Whirling Dervishes

Apparently, whirling dervishes trace their origins back to the 13th century Ottoman Empire, and they whirl as a form of dhikr (remembrance of Allah). The "dervish" part of their name comes from a common term for an initiate of the Sufi Path. When the dervishes entered the foyer, they were wearing black cloaks, to symbolize the tomb. They then removed these and bowed to each other before beginning to whirl. Their long, white skirts represent the shroud, and the dervishes extend their arms with the right palm facing upward to allow energy to enter, and their left palm facing downward to allow the energy to pass into the earth. This music and dance ceremony is known as the "sema." It was really fascinating to watch them whirl around, because for the most part, they remained in one spot the entire time and their arms were kept at the same level (which is really difficult, if you've ever tried to do it). They also did appear to be in a trancelike state as they twirled.
From: Dances with Lawyers, Turkish Nightclubs and Vogue
By: LexTraveler