in the hotel)
* 1 meal per day (lunch or dinner) in local restaurants (free choice)
* Istanbul public transportation card with a 100 liras credit
* Romani Hıdırellez festival: celebration & rituals
* Traditional music and dance evening parties with the locals
* Authentic Sufi whirling dervishes prayer/dance/music ceremony
* Cultural encounters with Romani and non Romani artists and population

I WANT TO JOIN

NOT INLUDeD

* International airfare and airport transfers
* Public transportation cost (beyond the 100 liras credit included)
* 5 meals (during your free time)
* Drinks (except for the bottled water)
* Travel insurance
* Tips for the musicians

PRICES

THE BOOKINGS ARE CLOSED

PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS

The payment website is in French, please follow these payment instructions :

* Make your choice and click on "Etape suivante" (meaning "Next step")
* Enter your first and last name and click on "Etape suivante"
* Enter your name again and email address and click on "Etape suivante"
* A non-mandatory amount will be added, to remove it click on "modifier"
* Check the box "Je ne souhaite pas soutenir HelloAsso"
* Choose the option on the left "Non merci, peut-être une autre fois"
* Accept the Terms of use and click on "Valider et payer"
* Enter your credit card number and pay

Frequently Asked Questions

WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE AND LEAVE?

On May 1st, please make sure to arrive at the hotel not later 4pm. The program starts at 5pm.

On May 7th, please do not book a flight that leaves before 3pm. The program ends at 11am.

WHAT IS THE LEVEL OF DANCE REQUIRED?

The dance workshop is open to all levels.

A certain habit of practicing dancing (any style) is recommended.

CAN I BOOK A SINGLE ROOM?

Yes, it is possible to ask for a single room stay at the additionnal price of 300 €.

HOW ARE WE GOIND TO MOVE AROUND ISTANBUL?

Mainly by public transportation : tramway, boat and subway. The taxi will be used only if there is no other possibility. In that case, we will try to use the group taxis options that is quite unexpensive.

HOW MUCH WILL COST THE NON INCLUDED ELEMENTS?

The 5 not included meals will cost you between 5 € et 25 € per meal, depending what you order and where you order it.

The public transportation should cost around 10 €.

The airport transfers can be shared between several participants. The hotel can send a car to the airport at the price of 50€ for 1 to 4 people. Some companies cost 30-35 € per car. Otherwise, you can take the public transportation.

CAN I GET IN TOUCH WITH OTHER PARTICIPANTS TO TRAVEL TOGETHER?

Yes, a WhatsApp group will be created so that you can all connect and organize your travelings together if you wish so. It would also be a good option for sharing the airport transfers cost.

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