Our Workshops
DANCE, DRUM & CREATIVE WORKSHOPS
Contemporary, Innovative and Traditional Dance Workshops in Drumming, Oriental, FCBD Format and Fusion Belly Dance
Creative Workshops
Tantalising Tassell Belts and Fabulous Crowns for your Fabulous Self are on offer this year. All Ingredients are included and Limites Spaces available.
Learn from some of Australia's premier teachers and performers. A wide appeal across all dance styles and levels; choreography and technique, will make it hard to Choose.
Take advantage of our Workshop Packages or save even more with a Festival Pass!! Limited Numbers of Passes Available and End 24 January 2025 or when Sold Out.
Workshop Bookings
Workshops can be booked individually or take advantage of our Festival Pass or Workshop Packages. Workshops must be booked per Individual Participant except in the Case of a Minor - Minimum Age Requirement 12+ Must be booked by a Parent or Guardian.
Check out the Early Bird Pricing available for Festival Passes, Workshop Packages and Event Entries until 6 November 2024.
Discounted Pricing available to 24 January 2025.
Full Pricing applies from 25 January 2025 for Online Bookings and Bookings made at Desk/Door. Pre-purchase is Recommended.
See Booking Info Page for full Details and Costs.
Online Bookings Close 3 March 2025 or when Sold Out
Bookings available at Desk/Door - Subject to Availability Only
KAARMA POLIZ with AMANDA PB
Karma Police Choreography
“This is what you get; when you mess with us…” Learn Amanda’s choreography to a cover of this amazing Radiohead song. You won’t be “talking in math” or “buzzing like a fridge” but we will be using storytelling to bring the Karma Police to life.
Amanda is a self-professed dance nerd from Melbourne who runs APB Dance. She is involved in supporting dancers at all levels with her community and fundraising events including being the ShimmyMob Melbourne team leader for the past 5 years. She is Australia's only Salimpour Belly Dance Fundamental Licensed Instructor and is always working to extend her knowledge - practical and theoretical on dance. Amanda is also an avid learner, taking classes on several other dance formats and in Arabic language and history.
Friday 7 March 9:15am to 10:45am
Level: Open
WORK IT! with WENDY
SharQui The Bellydance Workout SharQui is a perfect combination of Authentic Bellydance moves in an aerobic format style. Not only will you get an amazing cardio workout, but you’ll also learn dance techniques and combinations in a fun, easy-to-follow way. No experience needed - if you can march in place, you can Bellydance with SharQui!
Wendy's belly dance journey started in 2012, driven by passion and enthusiasm for this exquisite form of body art, which has led her to explore various Bellydance styles over the past decade. Her love for dance grows daily, and it brings her immense joy in sharing this passion with others. It has been her honour to witness many of her students uncover their innate abilities and achieve outcomes beyond their wildest dreams. Wendy teaches in Tamworth and is a Team Leader of Shimmy Mob.
Friday 7 March 9:15am to 10:45am
Level: Open
Bring: Workout Wear and a Towel
TANTALISING TASSELL BELTS with Colleen
In this workshop participants will learn how to make the tassels, complete them and decorate their belt with shells, coins and tassels. Includes the triangular base completed with hip ties and all the ingredients! Includes the base pattern for the belt to take away plus bonus patterns for Pantaloons & Cholis for those interested!Instructions for the base belt pattern also included.
With years of experience in dance and costume design, and love of both Oriental and FCBD styles, Colleen has held numerous creative workshops, sharing her knowledge of the craft with dancers from across Australia. Colleen teaches belly dance and tap dance regularly for U3A Chapters across Newcastle who perform regularly at Aged Care and Nursing Homes around the Region. Colleen is 83 years young and attributes this to her continued teaching and learning in our Vibrant Belly Dance community. Colleen is also delighted to be performing with Jen Shedz and her Ace of Cups Troupe.
Friday 7 March 9:15am to 11:00am
Level: Open - Limited Spaces Available
DRUM IT! DANCE IT! JAM IT! with ASTARTE & MANDYLYNNE
Let’s party and make beautiful music together! Join Kylie and Mandylynne for a fun drumming and dance session where you get the best of both worlds, and really do get a chance to dance to the beat of your own drum! Participants will learn some familiar and not so familiar rhythms with Kylie leading you on the darbuka and dof, while Mandylynne shows you how to connect to the beat and make the music manifest through fun hip and footwork patterns. Feel the connection between the drummer and the dancer and see how they come together to create something magical. We will also show you some fun formats and games you can play to encourage everyone to get involved in a jam at the next hafla. Drum, dance or swing between the two. It’s up to you! Participants will be invited to join us for a fun optional drum and dance jam on stage on the Sunday at the Performers Bazaar.
Kylie and Mandylynne have over 25 years of belly dance experience under their respective hip belts, and have been dancing together as peers and working collaboratively as friends and colleagues for over 18 years. Reap the benefits of two experienced teachers and performers.
Friday 7 March 11:00am-12:30pm
Level: Open
Bring: Drum (tabla/darbuka or frame drum/dof) and zills
THE ARTISTRY OF TAQSIM with TARA YASMIN
Open level Taqsim (taqasim -plural), a solo melodic improvisation, is an important staple of Middle Eastern music and provides the dancer with an opportunity to showcase their technical skill and musicality. In this workshop you will learn about taqsim and where you might find it, drill core movements and techniques, and play around with some strategies to feel confident and grounded when dancing on taqasim.
Tara Yasmin has been dancing raqs sharqi since 2007, and travels regularly to continue her study in the art of Middle Eastern dance. Tara has a particular interest in dancing on mwashahat; an evocative and complex style of classical Arabic music, which highly influences her dance approach. She has travelled widely to learn how to translate poetry into motion with internationally acclaimed teachers including Nesma (Spain). Tara has recently moved to Newcastle, and will start offering classes in 2025.
Friday 7 March 11:00am-12:30pm
Level: Open
FABULOUS CROWN FOR YOUR FABULOUS SELF with XAEDA RAQASA
Create a Fabulous Crown for your Fabulous Self with the Australian Queen of Crowns, Xaeda Raqasa. Xaeda's crown making workshops are perfect for those who want to learn the art of making elegant and unique crowns and start their creative journey. This tailored workshop features a new easy wear design that is the perfect blend of Global Fusion styling and Raq Sharqi bling. Using Kuchi jewellery, buttons and metal findings with sparkling rhinestones, gems and embellishments you will create your very own Kuchi Tiara. All tutorial notes and materials are provided.
Xaeda Raqasa is a skilled artist and performer who likes to see others shine. With years of experience in dance and costume design, she has led numerous workshops around Australia, sharing her knowledge with aspiring artists and designers
Friday 7 March 11:00am-1:00pm
Level: Open - Limited Spaces Available
WONDERFUL WINGS with JANELLE
Isis Wings add an impressive visual flair to performances! Whether for an individual performer or a group, their billowing shape and vibrant colors create a stunning visual impact. These wings are perfect for entrances, parades, and dynamic troupe routines, adding drama and elegance to any performance.
With a focus on learning the right movements and techniques, performers can elevate their stage presence, creating fluid and mesmerizing effects. They allow for wide, sweeping gestures and dramatic spins, giving any performance a professional and polished edge.
Janelle is a versatile and passionate dancer with a rich background in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre, Contemporary, and Belly Dancing. With over 40 years of training and performance experience, she has developed a distinctive style that blends key elements of belly dance with a theatrical, contemporary edge. Janelle has performed professionally at many National and International Festivals. Janelle’s number one goal as a teacher is to inspire her students to believe in themselves, have fun, and love their body and soul. With unwavering passion, Janelle is intent on sharing her love and knowledge of dance with others.
Level: Open
Bring: Wings
Friday 7 March 1:30 - 3:00pm
THE BEAUTY OF SIMPLICITY with ALISON
This workshop will focus on quality over quantity. We will explore simplicity, execution and intention in movement. Focusing on simplicity can allow you to breath and relax in your performance and also allow your personality to shine. We will focus on some combinations to explore this concept that you are welcome to use in your dancing.
Alison has been studying and performing Raqs Sharqi for 19 years. Her years of experience dancing in California continue to influence her style as a dancer. Alison has experience dancing in many different venues such as restaurants, cafes, festivals and competitions. Alison has also been working in the field of mental health as a psychotherapist for 19 years and is planning to do more teaching combining both her backgrounds as a bellydancer and as a therapist. She created Amala Bellydance this year
Level: Open
Friday 7 March 1:30-3:00pm
FUN & FEISTY FUSION with PIP
Dancing for Joy!
Pip is known for her energetic and entertaining solos that make the stylings of fusion belly dance radiate with joyous energy. Let's make fusion fun again! In this workshop, we will turn all those slinky undulations, those powerful locks and tricky isolations that we know and love, and magically turn them into a dance of pure joy. With some clever tweaks, a few tricks and a little philosophy, you'll have a new style of dance in your repertoire. You'll come out with a smile on your face, a book of tricks for your tool box, and a choreography to take away with you and make your own.
Pip has been teaching FCBD troupe improvisation style and a plethora of fusion styles at Amera's Palace for the past 8 years, performing at belly dance events, music festivals, and events such as the Blacktown Medieval Festival. Her belly dance journey began in 2009 with FCBD-style, where she fell in love with the world of fusion dance. Seeking diversity, she has learned from an array of local and international teachers and collaborators over the past 15 years, and draws on all her experience to create original, musically inspired fusion choreographies, while still loving the magic of the FCBD-style language and troupe improvisation. (She's a Gemini... enough said!)
Level: Open
Friday 7 March 1:30 - 3:00pm
BINT EL BALAD with CHRISTINE YAVEN
Explore the Baladi Progression through music and dance with a short lecture on the background and musical structure, then practicing movement ideas through structured improvisation and combinations to bring out the Baladi girl in you.
Dubbed, 'Indonesia's bellydance icon', Christine has over 20 years experience training and teaching Oriental dance. As the pioneer of Oriental dance in Indonesia, she founded Bellydance Jakarta, Indonesia's premier Middle Eastern Dance Center. Christine has captured the interest of local and international media and is known as one of the region's trailblazers. She is often invited to perform and teach throughout the archipelago as well as internationally throughout Asia, Australia, Europe and North America. Christine's performances are mesmerizing, a perfect fusion of liquid motion, subtle sensuality and exquisite musicality. Her talent is only rivalled by her teaching abilities which not only spans precise technique, but also the soul, values and heritage of Oriental dance. She is a firm believer in artistic creativity and expression and works tirelessly to teach dancers how to be unique, creative Oriental dance artists. Currently Christine teaches classes and workshops in-person and online, and is a highly sought-after instructor and performer at multiple international events.
Level: Intermediate & Beyond
Friday 7 March 3:15-4:45pm
RELAX & SHIMMY with MANDYLYNNE
Falling in love with your shimmy is an amazing feeling. In this workshop we will be working with our alternating shimmy technique, explore how to relax and intensify the shimmy as well as using imagery to create softer underlying layers the shimmy can connect with.
With 22 years under her belt including Performing and teaching in the community for 19 years. Mandylynne has completed Keti’s A-Z original Personal Techniques (2007) and FatChanceBellyDance® General Skills Certification and Teacher Training Certification (2009).
Specialises FCBD style and enjoys fusion, theatrical styles and playing with props.
Level: Open
Bring: Your Loudest Hip Scarf
Friday 7 March 3:15-4:45pm
MOSAIC OF MOTION with GULNARA
Modern fusion choreography, is a dynamic bellydance piece that blends various styles and into a seamless tapestry of movement. The choreography weaves together elements of contemporary, hip-hop, classical, and Oriental styles creating a rich and vibrant performance that celebrates diversity. Each section of the dance represents a different "tile" in the mosaic, showcasing the unique rhythms, patterns, and emotions of each style. As the dancers move fluidly between these contrasting forms, they tell a story of unity through diversity, illustrating how individual pieces come together to form a beautiful whole. The performance is an exploration of fusion bellydance, connection, and the universal language of dance.
Gulnara ia a fusion bellydancer with over 12 years experinece. My passion is mind body and soul connection and how bellydance helps me grow , change and heal. I have recently finished somatic movement therapy course and now combine this practices with my classes and performances on the Central Coast.
Level: Open
Friday 7 March 3:15-4:45pm
DOUBLE CANE with XAEDA
Double Cane Combinations: Delving into the cabaret arts of the Raks al Assaya, this workshop will look at the stylisations of the Upper Egyptian dance and how it has transitioned to the main stage. Adding an extra cane to combinations will elevate the artistry and showcase a dancer's dexterity while displaying traditional moves, performing a few new tricks and adding a little bit of flirtatious fun.
Xaeda is a highly sought after teacher, performer and workshop instructor. Her artistic talents rest in her diverse approach to dance and giving workshop attendees an integrated experience. Xaeda's versatility shines through her performances. Her dance is a fusion of tradition and innovation, as she seamlessly blends elements from various dance forms, incorporating modern influences while staying grounded in the authentic foundations of belly dance. Beyond her captivating stage presence, Xaeda is also a passionate teacher, sharing her knowledge and love for belly dance with students of all levels. With her patient guidance and nurturing approach, she inspires her students to connect with their bodies, discover their inner strength, and unfold their own dance journey.
Level: Intermediate
Bring: 2 Canes. Some available on the Day
Saturday 8 March 9:15-10:45am
POLISH & POISE with SARA ARRELL
Let’s shine your dance til it’s bright like a diamond. In this open-level workshop, Sara will lead you through some technique and conditioning as well as some fun combinations to help elevate your dance. We will work from the tips of our toes to our nose!
A lifelong dancer, Sara performs fusion and FCBD style Bellydance and is a proud member of Blue Mountains based Caravan Dance Company. She has studied with notable teachers and performed extensively in Australia as well as internationally
Level: Open
Bring: A Yoga Mat or Towel
Saturday 8 March 9:15 - 10:45am
CLASSICAL CHOREO with ELISE PELLISSIER
Dance to an Egyptian classical music Baed Annek, interpret the lyrics, the instruments, change of energy and attitudes according to the mood of the different sections of the music. This workshop offers Development of musical listening skills and overall knowledge of an Egyptian classical piece.
Elise has been dancing for 12 years and recently made the big move from France to Cairns and is a member of Ballet Daloua, one of the most awarded compagnie in France as well as performing solo over the continent. Elise has partaken in many compétitions in Europe, especially during bellydance festivals in front of Randa Kamel, Esmerlada Colabone and has been to Egypt on several occasions to perform with live orchestras.
Level: Open
Saturday 8 March 9:15 - 10:45am
CONCEAL & REVEAL with MIKOLA
Come and play with the veil and your bellydance moves. We will focus particularly on how to conceal and then reveal different parts of your body, how to use the veil to frame your moves and to highlight different parts of your dance. You will put these methods together in a sensual and fun fantasy choreography with a laid back feel to a beautiful instrumental piece by Beata and Horacio Cifuentes. No experience with the veil is expected. Some knowledge of basic bellydance moves is helpful. Options to add more or less depending on your dance experience.
Mikola has been dancing most of her life and discovered bellydance in her early 20's and it has been an integral part of her life ever since. In 2007 Mikola founded Hunter Shimmy Sisters bellydance school where she shares the dance and has built a wonderful community. Mikola enjoys a broad variety of Egyptian dance including the Folkloric styles. As well as bellydance Mikola teaches creative dance and movement in a school setting and seated dance classes to people living with Parkinson's Disease and other mobility issues
Level: Open
Bring: Veil (silk preferable)
Saturday 8 March 11:00am-12:30pm
SWISH-A-LICIOUS FUN with JEN SHEDZ
Fun with FCBD©Style Skirts Grab your swishiest, most colourful skirt and have fun with Jen! Using the foundations of Fat Chance Belly Dance (FCBD©Style) combinations with the added use of your skirt as a prop, this workshop will look at ways of creating a colourful flourish to your dance. We will learn energetic fast combos to create a mini choreography as well as various ways of tucking your skirt, incorporating the skirt into moves and steps to pick up your skirt during the dance.
We’ll also look at formations and staging to get the maximum swoosh from your skirt. FCBD® Style Bellydance is a unique, improvisational group style of dance influenced by the beautiful folk dances of India, Africa, Middle East, and Spain. You do not need to have studied FCBD style to attend this workshop, but some prior knowledge of this dance format is helpful.
Jen is a seasoned dance instructor and performer whose journey in belly dance began over 15 years ago at Amera’s Palace in Sydney. Her passion for fusion and improvisational modern formats has led her across continents, from performing with the Unmata ITS collective at Infusion Emporium in the UK, to studying under renowned mentors like Amy Sigil (USA) and Catherine Taylor (UK). In London, Jen danced with Catherine Taylor’s troupe Sigma, showcasing her skill and artistry on international stages. Closer to home, Jen shares her expertise by teaching FCBD©Style format in Newcastle. She prides herself on her upbeat personality and inclusive approach that puts students at ease and creates a fun space to learn and grow together. Her troupe, Ace of Cups, adds vibrancy to local markets and festivals across the Hunter region with their captivating performances.
Level: Open
Bring: 25 Yard Skirt. Some Available for Loan on the Day
Saturday 8 March 11:00am-12:30pm
DANCING SEKHMET & ERESHKIGAL with DANI
Sacred Woman Dance - ‘Dancing Sekhmet and Ereshkigal’ with Dani Integrating belly dance, somatic and symbolic movement, we will embody the archetypal energies of the Egyptian Lady of Flames ‘Sekhmet’ and Mesopotamian Dark Queen of the Underworld ‘Ereshkigal’ This workshop offers an exploration of these powerful sacred feminine aspects - from the transformational belly of fire to the healing realm of the shadow lands. Dancing to experience a deeper connection to sacred movement and sacred self.
Dani is the Dance Artist and Creatrix of Umbra Theatrical Dance, and Sacred Woman Dance. Her distinctive and unique choreographies portray a theatrical narrative. Combining shadow and light, Goddess myth, symbolism, emotive expression, character portrayal and conscious movement to weave energy as a dance experience.
Level: Open
Bring: A Dark Veil. Some available for Loan
Saturday 8 March 11:00 - 12:30pm
LOOK SHARP with BRONWYN BUASAVANH
Double Sword
Double sword skills for the dauntless heart If you’re keen to tap into the fierce elegance that makes sword dance a perpetual favourite with dancers and audiences alike, this workshop is for you. Suitable for dancers from all styles of belly dance with some experience dancing with a sword, the workshop will tap into your inner drama queen and leave you with a sequence of moves that can be used as they are or adapted to your favourite music to add a majestic intensity to your set.
Canberra-based Bronwyn has more than two decades of experience in belly dance, but is especially known for her proficiency in that most dangerous and hypnotic dance, Raqs al-saïf―the Sword Dance. A Newcastle Bellydance Festival regular, she loves helping people unlock their dance potential in a light-hearted and supportive environment and is returning to offer a taste of what students in her weekly sword classes have been working on
Level: Intermediate and Beyond
Bring: Two Swords Matching if Possible. A Head Band or Scarf to protect your Hair. Some Swords available for Loan.
Saturday 8 March 1:30-3:00pm
FLAVOURS OF TURKEY with RACHEL BOND
Taste some delights from this diverse and fascinating country. We'll sample folk dances such as the Kurdish Halay from the South-East, Horon from the Black Sea area, Romani, Çifteteli, Oryantal (bellydance) and perhaps even try some men's Köçek moves. This is an interactive workshop which will include cultural and geographical discussion to contextualise each style, as well as movement. Rachel spent 2 months in Türkiye in late 2024 and took every opportunity to dance with locals all over the country!
With her wealth of knowledge and a teaching journey spanning thousands of classes over 2 decades, Rachel is known throughout Australia's bellydance community for her expertise and skill. She is a sought-after instructor at festivals across the country. Rachel's teaching approach embraces inclusivity, fostering a supportive environment where dancers flourish. Her passion for the art form and dedication to honouring its cultural origins shines through in every class.
Level: Open
Saturday 8 March 1:30-3:00pm
SAHARA with MALIKA MOON
This workshop will cover a piece of intermediate choreography to "Sahara" by "Ourman". The choreography is inspired by a mystical vision of a tribe of powerful warrior women defending their domain from dark forces with their powerful dance; the thundering vibrations of swaying hips, the hypnotic waves of undulations and the strength of a fierce feminine presence piercing through & dissolving the veil of darkness. This choreography will no doubt connect every dancer to their inner strength & power.
With over 11 years experience with Fusion Bellydance, Malika holds this dance close to her heart as an exquisite art form, a sacred personal practice and a powerful tool for healing and empowerment. Malika Moon shares her passion for Bellydance, ritual dance, somatic movement & feminine embodiment through regular classes & workshops in the Byron Bay region.
Level: Intermediate and Beyond
Saturday 8 March 1:30-3:00pm
DANCING IN CIRCLES with ASTARTE
Roll up! Roll up! Get curious and playful, and discover a whole new world of props potential with a humble hula hoop. In this fun and creative workshop we will look at the hoop through the lens of the F.I.T principle for props integration, including featuring, framing, integration, technique, and tricks. We will explore how to integrate the hoop into solo’s, duets and group choreographies with imaginative formations and techniques, as well as how we can cleverly integrate it into our ready made belly dance and FCBD combinations.
The workshop will culminate in a fun mini choreography combining the movements, techniques, and principles covered. The best thing about this workshop is that there is no waist hooping! This makes it not only creative in terms of what else we can do with it, but also makes it achievable for all levels.
Kylie is the director of Astarte Studio Belly Dance & Fusion in Shellharbour, NSW and has been bellydancing for over 29 years. Specialising in traditional, fusion and theatrical styles she has gained a reputation for pushing the creative boundaries of belly dance and fusion, while still maintaining strong roots to the foundations. Kylie is a certified A-Z Belly Dance Teacher and Assessor, and is skilled in props integration and percussion. A perpetual student, Kylie is currently continuing her studies with Keti Sharif and Sam Nascimento.
Level: Open
Bring: Adult Sized Hula Hoops (extras available on the day)
Saturday 8 March 3:15 - 4:45pm
BACK TO THE 80's with AMERA
Revisiting the 1980s even in the Middle Eastern music world is like stepping into a time capsule filled with vibrant culture, fashion, and music. Belly dancers of that era had a rich array of music to choose from, including pieces specifically commissioned for performances and popular songs that resonated with audiences. Come along to this workshop and revisit some of the most popular artists and songs that belly dancers used in their performances, along with an exploration of their potential for a modern comeback.
Amera Eid, best known as a trail-blazing entrepreneur for bringing Belly Dance to Sydney and Australasia and contributing to its migration and integration into the multicultural Australian Dance scene. An extraordinarily successful, enthusiastic, and determined businessperson with an array of creative skills. An accomplished international performer and teacher with over 40 years of experience
Level: Beyond Beginners
Saturday 8 March 3:15 - 4:45pm
MILLION $ with BRONNIE COFFEY
Datura Style™ Choreography; Unleash your inner dancer and learn an upbeat choreography with combinations from the Datura Style™ vault. This is suitable from beginner level through to experienced, there will be something here for everyone to take away and integrate into your future dance.
Participants of this workshop can opt to perform on the open stage at the Newcastle Belly Dance Festival Sunday Performers Bazaar
Bronnie is a dancer and teacher who has trained extensively in Datura and FCBD Styles of dance. Having travelled to the USA to train with Rachel Brice, she became a Datura Style teacher in 2020. Bronnie is the Director/Teacher of the Empyrean Dance troupe based in Brisbane, you can catch her facilitating workshops and performing with her troupe both locally and inter-state
Level: Open
Saturday 8 March 3:15 - 4:45pm