2026 Session Details
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Friday 29th May
Saturday 30th May
Sunday 31st May
- Yoga For Dancers with Nicki Ricza
- Treasured Techniques and Styles of the 80’s Golden Era to Modern Times with Belyssa & Melanie
- Fuse That! with Clay
- What’s in a name? with Samantha Moore
- Sky Full of Stars: Working With and Within the Kinesphere with Natalie Diggins
- Aging in Dance – The Challenges and Opportunities with Alison
- Lighting vs Costume with David
- Business of Bellydance with Janelle
- The Sunday Shimmy Floorshow
Friday 29th May
Temple Adoration with Princess Fee
Session Type: Movement
Day / Time: Friday 12noon – 1:30pm
Description: Slow down and smell the lotus blossoms as we connect with the divine spirit of Lakshmi. In this workshop, you will learn some of the eight combinations in the Lakshmi Goddess Series of the Zyama Goddess Format. 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. Emerge from the Milky Ocean and strew wild lotus blossoms with Princess Fee.
About Your Facilitator: Princess Fee describes herself as ridiculously eclectic. After a thorough grounding in the Egyptian and Turkish roots of this ancient dance, Princess Fee has branched out to devour the deliciousness of several fusion styles, such as gothic and steampunk. With a strong emphasis on safe dance practice, a hunger to learn new things, a passion for sharing her love of dance and a healthy taste for shenanigans, Princess Fee is looking forward to ruffling things up at the ABDC 2026!
Egypt and the Emerging Dancer with Nikki
Session Type: Presentation
Day / Time: Friday 12noon – 1:00pm
Description: We often hear what travelling to Egypt is like, but usually from the perspective of a seasoned or professional belly dancer. I have found little available on the subject from people like me – emerging dancers, who are experienced hobbyists and contemplating what a trip to Egypt will mean for us and our personal dance journey. I travelled to Egypt for the first time as a dancer and would like to share how this experience changes me as a person and a dancer in the hope this will help others to understand if Egypt is the right next step in their personal bellydance journey.
About Your Facilitator: Nikki was first exposed to, and started belly dancing as a young child, after living in the Middle East. She has 13 years of experience belly dancing, and feels lucky to have found her favourite (and in her opinion, the best) form of dance so young. Nikki is currently balancing her dance aspirations with her professional career in healthcare.
Who Are You? with Amanda PB
Session Type: Discussion
Day / Time: Friday 1:30 – 2:30pm
Description: ‘Who are you?’ said the Caterpillar. Alice replied, rather shyly, ‘I – I hardly know, sir, just at present – at least I know who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then.’
In this discussion, we are going to break down the function of the dancer vs teacher vs performer and work out how each is different from the other. Plus take a look at our own skill sets and wants and see if we can spot where we sit and who we’d like to become.
About Your Facilitator: Amanda is the brains trust behind APB Dance in Melbourne and a certified fundamentals instructor of the Salimpour School. She’s also no stranger to change. In the nearly 20 years of dancing that she’s done, she has been multiple things – dancer, performer, student, teacher, choreographer, cultural interpreter, coach and more importantly, audience!
She thinks that we all have a little of Alice’s confusion inside of us all and that this is a great place to start conversations from.
Egyptian Style Technique and Personas with Deanna Meraki
Session Type: Interactive
Day / Time: Friday 2:30 – 4:00pm
Description: Did you know the varying genres of Egyptian Dance require us to channel a different persona, technique and movement vocabulary within the body? In this workshop, we will discuss the key aspects of Classical Oriental, Baladi and Shaabi dance genres, alongside exploring the corresponding technique to better embody and represent the style we are dancing.
About Your Facilitator: 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 been teaching for almost a decade, sharing her knowledge and passion for dance both nationally and internationally. She has recently returned from living and working in Cairo, furthering her studies in Egyptian dance, culture and language from the source.
Strong Foundations: Injury Prevention & Student Safety with Zahara
Session Type: Presentation
Day / Time: Friday 3:00- 4:00pm
Description: Bellydance teachers explore how to work safely with students who have common injuries and movement limitations. Learn simple, anatomy-based strategies for knee, hip, and back care, along with key principles of injury prevention. We’ll also touch on teacher responsibilities, duty of care, and liability when working with special groups—helping you create a safer, more inclusive class environment.
Please bring: Notebook & pen
About Your Facilitator: Zahara is a Perth-based bellydancer and artist who began ballet training at age four, later embracing contemporary and Middle Eastern dance. Blending elegance, emotion, and precision, she creates performances that captivate and inspire. In 2024, Zahara danced in Cairo, where she won an international bellydance competition. Her fusion of classical grace and expressive storytelling defines her unique, powerful style on stage.
The Australian Belly Dance Concert
Session Type: Performance
Day / Time: Friday 6:30pm doors
Description: Showcasing some of Australia’s finest performers and groups, this show is not to be missed.
More details coming soon.
Saturday 30th May
Convention Markets & Art Show
Session Type: Special Event
Day / Time: Saturday 11:00am – 4:00pm
Description: Come and shop our amazing markets, look through the art on display and listen to a free session (see next entry, 20 years of Australian Belly Dance Through Alma’s Lens).
There is so many pretties waiting for you to shop them.
20 Years of Australian Belly Dance Through Alma's Lens with Alma Sarhan Photography
Session Type: Presentation
Day / Time: Saturday 12:30pm
Description: This is a video/slide show of 20 years of belly dance that Alma has photographed, capturing some key moments in the history of the dance in Australia.
About Your Facilitator: Alma Sarhan’s photography needs no introduction as she is one of the top dance bellydance photographers in the country. Her work was a regular feature in Bellydance Oasis Magazine and she has photographed the WAMED concerts for many years. Alma has also been a bellydance performer and teacher for 35 years and was a finalist in the Fremantle International Portrait Prize in 2017 with one of her dance photographs. Her work featured in The Art of Bellydance exhibition as part of WAMED Festival 2019.
She is a Fremantle based artist and advertising art director. She specialises in photographing dancers (in particular belly dancers), musicians and cats.
Alma is a graduate of the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, Ireland
Raks el Shamadan with Michelle Ridsdale
Session Type: Movement
Day / Time: Saturday 1:30 – 3:00pm
Description: Learn a refined Reda troupe inspired shaman choreography to the song “Ness Shaman”. We will explore the history of Raqs Shamadan, balancing tips, appropriate costuming, troupe dynamics and taqsim variations.
Please bring: A Shamadan if you have one. If you don’t have one, you can bring bags of beans to place on your head to simulate a weighted balance. A limited number will be available to borrow.
About Your Facilitator: Michelle Ridsdale has been a Perth bellydancer and teacher for ~20 years. Studied Reda troupe style with Hossam Abdel Ghany, Nesma, Farida Fahmy, and members of Farrah.
Let Me Show You Real Khaleeji with Seba'a
Session Type: Movement
Day / Time: Saturday 3:15-4:45pm
Description: As an authentic khaleeji woman ‘originally from Saudi Arabia country which is the heart of the khaleeji area’, I find my self keen to clarify the meaning of the khaleeji dance to the belly dance community. The art of the Khaleeji dance has been misrepresented across all the styles of belly dance, that includes the movement, the costumes and the hair tossing ways, which hardly relate or represent khaleeji tradition. I will bring highlight to my beautiful heritage of khaleeji dance and styles and share the joy of authentic dance from my heart.
I will also share the others styles of the khaleej.
About Your Facilitator: Seba’a is an authentic Khaleeji woman from the land of Arabia.
Cairo Clubs, Cruises, and Cabarets with Helen
Session Type: Presentation
Day / Time: Saturday 5:00-6:00pm
Description: Experience the vibrant vibes, dazzling dance, and booming beats of Cairo’s night-life via footage recorded from some of the best seats in the house. See scenes from multiple venues and be entertained by local and international dancers and some of Egypt’s best musicians. Whether you’ve been to Egypt or it remains a dream for the future, you’ll enjoy this captivating tour of chaotic Cairo by night.
About Your Facilitator: Helen has been dancing and soaking up the atmosphere at dance events for 20 years. She loves all things Egyptian and is a bit of a bellydance geek. She loves learning and sharing her knowledge and also runs the Bellydancers of Australia Facebook page.
Dance Party Party with DJ Phat Gaff!
Session Type: Social Event
Day / Time: Saturday 7:30pm-Late
Description: BYO snacks and dancing shoes for a night of carefree dancing and entertainment! We’ve got the tunes (thanks to DJ Phat Gaff) and some surprises, now all we need is you!
Sunday 31st May
Yoga For Dancers with Nicki Ricza
SessionType: Movement
Day / Time: Sunday 9:00-10:30am
Description: Shiva lord of the dance and yoga: yoga for dancers
Om Namah Shivaya
Join me in a yin yang yoga practice with a focus on yoga for dancers.
We will flow and explore shapes to help benefit your dancing body and soul. Energising and relaxing to allow for regeneration and recovery.
Yoga is a mindful movement practice complimentary to dance, to connect to your body, breath and mind; to build confidence, awareness and discipline; to prevent physical injuries and to relax and let go of stress.
Please bring: Yoga mat and props if you have them. There will not be additional mats/props provided, if you require one, please check if other dancers can lend you some.
About Your Facilitator: Yoga has been part of my life for 35 yrs including 9 teaching.
I teach Slow Flow Vinyasa Yoga with a sprinkling of yin as a registered level 1 teacher with Yoga Australia and have a variety of qualifications and experience teaching across different community groups.
I am also lucky to have a lovely yoga community that attend my weekly classes and events.
Yoga is as a meditative practice with synchronicity of breath and movement. I look forward to seeing you at the ABDC.
Namaste
Nicki.
Treasured Techniques and Styles of the 80's Golden Era to Modern Times with Belyssa and Melanie
Session Type: Presentation
Day / Time: Sunday 9:00-10:00am
Description: The 80’s and 90’s were heady times for Belly Dance in Australia, enthusiastic students filling up classes, eager to don their first costume and perform. Opportunities were aplenty. Melanie and Belyssa, with decades of experience, and intriguing hurdles have a fabulous range of impressions and expressions to share , all laying the foundations for a thriving industry.
About Your Facilitator: Belyssa, one of the pioneers of Australian bellydance, journeyed from New York to Perth, creating the Belyssa Academy of Danse Orientale and the Flames of Araby Belly Dance Troupe.
Melanie Coates a senior dancer from Melbourne with a range of experience starting from 1980. Including performer, artistic director of Flowers of the Desert non profit dance association.
Fuse That! with Clay
Session Type: Interactive
Day / Time: Sunday 10:30am-12noon
Description: The art of Fusion starts by knowing WHAT it is you are fusing!
We will dive into and analyse Fusion dance styles that we already know, then Clay will share how she creates her own recipes for belly dance fusions… Throw your own ingredients into the pot and let’s see what we cook up!!
Please bring: Ideas, cultures, artworks, characters, music that inspires you (or that you have expertise in). It might be a decade in time, a character from a movie, an artwork, a culture, an aspect of daily life… Also bring a notepad and pen!
About Your Facilitator: Clay/Claire is an inspiring dancer & teacher, drawing her knowledge & ideas from all aspects of life & the world around her. Knowledge, & indeed dance, is an evolution that is forever growing & adapting.
She is the director & principal of Belly Dance Amethyst, Adelaide, and creater of Amethyst Temple Fusion. Her belly dance story began in 2000 & shows no sign of stopping. Clay has taught & performed across Australia, the UK & New Zealand. She is open & generous in her teaching.
What's In A Name? with Samantha
Session Type: Discussion
Day / Time: Sunday 10:45- 11:45am
Description: Do you remember the days when everything we did was just ‘bellydance’? When did that term start to fall out of favour, and why is it important? Join Sam for a juicy discussion about the history of our dance terminology, why our language makes a difference in cultural appreciation vs appropriation, and how you can effect a change without losing your audience.
About Your Facilitator: What do you get when you cross a long-term teacher with a part-time marketing contractor? A dancer who’s worked hard to build her dance school brand and knows how important the words we use are. Whether you’re new to the dance or a veteran, your words in this dance have power, and Sam would love to help you find the ones which best support our art.
Aging in Dance - The Challenges and Opportunities with Alison
SessionType: Discussion
Day / Time: Sunday 1:00-2:00pm
Description: One of the many reasons women are drawn to Bellydance is that it is one of the few dance forms that you don’t “age out” of like many Western dance forms. However, the aging process can be difficult as a dancer both physically and psychologically. Let’s explore the difficulties but also how we can embrace the process and be more intentional about what we want and what we want to embody as we get older in this dance form.
Come along to this discussion group facilitated by Alison to talk about the challenges of the aging and ways to empower yourself and how you can inspire younger dancers.
Please bring: Notebook and pen or phone for notes.
About Your Facilitator: Alison is a Bellydancer based in Sydney. She has been studying and performing Raqs Sharqi for 2 decades. She began her bellydance journey in California which continues to influence her style. She has had experience dancing in festivals, restaurants, cafes and competitions.
Alison has also worked in the mental health field for 2 decades as a Psychotherapist. She also celebrated 55th birthday this year, so she understands the challenges and the opportunities regarding aging in dance!
Sky Full of Stars: Working With and Within the Kinesphere with Natalie Diggins
SessionType: Movement
Day / Time: Sunday 1:00-2:30pm
Description: The possibilities of your movement are endless; your options are like a sky full of stars. In this workshop we will be exploring the concept of the kinesphere and how having an awareness of it can open up new movement opportunities, ideas, and actions. The kinesphere becomes both a mirror and a laboratory — a site for discovery, transformation, and embodied understanding.
Please bring: Comfortable clothing that allows for a range of movement, a pen, note pad, and water. No hip scarves.
About Your Facilitator: Natalie is an award-winning drama educator, movement coach, and Language of Dance Master Practitioner®. She is a member of the International Council of Kinetography Laban, and has presented her peer-reviewed and published research at Beijing Normal University (2017) and the Hungarian Dance University in Budapest (2022). Natalie is a dynamic and sought-after facilitator, known for her warmth, clarity, and depth of practice.
Lighting vs Costume with David
Session Type: Interactive
Day / Time: Sunday 2:30-4:00pm
Description: Take your performance skills to a new level. You already plan your music, costume and moves when putting together a performance. But do you think about how lighting you’ve requested effects the way your costume looks? Don’t be a statistic of the “pink costume that looks invisible on stage”. We will demonstrate the practical effects of lighting on fabric and if you bring a costume, you can see what it looks like against different lighting!
Please bring: Bring a costume if you’d like to see how colours change (optional).
About Your Facilitator: David have been involved in light and sound and stage performance for over 30 years, with stints in musical theatre, performed as a Drag Queen, DJing, sound and lighting for bands and Dance performances, dance videography and photography. He has also worked in the fashion industry as a designer and curating fashion shows.
The Business of Bellydancing with Janelle
SessionType: Presentation
Day / Time: Sunday 2:45-3:45pm
Description: As a dancer, understanding the business side of your craft is essential to building a sustainable career. In this workshop, we’ll dive into practical strategies for budgeting, pricing your services, &maximizing your earnings. By the end of this session, you’ll have the tools to confidently price your services, manage your dance finances, & ensure that your dance career is not just an artistic pursuit, but a financially rewarding one.
This workshop is perfect for dancers at any stage of their career looking to take control of their financial future & build a sustainable, profitable business.
About Your Facilitator: Janelle is a dedicated dance educator & versatile performer with 40+ years’ experience across Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre, Contemporary & Belly Dance. Combining artistic passion with business acumen, she also holds a Diploma in Business Accounting & Management, bringing close to 30 years of industry expertise.
Sunday Shimmy Floorshow
Session Type: Performance
Day / Time: Sunday 6:00pm – Late
Description: Everyone loves a floorshow filled with pretty costumes and up close entertainment.
Watch our dancers light up the dance floor.
Monday 1st June
East West with Keeva
Session Type: Movement
Day / Time: Monday 9:00-10:30am
Description: East West celebrates the meeting point of two worlds: Western dance lends line, precision, and projection, while the East nurtures musicality, spirit, and subtlety. Together, they elevate one another—creating something neither could achieve alone.
About Your Facilitator: 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.
The Heart of Teaching: Nurturing Growth Through Dance with Emily
Session Type: Interactive
Day / Time: Monday 9:00-10:30am
Description: The Heart of Teaching invites teachers and community leaders to reconnect with the deeper purpose behind their teaching. Through discussion, reflection, and gentle movement, participants explore how to balance structure and empathy, technique and joy. The session offers practical communication tools, mindful teaching approaches, and strategies for building confidence in students of all levels. Teachers will leave renewed and inspired, with techniques they can immediately bring into their classes and troupes.
Please bring: Notepads or journals for reflection
About Your Facilitator: Emily Nicholson is the founder of Bluefire Bellydancers and has over 15 years’ experience teaching and performing Middle Eastern dance. She is passionate about helping dancers grow with confidence, joy, and authenticity. Emily’s workshops focus on mindful, student-centred teaching, blending technique, creativity, and wellbeing.
Balkan Big Skirt Bonanza with Kiri
SessionType: Movement
Day / Time: Monday 10:45am-12:15pm
Description: Bring your Balkan beats and big skirts. We are going to swish and twirl our way through Albania, Turkey and everywhere in between. Drawing on Balkan and Romani influences, this fun fusion choreography is loaded with a bonanza of big skirt techniques and lots of laughs.
Please bring: A 34 yard skirt, or a flowing skirt – not a necessity though, some will be available to borrow.
About Your Facilitator: Kiri is known as a passionate, creative and experienced dancer with more than 20 years experience. She is continually inspired by her students, watching their joy, skills and creativity grow. Kiri prides herself on creating a fun, safe and nurturing environment for students to learn and create.
It's a Disaster In Here with Mel Gole
Session Type: Interactive
Day / Time: Monday 10:45am-12:15pm
Description: This is a workshop focusing on theatrical bellydance and building up tension and creating moments in performance. Teaching audience engagement and participation
Please bring: Notebook
About Your Facilitator: Mel Gole is a Newcastle based performer who loves gothic and theatrical styles of bellydance. She is here to grab you, motivate you, get you warmed up and moving. She’s here to create chaos. She wants to recruit you so follow her to the dark side and the depths of the unknown. Let’s learn and inspire together.
Fan Beahviour with Em Lea
SessionType: Movement
Day / Time: Monday 1:30-3:00pm
Description: Learn techniques of seamlessly switching between standard hold, closed hold and stave hold as well as various flagging methods and turns. We will also practice some throws and catches (if you’re game!) which will be sure to augment your technique and zhuzh up your next fan veil choreography. Bring a fan you don’t mind dropping or (accidentally) throwing across the room and a sense of humour. This will be a fun and quirky workshop with some tricky maneuvers.
Please bring: Single Fan veil (Kamelia/Teel fan is preferred but standard fan veil is acceptable), some will be available to borrow during the session.
About Your Facilitator: Em Lea is a Raqs Sharqi and fusion dance artist based in Townsville, Queensland. She has been dancing for 10 years and finds deep joy and satisfaction in creating and sharing knowledge of this beautiful art form. Em has studied extensively with both local and international instructors, specialising in lyrical, prop work and choreography. Em is experienced in both solo and group work within the Global Dance Collective.
Serving Face and Gesture- The final expressive details for Fusion Dancers with Lorralei of Mandragora
Session Type: Interactive
Day / Time: Monday 1:30-3:00pm
Description: In this immersive workshop, dancers will explore how subtle facial expressions and the articulate movement of the hands can transform a technically solid performance into a deeply expressive work of art. Through guided improvisations, mirror work, and embodiment exercises, participants will learn to convey emotion, intention, and story through the smallest gestures. Perfect for fusion belly dancers wanting to refine their stage presence and bring depth, nuance, and authenticity to their performance persona.
About Your Facilitator: Lorralei of Mandragora is a gothic and experimental fusion belly dancer known for her commanding presence and fearless authenticity. She weaves ritual, emotion, and vulnerability into her work, transforming movement into raw storytelling. A true chameleon, Lorralei’s performances range from darkly theatrical to deeply intimate, always inviting audiences to feel, reflect, and connect through the power of honest expression.