Our Workshops
Immerse yourself in an extraordinary dance experience, guided by some of Australia’s most celebrated teachers and performers at one of the country’s most beloved and dynamic belly dance festivals.
Indulge in a curated program of contemporary and innovative workshops, exploring an exquisite range of belly dance genres, including Classical, Oriental, Fusion, ATS and FCBD styles—and beyond.
Designed to inspire dancers of every level, from absolute beginners to seasoned artists, workshops offer a rich blend of choreography and technique in an empowering and elegant environment.
Elevate your Experience with a Festival Pass. Select from Bronze, Silver, or for the ultimate experience, the Gold. Passes are strictly limited, with sales closing 29 January 2027—or earlier if sold out.
Scroll down to explore detailed information on our 2027 Workshops, esteemed facilitators, recommended levels, and what to bring.
Workshop Bookings
Workshops can be booked individually or take advantage of one of our Great Value Festival Passes 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. Please note Burlesque Fusion Workshop is 18+ Only
Check out the Early Bird Pricing available on *Festival Passes, Workshop Packages and Event Entries.
EarlyBird Pricing available to 29 November 2026
*Limited Number of Passes Available*
Full Pricing applies from 29 January 2027 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 8 March 2027 or when Sold Out
Bookings available at Desk/Door - Subject to Availability Only
TURKISH ROMAN TABLEAUX with Margaret
Open Level Raw Turkish Roman dance is not a choreographed or staged dance but nevertheless it is often taken to the stage in the form of telling a story. That story will often depict with unique gestures and attitude, the day to day life, sorrows, joys and sassiness of Roman community. In this fun workshop we are going to do it all! First we will learn the Docuz Sekez rhythm and how to dance to it, including those gestures. Then we will put together a roller-coaster of a dance! Oh, and acting skills are not compulsory for this adventure but highly desirable!
Margaret has been studying and teaching Oriental, Turkish Roman and Fusion dance for two decades. In that time she has established one of Brisbanes longest running and respected schools, Soul Dance School of Middle Eastern and Romany Dance and has taught her specialties; Turkish Rom, Golden Era Bellydance and Mozaik Global Fusion at festivals around Australia. Margaret's teaching is based on a foundation of research, study with source practitioners and immersion in source cultures around the world.
Friday 12 March 9:15am to 10:45am
Level: Open
ELEMENTAL with Michaela
This workshop is an invitation to engage all the senses and incorporate natural elements (earth, water, fire, air and metal) into slow belly dance movements, flowing from one phrase to another smoothly with the right energy.
Michaela started dancing at the age of 4 and this developed into a life long passion. When introduced to bellydance in 1998, Michaela felt in love with Middle Eastern music and its visualisation through the feminine dance. Teaching Egyptian style of bellydance for 20+ years and continues to learn new aspects of this beautiful art.
Friday 12 March 9:15am to 10:45am
Level: Beyond Beginners
THE REFINEMENT LAB with KEEVA
We all know a dancers “one more time” actually means until the teacher is satisfied. This workshop isn’t about learning something once and moving on. It’s about staying inside the material long enough for it to land in your body and make an impact to your craft.
Based in Naarm, Keeva is a professional dancer who has performed across Australia in theatres and intimate settings, showcasing her versatility across a wide range of styles. With over a decade of teaching experience at recreational, competitive, and tertiary levels, she brings both knowledge and creativity to her practice. Her qualifications in dance, acrobatics, and yoga, combined with a deep passion for culture, fuel her drive to share and inspire through movement.
Friday 12 March 9:15am to 10:45am
Level: Open
SHAPE SHIFTERS with JEN SHEDDEN
Sweep and swirl through this playful group choreography workshop using the dynamic prop of the 25-yard skirt. Drawing on the foundations of Fat Chance Belly Dance (FCBD) Style, we’ll transform your skirt into dramatic shapes, living tableaux and moving formations; treating your skirt like a colourful member of the troupe. Expect big movement, dynamic group patterns, and plenty of theatrical flair as we create a fun, crowd-pleasing piece. Designed for dancers who love connection, creativity and a little dramatic oomph! This will be performed at the Sunday Bazaar (optional for all participants)dancers
Friday 12 March 11:00am-12:30pm
Level: Open - FCBD experience helpful but not essential
Bring: 25 Yard Skirt - Some available for loan on the day
ALA MAHLIK with AMERA
Ala Mahlik: The Art of Dancing with Ease; In Arabic, Ala Mahlik means “take your time” or “gently.” In a world that encourages us to move faster, this workshop invites you to slow down and discover the beauty of ease.
Through musical exploration and mindful movement, we’ll explore how breath, timing, flow and intention can create a more expressive and authentic dance. Discover the power of simplicity, presence, and allowing movement to unfold naturally.
Sometimes, less truly is more.
Master Belly Dance Teacher, International Belly Dance Artist, Teacher, Mentor, Entrepreneur; A pioneering figure in the Australian Belly Dance community, Amera Eid has spent over 40 years contributing to the growth, visibility, and evolution of Middle Eastern dance and culture throughout Australia and internationally. Known for her passion, authenticity, creativity, and connection to music, Amera continues to inspire generations through performance, education, cultural tours, workshops, mentoring, and community engagement.
Level: Open
Friday 12 March 11:00am-12:30pm
FUSION EXPRESSION with GULNARA
A movement workshop blending Contemporary Dance and Fusion Bellydance, focused on technique, flow, and expressive choreography. This session combines grounded contemporary movement with the isolations, accents, and fluid stylisation of fusion bellydance. Dancers will explore combinations, transitions, and improvisation exercises designed to develop control, coordination, and musicality. The workshop is suitable for those wanting to expand their movement vocabulary, improve body awareness, and explore a fusion of styles in a structured yet creative way.
Gulnara weaves tribal fusion bellydance, feminine movement, and embodied practices into powerful experiences that inspire self-expression, confidence, and deeper connection to the body. Her classes invite women to move beyond technique and into a space of remembrance, empowerment, and authentic presence.
Level: Open
Friday 12 March 11:00am - 12:30pm
NOUR AL CHAMS with ZAHRAA
In this workshop you will learn a fun choreography with optional sagat playing. There is enough variation & repetition in this dance to allow for the time frame, and also for individuals to create their own changes where they want. Perfect for solos and groups; changes can be made to accommodate all levels. Bring Sagat if you want to play. The rhythms will be shown and added at the end. Choreo notes with zill patterns provided.
Zahraa has been dancing and teaching for approx 30 years. Studying and teaching Egyptian Oriental as well as many of the folkloric styles from all over the Middle East. Proficient in all props used in Bellydance. Still dancing, teaching and still learning.
Level: Open
Bring: Sagat
Friday 12 March 1:30-3:00pm
BATSWANE BEEK with PRUE
Learn an elegant choreography to this beautiful classic song by Warda. From unique veil movements and soft undulations, to flashy hair flicking and dynamic shimmies. Dancing to Batwanes Beek is pure joy.
Prue has a lifelong passion for dance, having trained in the ballet world before moving to Bellydance as a young adult. Prue has been fortunate to have worked as a professional Bellydancer across Melbourne and beyond for over 20 years, and is still going strong, working every weekend in restaurants and events! Prue holds a Diploma of Dance Teaching and has 2 decades of experience sharing the joy of Bellydance with her students.
Level: Intermediate & Above
Bring: Silk Veil
Friday 12 March 1:30 - 3:00pm
BURLESQUE FUSION with WENDY
"Boas over burpees.” This workshop is about celebrating strength, sensuality and self-belief, redefining how people experience movement, so they leave feeling confident, connected and alive. It combines stylish Burlesque flair with easy follow‑along fitness and bellydance moves to boost confidence, encourage self‑expression, and add plenty of fun to your workout.
Beginning her Bellydance journey in 2012, driven by a passion and enthusiasm to embrace this beautiful art form. Over the past 10 years, Wendy has explored different styles including SharQui Bellydance Fitness and Fitesque Fitness. Bellydance is never just about memorizing steps. It’s about moving with softness and grace, feeling more connected and confident, tapping into your feminine energy, and embracing the beauty of feeling comfortable in your own skin.
Level: Open *Ages 18+ Only
Bring: Boa, (some provided on day) and some Sass!
Friday 12 March 1:30-3:00pm
SHIMMY STATIONS with Amanda PB
There are more moves in the shimmy family than just standing on the spot and shakin' what ya mama gave ya! We are going to throw the way we use a workshop space out on it's head and dig into all the goodness that the Salimpour Shimmy Family has to offer. This workshop is truly one where you can work at your level.
Amanda is the brains behind APB Dance in Melbourne. She counts herself as a dance nerd, studying across many different performance related front from cross training in different dance styles to learning Arabic language and history to deepen her knowledge and connection to the beautiful cultures that are behind this dance form. She is a certified Salimpour School Instructor (Fundamentals), a Bal Anat cast member (2023 and 2025) and last year became Australia's first Advanced Performer certified dancer in the Salimpour School.
Level: Open
Bring: Sense of Adventure
Friday 12 March 3:15-4:45pm
THE DUCHESS'S SECRET with XAEDA
The Duchess’ Secret - Build the Machine is an inspired Global Fusion Dance workshop that explores the creation of a living steampunk machine through movement. Dancers will develop individual movement motifs, experiment with shadow play, and connect ideas through collaborative combinations. Blending mechanical precision with liquid-like flow, participants will embody hidden energies as they build an intricate, evolving machine together. This workshop encourages creativity, connection, and storytelling through movement while exploring themes of mystery, innovation, and transformation.
Xaeda Raqasa is a Brisbane-based Raqs Sharqi fusion artist, instructor, and performer. Known for her expressive style with a teaching focus on musicality and movement, she brings together an authentic interpretation of choreography with dynamic stage presence, and meaningful expression. 2027 will mark her 13th year, teaching at the Newcastle Bellydance Festival.
Level: Open
Friday 12 March 3:15-4:45pm
OWN THE ROOM with Arianna
Own The Room - The Art of Restaurant Performance ; A successful restaurant performance requires much more than excellent dance technique. In this practical workshop, dancers will learn how to captivate an audience, create meaningful connections through eye contact, facial expression and stage presence, and adapt their performance to venues of different sizes. Participants will explore audience engagement strategies, movement pathways for small and large spaces, and how to select music that enhances the atmosphere and keeps guests entertained throughout the show. Perfect for dancers who want to transform from performers into unforgettable entertainers. positive attitude and willingness to step outside your comfort zone!
Arianna De Martino is a bellydance artist, performer, instructor, choreographer based in Sydney, Australia. She has been a certified Bellydance Teacher in Italy since 2015 and further expanded her professional qualifications by completing the Teaching & Dance Management Program at the Australian Dance College in 2019, graduating with an Award of Excellence. With a background in dance, fitness, and yoga, Arianna combines technical knowledge with a passion for performance, audience connection, and artistic expression. she has established herself as a respected performer and teacher, regularly appearing at restaurants, cultural events, festivals, and community programs across Sydney.
Level: Open
Bring: Performance Footwear/Dance Shoes
Friday 12 March 3:15-4:45pm
ROMANTIC VEIL with Christine
Explore the romance of the silk veil and learn a choreography to a beautiful song with Christine!
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.
Level: Open
Bring: Veil
Saturday 13 March 9:15 - 10:45am
EGYPTIAN TABLA with Ali
In this workshop we will explore basic drum technique, base lines to our favorite Egyptian rhythms and fun ornamentation and drum solos.
Ali is the owner of Amera’s Palace Boutique. She has been performing as a dancer and drummer for 35 years. She specializes in teaching Middle Eastern rhythms on Egyptian tabla, Riq (Egyptian tambourine) and zills (finger cymbals)
Level: Open
Bring: Drum (some available for loan)
Saturday 13 March 9:15am - 10:45am
DARK FUSION with Amanda Jane
Step into the darker side of fusion bellydance through hypnotic movement, serpentine textures, and precise layered isolations. This workshop explores slow-burn fusion technique inspired by dark cinematic aesthetics, ritualistic flow, and atmospheric musicality. Dancers will work with controlled articulations, fluid-to-sharp dynamics, and grounded movement quality to create rich, haunting performance textures.
Amanda Jane has been bellydancing since the mid-2000s, training at Underbelly Dance in Melbourne and later teaching and performing with Saffron Sunrise Troupe in NSW. Now based in Brisbane, she trains and performs with Queensland Fusion Bellydance. With over 20 years’ experience in dance, psychology, and witchy goddess-inspired practice, Amanda Jane brings a grounded, empowering, and embodied presence to her work.
Level: Intermediate and Above
Saturday 13 March 9:15am-10:45am
TOXICITY: A GOTHIC SAIDI with Lorralei
What happens when the earthy power of Saidi collides with the raw intensity of System of a Down? In this dark fusion workshop, dancers will learn a complete choreography set to Toxicity, exploring sharp musical accents, dynamic cane work, and theatrical performance. Blending traditional Saidi influences with gothic aesthetics and alternative music, this workshop challenges dancers to embrace strength, attitude, and dramatic expression while discovering unexpected connections between tradition and the unconventional.
A gothic fusion dancer, drag performer, and storyteller, Lorralei has been captivating audiences since the age of four. Known for blending theatricality, ritual, and authentic emotional expression, their work ranges from hauntingly dark to deeply moving. They have taught and performed at severalAustralian Belly Dance Festivals and Adelaide Fringe.
Level: Open
Bring: Saidi Stick
Saturday 13 March 11:00am-12:30pm
BASBOUSA with Janna
This workshop will briefly introduce the Godfather of Shaabi - Ahmed Adaweya - followed by a sweet, sassy, and satirical choreography to his iconic 1977 hit “Basbousa”.
Janna is an internationally acclaimed, multi-award winning bellydance artist, with a career that has spanned over three decades across the Middle East, Europe, and Australia. Most notably, Janna was selected by Egyptian superstar Dina to represent Australia on a world stage, appearing on the first ever bellydance reality television competition "Al Rakessah", for the Al Kahera Wal Nas television network in Egypt.
Level: Open
Saturday 13 March 11:00am - 12:30pm
ABANICO FLOW with Carla Wood
Unfold the beauty of the Abanico (Spanish fan) and discover how this timeless and elegant accessory can transform your dance. Drawing on her passion for FatChanceBellyDance® (FCBD®) and Flamenco, Carla will guide you through the fundamentals of fan work and manipulation before introducing FCBD®-inspired Flamenco vocabulary, along with simple flamenco marking, to naturally integrate the fan into your dancing. You'll have the opportunity to explore these movements before weaving everything together in 3–4 fun short combinations, designed as practical building blocks for future use. Whether you're completely new to dancing with a fan or looking to expand your FCBD® repertoire, this workshop will leave you feeling inspired and confident to add expressive fan work to your dance.
Based in Brisbane’s northern suburbs, Carla is an FCBD® General Skills and Teacher Training certified instructor who has been dancing FCBD® for over 15 years. She teaches regular classes and presents workshops throughout Brisbane and North Brisbane. She has trained extensively in FCBD®, fusion, and Flamenco with both local and internationally acclaimed teachers. Carla loves sharing her knowledge and creating welcoming spaces where dancers can connect, grow, and discover joy through movement.
Level: Open
Bring: Your favourite folding/hand fan - that opens easily. Left handed dancers, check if purchasing one, as most are right handed.
Some basic (right hand only) fans will be available for loan.
Saturday 13 March 11:00-12:30pm
LOVE YOUR SHAWL with Mandylynne
‘Love your shawl’ is a beautiful choreography with slow and fast movements that showcase the Manton / Shawl as your dance partner. The Choreography utilises the Siren Society Manton Dialect movements, based on FCBD style. We will go through the cues in each movement so you not only gain a choreography but a small vocabulary that you can add to your next jam.
Mandylynne has been dancing since 1999 and is passionate about sharing the knowledge gained on her dance journey. Mandylynne is an FCBD Certified, Siren Project International Representative (Fan) and a Basket Dialect Certified instructor. When creating choreographies, Mandylynne likes to keep the improviation concepts present within the choreography so dancers can use the movements in their own jams or creative adventures, allowing the knowledge to be used behond the initial workshop.
Level: Open
Bring: Shawl or Manton, similar in length to the size of a suitable veil
Saturday 13 March 1:30-3:00pm
DJ'S GOT US FALLING IN LOVE with Jessica
Learn a short fan veil choreography to an instrumental version of “DJ got us falling in love”. You will learn a few accessible fan veil combos, how to add a little dramatic flair, and create a captivating dance that matches the call of the violin playing right into your heart . Level: Open level, some fan veil experience is handy
Founded by Jessica Moreno in 2014, Shimmy Juju Belly Dance has been bringing people together through dance for over a decade offering welcoming Belly Dance classes where students of all levels can learn, grow and enjoy the art of movement in a supportive community. Jessica believes that dance should be accessible, encouraging and, above all, fun. Her teaching style reflects her own performances—dramatic, energetic, playful and a little quirky—creating classes that balance solid technique with creativity, confidence and plenty of laughter. Jessica has also proudly served as Team Leader for the Shimmy Mob Sydney Team since 2018.
Level: Open
Bring: Pair of Standard Size Fan Veils
Saturday 13 March 1:30-3:00pm
DANCING IN THE TEMPLE with Clay
Center yourself in your body, your Temple, combining moves that bring your focus inwards while releasing expression and devotion. We will experience different ways to drive belly dance movement, how to transform them into the temple stylization, and then use in a series of beautiful combinations. Creating a choreography that could also be a prayer of devotion to our dance.
Principal and director of Belly Dance Amethyst, Adelaide, since 2017 and teaching belly dance with Belly Dance Amethyst since 2011, Clay has a range of students from children to seniors, beginners to advanced, in dance fitness and various genres of Belly Dance. Predominantly teaching Egyptian styles, Tribal-esque, belly dance fusions and Amethyst Temple Fusion. Clay has also taught at several Festivals across Australia and in Adelaide.
Level: Open
Saturday 13 March 1:30 - 3:00pm
POI FUSION FLOW with Bronnie
Discover the beautiful art of combining belly dance with the flowing movement of New Zealand poi in this unique beginner-friendly workshop with Bronnie You will learn the fundamental technique of swinging NZ poi while exploring how they can enhance your posture, arm pathways, and coordination. Through a series of easy to follow exercises you'll build confidence with basic poi patterns before weaving them into fun fusion combinations. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer looking to expand your performance skills, of you've never picked up a pair of poi before, this workshop offers a supportive and creative environment to learn something new
Bronnie is a Brisbane based fusion belly dancer, and Director/Teacher of Empyrean Dance troupe. She is a certified instructor in both FCBD® and Datura™ belly dance fusion styles, and loves sharing her knowledge and nurturing students.
Level: Open
Bring: Pair of Poi. Some available to loan.
Saturday 13 March 3:15 - 4:45pm
TRAVELLING TECHNIQUE with Deanna
Travelling steps are essential for any dancers toolbox. They utilise space, build momentum, add flow between movements and provide dynamic visuals. In this workshop, we will explore a number of travelling steps a dancer can use specifically for Oriental, Baladi and Shaabi styles. Knowing an array of travel technique is important as the varying genres within belly dance require us to channel a different movement vocabulary and feeling. Understanding then integrating these new steps into your routines will hopefully add another level of dimension to your dance!
Deanna Meraki shares her love for belly dance with heart, soul and creativity. As a teacher and performer, she strives to capture and embody the essence of belly dance with authentic interpretation, sincere connection and sheer delight. Teaching for almost a decade, she has shared her knowledge and passion for dance both nationally and internationally, drawing on her experiences living and working as a belly dancer in Egypt. She has so much to share with you and is excited to help you connect to this beautiful art form.
Level: Open
Saturday 13 March 3:15-4:45pm
BELLY ROCK with Bridget
Using the belly rock fusion style, pioneered by Belinda Purcell, Bridget will teach you how to bring attitude and edge to your belly dance, combining strong, punchy movements with the hard-hitting beats of the White Stripes hit song, “The Hardest Button to Button”. In this choreography based workshop, expect powerful musicality, dynamic combinations, and plenty of rockstar energy as you learn to make a bold impact on stage.
Bridget has over 18 years of belly dance experience and has taught Oriental belly dance in the Camden/Wollondilly area. Bridget has also been performing with Belly Dance with Belinda's, Ali's Angels and during this time is where she honed her craft through years of dedicated performance and musical exploration. This is where Bridget discovered her love and connection with the belly rock style. While training extensively in both Oriental and Belly Rock styles over the past 18 years, Bridget has also gained 4 years of experience in FCBD and Tribal Fusion. This diverse background has inspired her to blend these influences into her own unique fusion style, which she now performs both as a solo artist and as the creator of the newly formed duo, The Sinful Angels.
Level: Beyond Beginners
Saturday 13 March 3:15-4:45pm
UNFURL YOUR WINGS with Rachel
Fledglings, prepare to fly! This introduction to the art of dancing with “Wings of Isis” will build your confidence with this eye-catching prop. Own your stage with classic wing movements and combos that everyone should know, and learn how to do them to maximum effect. To help you remember and practice these useful combos, we’ll embed them into a mini-choreo, along with a couple of optional special tricks. A few key concepts and techniques will help you soar, whether as angel or raven, butterfly or moth. We’ll briefly compare different kinds of wings (split or solid, different fabrics, LED, etc) but will focus on moves that suit all kinds.
Rachel has studied, taught and performed Middle Eastern dances for 25 years. She established Inspire Bellydance in 2009, and now shares the joy of dance with hundreds of women each week. For Rachel, dance is about connection: to community, to the cultures of origin, and to oneself.
Level: Beyond Beginners
Bring: Wings with sticks, some available for loan
Sunday 14 March 9:15-10:45am
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