Our Workshops
Learn from many of premier teachers and performers at one of Australia's Most Loved & Action Packed Belly Dance Festivals!!
24 Contemporary & Innovative Dance Workshops across Belly Dance Genres, Fusion, ATS & FCBD Styles and Beyond.
Offering a wide appeal across all dance styles and levels; choreography and technique, there is something for everybody, including absolute beginners.
Check out our Workshop Packages or save even more with a Festival Pass!! Choose from Bronze, Silver or The Gold if you dare!!!
Limited Numbers of Passes Available and Sales End
23 January 2026 or when Sold Out.
Scroll Down for Detailed Information on our Amazing 2026 Workshops, Facilitators, Suitable Levels and What to Bring
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.
EarlyBird Pricing available to 5 October 2025.
Discounted Pricing available to 23 January 2026.
Full Pricing applies from 24 January 2026 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 2 March 2026 or when Sold Out
Bookings available at Desk/Door - Subject to Availability Only
RAKKAS RHYTHMS with ELLIE MAYE
Turkish Oryantal Pop; Celebrate the bold spirit of Turkish Oryantal dance in this open-level workshop inspired by an iconic Turkish pop song. Rooted in the theatrical energy of Turkish cabaret and Roma influences, this session blends punchy pelvic accents, expressive arm work, and playful footwork with the driving pulse of Turkish pop. You’ll learn a choreography that channels the sass and dynamic angles that define Oryantal style, complete with traveling steps and impactful isolations. Whether you're new to the style or returning with experience, come ready to move with confidence and Turkish attitude.
Ellie has been belly dancing since 2014 and teaching for over 7 years. In 2025, she travelled to Egypt and Türkiye, deepening her connection to the cultural roots of the dance, enriching both her practice and teaching. Ellie is a certified Bellyqueen teacher (2022), trained under Kaeshi Chai. She is also certified in Keti Sharif's A-Z Original, Advanced, Teacher and Performer Bellydance methodology (2021), and has been mentored by Miki Tsuchiya of Miki Bellydance, Singapore.
Friday 6 March 9:15 to 10:45am
Level: Open
FUSION REVERB with GULNARA
A raw return to rhythm — reimagined through electronic soundscapes. This workshop explores tribal fusion bellydance with deep isolations, wave-like transitions, and sharp textures synced to bass-heavy beats and ambient synths. Rooted in tradition, pulsing with the future — Tribal Revert is where the movement meets modern frequency.
Gulnara is a tribal fusion bellydance artist with a passion for fluid movement, grounded technique, and embodied expression. Her teaching blends strength, grace, and mindful connection — creating space for dancers to explore the power of presence through motion.
Friday 6 March 9:15am to 10:45am
Level: Open
SYNCHRONY IN MOTION with BRONNIE
In this workshop we will learn a couple of Datura Style™ combo's along with some fundamental movements, together these can be combined for us to be able to dance in group improvisation of 2 or more dancers. We will take turns leading and following in a spontaneous and unplanned dance while providing the illusion of a group choreography.
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
Friday 6 March 11:00am to 12:30pm
Level: Open
DARK ALLURE with DANI
This workshop explores the transformative and theatrical art of dark fusion dance, focusing on crafting and accentuating unique moments during performance. You will be guided on how to combine traditional belly dance technique with gothic stylisation, narrative, and emotive storytelling. The goal is to create memorable moments on stage from entrances to exits and spaces in between that capture audience attention and elevate your art form.
Dani is the creatrix of Umbra Theatrical Dance and Sacred Woman Dance. With many years experience as a teacher, performer and somatic dance therapist she is passionate about empowering others through movement. Dani’s unique choreographies are a fusion of theatrical narrative and conscious movement, performed to weave energy as a dance experience. Dani is now based in Glen Innes NSW.
Friday 6 March 11:00am to 12:30pm
Level: Open
SHAABI - YA BENT EL SULTAN with ELISE
Dive into the vibrant and expressive world of Shaabi, a popular Egyptian dance style deeply rooted in the urban culture of Cairo. This workshop invites dancers to explore the attitude, energy and spontaneity that define Shaabi, while focusing on musicality, personal expression and foundationnal technique. We will dance to the iconic song "Ya Bent el Sultan" whose catchy rythm and festive spirit perfectly embody the essence of this style, we will explore the cultural context of shaabi, pratice signature mouvement and attitudes, develop personnal expression in a fun and supportive environment.
Elise has been dancing since 2012 and has participated in several competitions in Europe, mainly in group categories ( with the companie Ballet Daloua) and also as soloist. Recently moved to Australia, Elise is sharing her love of Egyptian dance in Cairns and has studied in Egypt under Randa Kamel, Tito Seif, Shahrzad.
Friday 6 March 11:00am-12:30pm
Level: Open
MAGICAL TARAB with MICHELLE
Magical Tarab with a Golden era Twist!
Tarab is an emotional state of enchantment, rapture, or musical ecstasy that is evoked by the music, not a specific dance style. In this workshop we will explore how we feel Tarab through our movements. Translating Lyrics into a Choreography with some Improvisation inspired by Golden Era belly dance movements and the Egyptian legendary singer, Om Koulthum.
Michelle has been teaching various styles of bellydance for 10 years and has performed for over 20 years across Australia. She has studied under many bellydance pioneers in Australia as well as the likes of Egypt's Farida Fahmy and Dina, Yasmine of Cairo & Jillina.
Friday 6 March 1:30-3:00pm
Level: Open
ELEGANT ARMS & TERRIFIC TURNS with SARA
This workshop will give you some insightful practice to tune up your technique and master tricky turning steps. Relevant to FCBD and fusion style dances. We will drill, dance, laugh and have fun as you level up your skills.
Sara is a lifelong dancer from the Blue Mountains NSW, who came to bellydance in her late 20’s. Sara loves dancing with zills and live music. She is a certified FCBD teacher and enjoys continually enriching her dance in MENAHT and fusion styles. She has an extensive performance history both internationally and in Australia. You will usually see her dancing as part of the acclaimed Caravan Dance Company andUndulata.
Level: Open
Friday 6 March 1:30 - 3:00pm
A BALANCING ACT with AMANDA
We have all seen dancers balancing a sword or a stick/assaya on their bodies. But did you know there are other balancing props that you can learn and dance with? In this session, we will learn about where to start with balancing trays, water jugs, and baskets, and put together a short combo to help you get on the path to feeling balanced.
Amanda is a dance nerd from Melbourne with 18 years experience, where she runs the show at APB Dance. She is Australia's only Fundamentals Certified Salimpour School Instructor, and last year was awarded her Advanced Performer certification from the school. She has been a cast member for Bal Anat (the world's longest running belly dance show) for the 2023 and 2025 shows.
Level: Open
Bring: balancing tray, flat bottomed basket (FCBD basket style) or even just a small flat box (20x30x10cm) and a scarf to wrap around your head (a limited number will be available to borrow).
Friday 6 March 1:30-3:00pm
MESMERISING MAIA with PRINCESS FEE
Sink into those hips and channel the earthy spirit of Maia - Goddess of the Sands. In this workshop, you will learn some of the eight combinations in the Maia Goddess Series. These combos can be rearranged as blocks in a choreography (for those who swing that way) or as an improvised cue-and-response dance format for those who prefer to follow-the-leader. Feel the sand around your ankles and get your heartbeat thumping to the deep-seated beat of Maia with Princess Fee.
Princess Fee hails from Perth, Western Australia and has been on her journey of discovery into many forms of MENAHT dance since the late ninetheeth century. With an overwhelming passion of ancient Egyptian movements as the bedrock of her dance, Princess Fee specialises in the Zyama Goddess Technique, a slower, slinkier fusion style that slithers under the skin most delightfully. Play in the sunshine, or explore the shadows with Princess Fee.
Level: Open
Friday 6 March 3:15 - 4:45pm
RAQS EL MEJANCE with EM LEA
Raqs El Mejance: The Art of the Entrance Open Level A mejance is the dancer's grand entrance. You are here to make an impression! In this workshop we will go over the different aspects of a mejance covering each dance style from taqsim to malfuf to saidi and more. Come learn a fun, theatrical choreography to Set El Hosn, and prepare your audience to be amazed. A veil is encouraged but not necessary.
Em, A Raqs Sharqi & Fusion dancer from Queensland, has had an undeniable love for all dance . Training extensively over the last 10 years with renowned teachers such as Cara Griffin, Jordan Galliott, Rachel Brice and Sharzhad. Em has been involved with many community projects in conjunction with Global Dance Collective, and performs & teaches regularly at events and festivals. An experienced choreographer, Em loves a cheeky performance moment and aims to bring warmth, joy and fun to any dance stage.
Level: Open
Bring: Veil
Friday 6 March 3:15-4:45pm
DIVINE SKIRT CHAOS with VALERIE
Come learn a new Divine Chaos tribal skirt choreography. Using new skirt moves, as well as new variations for old skirt moves, this choreography is suited for skirt lovers of all levels. Please bring a skirt (25-32 yards).
Valerie is a certified Australian Divine Chaos Tribal teacher. Divine Chaos is a cue and follow improvisational format (like Fat Chance), using 25 yard skirts. Valerie currently teaches several classes in Sydney and Online and performs regularly at Festivals and Events around NSW
Level: Open
Bring: Skirt (25-32 Yards is best)
Friday 6 March 3:15-4:45pm
MOZAIK GLOBAL FUSION with MARGARET
Get ready for a soulful combination-journey from the graceful to the explosive! Inspired by the phenomenal emergence of FCBD and Tribal Fusion styles in modern times, Mozaik Global Fusion is an original Australian format fusing Middle Eastern Dance and the Romani dance traditions of the world. In this introductory workshop learn some foundational combinations, both fast and slow, to add to your existing improv vocab and then lets put them together to create a routine of sensual fire which is the trademark of Mozaik Global Fusion. We'll also take several of these combinations and see how the single giant fanveil or sword can be seemlessly incorporated.
Margaret has been studying and teaching Oriental 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.
Level: Open
Bring: Full skirt and, if you have them, a sword and/or a 1.5m Fanveil.
Saturday 7 March 9:15-10:45am
DANCE LIKE EVERYONE'S WATCHING with RACHEL
Unlock your full performance potential with this empowering workshop designed to support dancers of all levels in feeling confident, connected, and authentic on stage. We’ll explore the key pillars of performance—beliefs and mindset, preparation strategies, and on-stage presence—through practical exercises, visualisation, and grounded techniques. Learn to connect with your audience, manage nerves, rehearse with intention, and gracefully handle the unexpected, all while embracing your unique expression as a performer. Whether you're preparing for your first solo or looking to deepen your stagecraft, this workshop offers tools to help you shine with joy, clarity, and confidence
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 7 March 9:15-10:45am
STICK IT & SLAY with EMILY
A Sizzling Saidi Combo Workshop - Are you ready to shake things up? Join Emily for a high-energy, action-packed workshop where the stick isn’t just a prop—it’s your dance partner! We'll vibe to the infectious rhythm of "Toubi Ya Eyni" and dive into a quick, dynamic Saidi-style combo that's all about attitude, sharp accents, and pure fun. Whether you're brand new to stick work or just love the thrill of a fierce combo, this workshop will leave you feeling empowered and energized. Come play, groove, and slay—stick in hand and heart on fire!
Emily Nicholson is the founder and lead dancer of Bluefire Bellydancers. Known for her elegant and dynamic performances, she blends traditional and modern styles of belly dance. Emily is passionate about both performing and teaching, sharing her expertise with students and audiences alike. Her work with Bluefire Bellydancers highlights her dedication to the art form and its cultural richness.
Level: Open
Bring: Stick
Saturday 7 March 9:15 - 10:45am
STRONG ROOTS, BEAUTIFUL BRANCHES with JEN
Want to feel more stable, more confident, and more in flow when you dance? Using the slow vocabulary of Fat Chance Bellydance® Style (FCBD®Style) as our base, we’ll explore how to truly root into the floor, refine your balance, and move with clarity and grace. Through grounding visualisations and solid technique work, you’ll discover how thoughtful foot placement can unlock smoother transitions—not just in FCBD®, but in any belly dance style. This open-level workshop is for dancers wanting to deepen their connection to the ground, and to themselves, through movement.
Jen is a seasoned belly dance instructor and performer whose journey began over 15 years ago at the iconic Amera’s Palace in Sydney. With a passion for fusion and improvisational formats, her dance path has taken her across continents—from performing with the Unmata ITS collective at Infusion Emporium in the UK, to training with internationally renowned mentors like Amy Sigil (USA) and Catherine Taylor (UK). Based in Newcastle, Jen teaches FCBD®Style and her troupe, Ace of Cups, brings colour and creativity to markets and festivals throughout the Hunter region.
Level: Open
Saturday 7 March 11:00am - 12:30pm
FABULOUS FLOORWORK with MIKOLA
Even just a little bit of simple floor work can add variety, flair and excitement to your solos and extra texture and layers to your troupe dancing. Drawing on her contemporary dance background, Mikola will lead you through some basic strengthening and flexibility exercises before we explore how to safely and elegantly descend to the floor and then return to standing again. You will learn some solo style combos highlighting different approaches to floor work and then together you will explore how to utilise floor work in a troupe setting for maximum effect. This will suit ALL levels of dancer. If you've never tried floor work before, this is the perfect place to start, and remember, your floor work need not be extreme to add interest. Come and give it a go, it might not be as difficult as it seems!
Since 2007 Mikola has been leading Hunter Shimmy Sisters bellydance in Maitland, NSW, a group of women of all ages, and abilities. She is very proud to be able to help her students find their unique strengths and facilitate their personal achievements through their dance. Hunter Shimmy Sisters are a well established part of local community festivals and events and love bringing their dance to a wide audience. As well as Middle Eastern dance, Mikola has a long history of ballet and contemporary dance.
Level: Open
Bring: Yoga Mat or Towel, Balancing Prop and/or Zills are Optional
Saturday 7 March 11:00am-12:30pm
CABARET QUEENS with JANELLE
Step into the spotlight with a vibrant and empowering workshop that blends the sensuality of bellydance with the bold flair of cabaret! You'll learn a fully styled routine that’s full of personality, sparkles with confidence, and celebrates the joy of performance. Whether you're new to the stage or a seasoned dancer looking to refresh your repertoire, this workshop promises a fun, feel-good experience that will leave you shimmying long after the music stops.
Janelle is a versatile and passionate dancer from Melbourne 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 that she loves to share. Janelle’s goal as a teacher is to inspire her students to believe in themselves, have fun and love their body and soul.
Level: Open
Saturday 7 March 11:00am-12:30pm
EL GHAZALA RAY2a with DEANNA
Learn a fun choreography to the favourite Egyptian hit “El Ghazala Ray2a”. This workshop will include both the translation and transliteration of song lyrics, as well as explanations of key Egyptian gestures and expressions to use in your movements. All to help you better connect to your dancing and the audience!
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. She has recently returned from living and working in Cairo for two years, on a mission to further her studies in Egyptian dance, culture and language from the source. She has so much to share with you and is excited to help you connect to this beautiful art form.
Level: Open
Saturday 7 March 1:30 - 3:00pm
CHAOS & CONTROL with ELENA
Set to the dynamic track "Chaos" by DZYZ, this fusion choreography explores the tension between control and collapse in a chaotic world. The choreography weaves a tapestry of contradiction - precision unravelling into softness and stillness pierced by volatility. We will alternate between razor-sharp and fluid motions, embodying the push-pull of inner resilience against external disorder.
Elena began her dance journey at the young age of 5.At 18, she transitioned away from these styles, exploring Ballroom, Salsa, and Square Dancing before ultimately discovering her true passion—Bellydance. In 2016, Elena began sharing her love of dance through teaching. She started with children's classes and expanded to include adult instruction in 2021. With a deep belief that everyone has the ability to dance, Elena is known for her intuitive teaching style—knowing just how far to challenge each student to help them reach their full potential.
Level: Open
Saturday 7 March 1:30-3:00pm
FABULOUS LARGE FAN VEIL FLOW & TRICKS with HIKARU
This workshop is for dancers with regular fan veil experience who want to explore the unique beauty of large fans. We’ll focus on how to create graceful, flowing movement with a large fan—and go beyond the basics by adding tricks and accents that bring texture and depth to your dance. The aim is not just to flow, but to add subtle dramatic effects that elevate your performance. You’ll learn versatile combinations that can be adapted to your own style, bringing a refined and polished touch to your fan veil work. Perfect for dancers who want to deepen their expression and bring visual impact to their choreography—without relying on speed or complex transitions.
Hikaru is a bellydancer with over 17 years of experience training across Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. Her style is often described as graceful and elegant. In recent years, she has focused on large fan veils, with performances often described as mesmerising—combining refined technique with flowing expression. She began teaching in New Zealand before moving to Australia, where she continues to offer regular classes. Students value her precise instruction and deep understanding of body articulation. Hikaru is committed to ongoing growth and continues to train with both domestic and international teachers to ensure her teaching remains high-quality, current, and artistically grounded.
Level: Open - Some Fan Veil Experience is preferred.
Bring: A Large Right Hand Fan (Short silk style approx 39cm when closed; also known as a Flutter Fan, Kamelia Fan or Teel Fan. A Pair of Large Fan Veils -Optional. Some spare Fans will be Available.
Saturday 7 March 1:30-3:00pm
ART OF THE DRUM SOLO with ALISON
Drum Solos are a fun and powerful place to show off your technique and personality. Alison will share how she approaches them by teaching one of her drum solos by breaking it down, explaining along the way how she puts it all together including creating interest, using transitions, and injecting your personality. Participants will come away with some ideas of how to put together their drum solos and are welcome to use any of the combos taught in the workshop or perform the choreography themselves. This workshop will be a combination of technique and choreography.
Alison is a Bellydancer based in Sydney. She has been studying and performing Raqs Sharqi for over 2 decades. She started her bellydance journey in California where she studied which still continues to influence her style. She has had experience dancing in many different venues including restaurants, cafes, competitions and festivals. Last year she launched Amala Bellydance offering workshops, private lessons and help creating choreography for dancers.
Level: Open
Saturday 7 March 3:15-4:45pm
MERMAID MAGIC with GABBY
Mermaids! Calling all Mermaids
Have you heard the siren’s call? Calling you to join her? Come and learn a piece of mermaid lore in the form of fusion dance. We will be learning a series of combos from my latest choreography depicting the
mermaids of the crystal seas. Gabby is looking forward to sharing this piece with you and being Mermaids together.
Gabby is from the Central Coast has been dancing and performing for over 20 years in Oriental, Fusion and Temple Dance styles. Gabby regularly teaches and performs at Festivals throughout NSW and with severalBelly Dance Troupes from the Coast.
Level: Open
Bring: Something Sparkly to Wear or come in Full Mermaid Regalia
Saturday 7 March 3:15 - 4:45pm
CRAZY CHOREO CHALLENGE with PIP
Booty Swing - This jazzy, swing-infused choreography is fast-paced and a little cheeky, and (most importantly) a whole lot of fun. Pip is known for her energetic dance stylings, and she's thrilled to share with you this bubbly number to Booty Swing by Parov Stellar. Who knew that The Charlston could be a bellydance step?!What to expect: Step into a 1920's, Gatsby-esque vibe, and come for the ride. We will launch into the choreography and see how far we get - it's a short track, but it packs a lot in! Along the way, you'll learn a bunch of mini-combos that you can take away and adapt into your own dances and have a lot of fun.
Pip started belly dancing over 15 years ago, immersing herself in the worlds of tribal fusion and improvisational formats. She has trained with many different teachers, including Olivia Kissel, Deb Rubin, Jill Parker, and our own Devi Mamak, building on her foundations. Pip draws on all her experience to create original, musically inspired choreographies. In 2017, Pip began teaching at Amera's Palace in Marrickville, Sydney. With the Oreades bellydance troupe, Undulata and a few collaborations, her diverse choreographies have graced the stages of belly dance festivals, music festivals and community events.
Level: Beyond Beginners
Saturday 7 March 3:15 - 4:45pm
JUST DANCE!! with BELYSSA
Belyssa Commands Just Dance!!
A non-stop fast moving technique Workshop interlaced with dyanmic poses and powerful locks, interlaced with sensual silences to intrigue your audiences. Why be good, when you can be Great!!
Belyssa, one of the pioneers of Australian bellydance, journeyed from New York to Perth, creating the Belyssa Academy of Danse Orientale, her Flames of Araby Belly Dance Troupe becoming Desert Fire - Fantasie Arabique. She continues to inspire generations of new and developing dancers with her extensive cultural knowledge, innovative teaching techniques and creative artistry.
Belyssa captivates her audiences and brings a dramatic flair to the
stage, as well as her fun workshops which will challenge and extend
you as a dancer. As always, Belyssa invites students, and professionals
to bring their curiosity, questions and enthusiasm into her workshops.
Level: Open
Bring: Veil, Assaya and RED LIPSTICK!
Sunday 8 March 9:15 - 11:15am - 2 Hours in Duration