WAMED Festival 2008 (September 26-29)

? Events ? Workshops ? Online Booking ?

A little background on our festival instructors:

	Alma Sarhan Fremantle Dancing: 18 years Originally from Ireland, Alma learned to dance 18 years ago with a wonderful Iranian woman called Moti. That was the beginning of a long journey into what she believes is an art form which requires skill, dedicated training and passion. She performed weekly for many years in her own Lebanese restaurant in Freo (and in other shows) and now prefers to dance on stage. Due to her Lebanese husband she has a keen interest in Dabke and indeed likes all folkloric styles of the dance. She has an earthy style and while she is a strict teacher she likes to keep a sense of fun in her classes - we're there to enjoy ourselves after all. She, along with Ayesha, produces Bellydance Oasis Magazine and together with Rose Ottaviano runs the Harissa Club promoting modern bellydance styles and music. Contact: alma@bellydanceoasis.com www.bellydanceoasis.com
	Amanda Irwin Perth Dancing: 14 years A devotee of Egyptian dance, Amanda has been performing for over 14 years, and studying not only Middle Eastern dances but also classical and theatrical arts from a young age. Best known for her earthy and elegant Egyptian style performances, this collage of dance experiences has culminated in a personal style which is polished and precise yet emotive at the same time. In addition to her research travels through Egypt, Amanda is honoured to have studied with some of the world's greatest oriental dance masters, including Aida Nour, Dr Mo Geddawi and Denise Enan. A regular instructor at Perth’s Bellydance Central studio, Amanda is mentored by its director Shaheena and specializes in teaching modern Egyptian styles. Contact: shimmy@iinet.net.au
	Amanda Smith Perth Dancing: 13 years Teaching: 7 years Amanda initially took an 8 week TAFE course with Angelica, and she wanted more! Her longest period of study was with Belyssa - she was a member of the Flames of Araby troupe for several years and since then, Amanda has studied with Keti and has attended many workshops with both national and international teachers such as Hossam and Serena Ramzy, Amera and Raqia Hassan. Amanda is an experienced performer and instructor and a current member of the Raqs Harissa Troupe. Her dance styles include Lebanese and Egyptian cabaret, as well as gypsy and folkloric styles. Her dynamic, fun and graceful nature can be seen in her performances and teaching. Contact: bellyontology@hotmail.com
	Annette Berry Sydney Dancing: 15 years Teaching: 10 years Principal of: Hippy Hippy Shake Bellydance Annette has studied, performed, and immersed herself in the world of Bellydance for the past 15 years. She has studied with master teachers Amera, Terezka, Leonie and Jrisi in Sydney and has participated in a wide variety of workshops given by NSW, Interstate, and International teachers. Having travelled overseas to Morocco and Egypt to experience and learn about traditional dances and culture, she has also been fortunate enough to have performed there. Since 1999 Annette has participated in four International Dance Festivals in Egypt engaging in workshops by dance Masters Mahmoud Reda, Aida Nour, Dina, Ibrahim Akef, Yousry Sharif, Raqia Hassan to name a few. Annette has taught for over 10 years in Sydney, is a qualified group fitness trainer with AIF and an instructor of Keti's A-Z Personal Techniques and Pulse8 Fitness. Her graceful style reflects a vivacious enthusiasm for oriental dance and the many influences that have shaped Annettes dancing. Hippy Hippy Shake's dance troupe, Secrets of the Desert, find inspiration and motivation in sharing their love of belly dance and the cameraderie that comes from pursuing shared passion. An up-beat outlook on dancing and life, and a strong desire for stylistic expresson in an ancient and earthed art form combine in Annette's dancing which is authentic to belly dance and fun. Contact: info@hippyshakebellydance.com.au www.hippyshakebellydance.com.au
	Azzura: Vicki Pretorius Bunbury (formerly Perth and Eastern States) Dancing: 11 years (Bellydance/Tribal 9 years; African 2 years) Teaching: 5 years Principal of: Azzuradance Vicki has studied Middle Eastern Dance for nine years, including several years of Tribal and fusion dance plus Arabic drumming, with some of the top teachers across five Australian states and visiting international master teachers. Before this she learned African Dance for two years. She has taught regular classes for Shamira (Adelaide), Barbara Wolfkamp (Melbourne) plus casual teaching for Belyssa, and now has her own business ‘Azzuradance’ based in Bunbury. Vicki has performed professionally for seven years as soloist ‘Azzura’ as well as in troupes including Raks Harissa, Belyssa’s ‘Desert Fire’, Alaine’s ‘Diaspora’ tribe, plus drumming with Hassan Youssef’s performance group. She has a great love of all things theatrical and strives to bring this passion out in her students. Contact: azzura@azzuradance.com.au www.azzuradance.com.au
	Dawn White Perth (formerly of Edinburgh, Scotland) Dancing: 9 years Teaching: 6 years Dawn has studied a variety of movement forms in addition to her nine years of intensively studying bellydance. She has a unique dance style and a strong interest in theatrical aspects of dance and enjoys exploring storytelling in her performances. Dawn collaborates creatively with Musician/Composer Michael Zolker and their work has been a feature at ‘The Harissa Club’ for the last 2 years. In July 2007 Dawn and Michael produced the solo dance show ‘One Enchanted Evening’, which made its debut at Studio Topkapi. Contact: subtlegrace@hotmail.com
	Devi Mamak Blue Mountains, NSW Dancing: 12 years Teaching: 8 years dance, 26 years music Principal of: Ghawazee Caravan Devi Mamak is troupe member and artistic director of the award winning Ghawazi Caravan, based in the Blue Mountains in NSW and is one of Australia's premier American Tribal Style [ATS] dancers, teachers and choreographers having studied a variety of Middle Eastern dance styles for over a decade as well as Flamenco, Classical Indian & Ballet. Travelling to San Francisco several times to study with the masters of ATS including FCBD, Gypsy Caravan, Ultra Gypsy, Devi has dedicated herself to ATS since 1999. Devi is theonly person in Australia to be accepted into Carolena Nericcio'sintensive Teacher Training Course.Devi has nowreceived her teaching accreditationin the highly regarded FCBD format, with several of Ghawazi Caravan movements being accepted into the FCBD format. In 2006 she hosted the first Australian Tribal & Trance Festival which was a huge success with participants attending from all over Australia, NZ and the US. Contact: devimamak@ghawazicaravan.com www.ghawazicaravan.com
	Gitana: Tanja Luck Perth Dancing: 11 years A qualified exercise therapist and finalist for Fitness Leader in both 2005 and 2007, Gitana specialises in training instructors statewide in aspects of safe exercise. She is also a National/State Fitness Presenter/Assessor, Fitness Magazine Contributor and on the Management Committee as the State Fitness Practitioner chairperson. She has been studying the origins of ethnic dance (originally with Guru ethnic dance specialist Jamila) over the past 11 years and performing for nine years. Gitana believes in sharing the ancient Romani dance origins of bellydance with her audiences and students. She also aims to empower women of all ages to dance with soul, energy and without vanity; plus emphasises the importance of being authentic and a non conformist (true gypsy spirit!). She believes dance is a therapeutic form of deep inner self expression and is our most powerful tool for self healing. Contact: indogypsydance@primus.com.au
	Prof Hassan Khalil Cairo, Egypt Prof Hassan Khalil is one of the living legends and an encyclopedia of Middle Eastern dance and folklore. He was founder of the Egyptian National Folklore Ensemble, the famous Kaomeyya Troupe where today’s famous Egyptian dancers started their careers. He has been a dance trainer for Samia Gamal, Naima Akef, Tahia Karioka and choreographer for modern Egyptian dancers like Nagua fouad, Halla al Safi and so on. Hassan was Professor at the Academy of Art, Department for Drama, Theatre and Folklore in Cairo, as well as in Kuwait. With over 55 years experience, Prof Khalil creates inspiring new choreographies and through them he provides women with a framework for the dance but allows for the individual dancer to develop her own artistry in dance. Contact: info@hassan-khalil.org www.hassan-khalil.org
	Hassan Youssef Perth Hassan has been the maestro and solo tabla player for the Tannoura el Derawish, El Ghoury, Cairo for eight years and has over 30 years experience in Egyptian music as a musician, musical director, teacher and mentor. He has founded and directed music schools in Europe, Greece, Italy, South America and Asia and is in high demand for concerts, haffla’s and studio work Contact: thecolmans@optusnet.com.au
	Jrisi Sydney, NSW Principal of: Hathor Dance Studio Jrisi is an international dance artist who has devoted her life to dance. She is one of the most respected dance performer/teacher/choreographer in Australia today. She is the only bellydancer with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and has been awarded a generous dance grant from the Australia Council for the Arts to tour the world perfecting her craft with legendary master teachers in Egypt, Lebanon, Germany and New York. She has since then travelled annually to Egypt and New York to focus further on the latest dance styles. Not just a bellydancer but also a world dance artist her training in dance is extensive as she considers that versatility is the key to creativity. Her passion for dance flows over to her award winning dance company The Hathor Dance Theatre whose repertoire is extensive and whose members are also sought after solo performers. Her school The Hathor Dance Studio is also popular for attracting serious dancers who aim to enter the professional arena. Jrisi is a sought after teacher giving workshops Australia wide and also teaching overseas such as Germany, New York, Singapore and Japan with further invitiations to Korea and Africa. Her love of the Arabic culture, music, language clearly resonates in Jrisi's work, still at a young stage in her life her hopes are to share her passion with others world wide Contact: jrisi@hathordancestudio.com.au www.hathordancestudio.com.au
	Kylie Morrison Shellharbour, NSW Dancing: 12 years Teaching: 7 years Principal of: Astarte Mind & Body Studio A qualified visual arts teacher, group fitness instructor, Pilates instructor and personal trainer, Kylie has trained with a broad range of instructors including, Rachel Brice, Carolina Nerricio, Yasmin Amar, Mayodi as well as with Devi, Terezka, Keti, Virginia Keft-Kennedy, Jacqueline Pepercamp and Cynthia Delaney to name a few. Kylie has been performing for 10 years as both a troupe member and soloist at community and corporate events, local restaurants and private functions. She has a strong interest in Classical and Modern Egyptian style, Tribal, and folkloric styles from the Middle East, and is known for her skill with swords, canes and veil. Contact: astartemindbody@bigpond.com
	Laziza Perth Dancing: 15 years Teaching: 9 years Trained with: Belyssa, Ibrahim Farrah, Elena Lentini and Yousry Sharif With a dance style that is feminine, romantic and playful, Laziza elegance and grace can be seen in her wonderful creative dance displays, as well as her strong interpretation of modern and classical Egyptian style dances. Contact: laziza@bigpond.com
	Ma’isah: Kylie Martin Melbourne, VIC Dancing: 9 years Teaching: 5 years Ma’isah’s belly dance journey began in 1999 in New York with Safiya. Grounded in a strong foundation of Classical Egyptian Beledi, from there her goal was to above all dance honestly, with heart and soul, including the dramatic intensity of the gothic subculture. As a dancer Ma’isah is known to have a strong if somewhat unconventional foundation and a true love of Middle Eastern dance as well as eclectic styles of music. Raqs Gothique is her individual, continually evolving style of gothic fusion belly dance, created by dancing with music she loves and emotions explored and before there was a role model to emulate. Raqs Gothique began with a dream in 1999, evolved to become a troupe in 2005, expanded to include a public solo profile during 2006 and in 2007 Raqs Gothique grew to become a legitimate business including classes and workshops. The direction shifted, the troupe disbanded and Ma’isah focused on quality teaching and dynamic solo performances. During this time SERPENTSKIRT, the Raqs Gothique advanced student project was born and is the pride of Raqs Gothique. In 2008 Ma’isah evolves again and take the uniqueness of Raqs Gothique to a whole new level; demonstrating the evolution of this unique and dynamic dark dance. Contact: raqsgothique@gmail.com www.raqsgothique.com
	Renate van Dordrecht Perth Dancing: 12 years Teaching: 10 years Trained with: Shaheena, Keti Sharif, many wonderful local, interstate and international instructors including Mahmoud Reda, Serena & Hossam Ramzy, Mayodi, Morocco, Hassan Khalil and Liza el Laziza and holds a Certificate of Safe Dance Teaching through QUT. With a keen interest in the concepts of community dance, Renate aims to involve women and children in dance regardless of their level of experience. She believes that with so many variations in Middle Eastern dance, continued education is a necessity and one that provides a wonderful opportunity to experience other music styles, cultures and meet some truly wonderful people. Renate has been assisting Keti Sharif with the annual WAMED and Margaret River Festivals for a number of years and was event organiser for the Margaret River Festival in 2007. Contact: dance@bellydancewa.com.au www.bellydancewa.com.au
	Rita Montgomery Cowaramup Dancing: 8 years Teaching: 4 years Trained with: Helen Signey, Michelle Pearce and Keti Sharif As Troupe Co-ordinator For "Bellyvision Middle Eastern Dance Troupe" and in accordance with her goal to make bellydance accessible to as many people in the community as possible, Rita has introduced a fitness component to her traditional Bellydance class programs. Rita is a qualified Fitness Instructor-Group Exercise, and an instructor of Keti Sharif’s Pulse 8 Fitness. In between the 'busy times' in the vineyard, she attends workshops and travels to expand her knowledge of the music, history and cultural context of Middle Eastern Dance. A recent visit to India resulted in fabulous new “Bollywood” inspired dance additions to her bellydance classes and troupe performances. Contact: bellyvision@netserv.net.au
	Robyn Kennedy Perth Dancing: 10 years Teaching: 6 years Robyn has a real love of dance, exotic music and the dress up factor of beautiful costumes. With a dance background training with Angie (Shaheena) and performing with the Mystique Bellydance Academy, Robyn has also attended many workshops in Egypt, Turkey and Sydney with some truly inspirational instructors. She finds teaching and dancing are a great vehicle for meeting wonderful people. With a strong leaning toward the glittery side of bellydance, Robyn indulges her glittery obsession she with regular trips to India, bringing back trinkets and quality jewellery. Contact: newrob556@yahoo.com.au
	Rose Ottaviano Perth Dancing: 11 years Teaching: 9 years Rose is one of Australia's most sought after performers and dance instructors. Described as passionate and mesmerizing, her artistic interpretation, musicality skills, innovative style and choreographies have resulted in regular invitations to teach and perform not only Australia wide, but also internationally. A disciplined professional, Rose has extensive experience in performing and entertaining audiences of all sizes and cultural backgrounds, from restaurants, to gala openings and large theatrical settings and is currently teaching at Oasis Dance Studio. Contact: roseott@ozemail.com.au www.rosebellydance.com
	Rosie Whitehead Perth Dancing: 15 years Rosie brings over 30 years of sewing experience, in both a professional and a personal hobby capacity. Currently working in the fashion industry in day wear and the specialty area of bridal and evening wear, Rosie’s creative flair has graced many costumes over the years. Contact: shimmy_shop@hotmail.com
	Russya: Sandra Connor Perth Dancing: 30+ years Teaching: 15+ years Having learnt dance as a child, Russya turned her passion into a profession and has been privileged to work with leading choreographers and musicians and has appeared in numerous shows, festivals, films and performances in Europe and Australia. Recently, she founded the Orient Dance Art Stage Performance training, combining classical Egyptian belly dance with the efficient use of the human movement, postural alignment and creative expression, which aims to share her knowledge and guide others on their own personal search for excellence in dance. As a dancer Russya is known for articulate style and warm oriental feel in her performances. Contact: russya-sandra@iinet.net.au www.orient-dance-art.com
	Sahara: Rose Sing Albany Dancing: 15 years Teaching: 12 years Principal of: Sahara Oriental Studio Sahara has an eclectic Middle Eastern dance background, having learnt from many local, national and international teachers and artistes. “Sahara Oriental Dance” offers a variety of Middle Eastern dance styles including; traditional bellydance, modern fusion bellydance, folkloric, gypsy tribal and has been studying the bollywood style for the last three years. She enjoys fusing this style with bellydance and creating interesting stage presentations. Sahara also specialises in the use of sagat, canes, sword and shamadan. Contact: sahara.bellydance@yahoo.com.au
	Suzanne Oehlers Perth, Northern Suburbs Dancing: 30+ years Teaching: 25+ years Trained with: MED Keti Sharif and Master Egyptian Instructors With a career as a professional competitor with the Australian Dance Society, WADMA & the Australian Institute of Dance sport specialising in Latin American and Standard Ballroom; it took a tragic accident to bring Suzanne to discover Middle Eastern Dance. This change has seen her travel to Egypt on several occasions to further her education of the culture and the dance. Suzanne believes that we are all individual dancers, like the pieces of a puzzle and brought together they form a beautiful picture. Book into ‘Midnight at the Oasis’ gala concert to see how she brings together some of our fabulous dancers to create a magical dance show for you to enjoy. Contact: suzannedancer@hotmail.com
	Zahraa: Barbara Wolfkamp Brighton, Melbourne Dancing: 20+ years Teaching: 15+ years Principal of: Bellydance Kizmet With more than 20 years of learning Middle Eastern Dance, Zahraa has been privileged tohave studied with leading International and Australian teachers over the years. Barbara has made many trips to Egypt to learnthe current trends from the teachers in Egypt, including instructors such as Raqia Hassan, Aida Nour, Yasmina,and also Dina as well as many others in the dance scene. Barbara has been aprofessional dancer and performer for approx 15 years and has long term residencies at several restaurants over the years. She has a strong interest in the Modern Egyptian style and the folkloric style from the Middle East, and is known for her skill with zills, swords, canes and veil. Contact: kizmetdance@optusnet.com.au