Meditation In Motion
ELHAM DELAVARI
Elham Delavari is the founder of Doran Dance Academy. She is a choreographer and one of the leading whirling dervish dancers in the world, based in Los Angeles. Her artistic journey is rooted in the sacred Sufi tradition of Sama, inspired by the timeless wisdom and poetry of Rumi.
Over the years, she's developed her own movement language, blending the spiritual depth of whirling with the expressive beauty of Persian and contemporary dance, transforming it into what she calls “Meditation in Motion.”
For her, dance is a spiritual practice, a path of healing, presence, and love. Each turn becomes a prayer, each motion a step toward silence. Even for the viewer, witnessing this dance can awaken a deep sense of calm, reflection, and connection, opening the heart to stillness and beauty without the need for words.
In her highly sought-after workshops, she guides participants through the foundational movements of whirling, offering a direct experience of the meditative energy found within motion. Through turning, many achieve an inner peace and clarity often reserved for seated meditation."
For those who find stillness difficult, this moving form of meditation offers a liberating path, helping to quiet the mind, release tension, and rediscover the joy of being present.
Through her performances and teachings, her mission is to share this sacred art as a bridge between spirit and movement, where art becomes healing, dance becomes prayer, and every whirl becomes a remembrance of the divine.
“Through every turn, we return to our heart. Through every movement, we uncover truth.”
For Elham:
● Movement is prayer.
● Turning is surrender.
● Dance is a bridge between body and soul.
Lineage & Inspiration
● Sufi tradition of Sama
● Poetry and teachings of Rumi
● Persian classical and folkloric dance
● Contemporary and somatic movement practices
● Meditation, breath, and embodied awareness
Academy Values
● Art with meaning, Beauty that carries depth and truth
● Dance as healing, Movement as a path to emotional and spiritual well-being
● Cultural preservation, Honoring Persian roots with integrity and love
● Connection through movement, Building community through shared practice
● Community & growth, A supportive space to learn, feel, and evolve
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