PERSONAL DANCE AND TEACHING ETHOS
Good technique is imperative to become a better dancer, coupled with knowledge of the style and feeling behind the music - as there is more to dance than just movement.
Perth Bellydancer Zahara
I have danced constantly since I was about 5 years old, learning Classical Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Contemporary Dance.
My Middle Eastern Dance Training began in 2002, with Belyssa from the Belyssa Academy of Dance Orientale. Training with Belyssa’s 30 years of dance experience and research has given me diversity and a broad knowledge of Middle Eastern Dance and culture.
Dance styles I have studied with her include Classical Egyptian, Pop, Folkloric (Saidii, Baladi, Khaleegy, Bedouin, Nubian), Turkish and Greek to name a few.
2003 Join the school troupe The Flames of Araby, where I learnt costuming, how to apply stage make up and other elements of stage craft. The Flames performed at a lot of festivals/fetes and other occasions. For bigger performances we supported the professional troupe Desert Fire. By 2004 I was initiated into Desert Fire, at which we would perform for Arabic Weddings, Birthdays, The Annual Oz Concert (televised on SBS) and various other professional events.
Teaching/Workshops
My teaching journey commenced in 2004 for TAFE and continued various workshops and course in 2005 I opened my own school and progressed to open Midland Dance Studios where a variety of dance styles are offered.
Personally I have received expert tuition via workshops/privates with the likes of Liza Laziza, Tito and Kazafy, Randa Kamel, Hossam Abdel Ghany, Farida Fahmy, Lorna Gow, Yasmina of Cairo, Caroline all performers from Egypt, Jillina Carlino (Bellydance Evolution) Ozgen (Turkish Romany International sensation) Rose Ottiviano, Alma Sarhan, Jrisi and many more.
I have also presented a variety of worshops through out WA and present annually at WAMED (West Australian Middle Eastern Dance Festival) For 10years…
