Rachel Bond began her Bellydance journey in 1995. Captivated by the music and movement, she went on to study with many local teachers and international masters. Today, Rachel is recognised as a polished, dynamic dancer with a diverse repertoire and a passion for engaging her audience. Her school, Inspire Bellydance, is now in its third year; in 2010 she won People's Choice in the Belly Dance Star Awards. Rachel loves the richness and variety that comes from studying both Oriental and Egyptian Folkloric dance, and is inspired by sharing her joy of dance with both students and audiences. Rachel's website.

As Sydney’s first and only Egyptian Folkloric Dance Troupe, Farrah is unique in Australia in its focus on faithfully and respectfully reproducing a range of Egyptian dance forms, using culturally appropriate music and costuming. The group was formed in 2003 by Päivi Mielikäinen and her students to promote Egyptian Dance. Since then, Farrah has achieved a growing reputation within both the Middle Eastern Dance and Egyptian communities, and we are frequently invited to perform at dance concerts as well as Egyptian cultural events. Our repertoire includes many choreographies by the famous Egyptian master teachers Mahmoud Reda, Aida Nour and Madame Raqia Hassan, as well as renowned choreographer Magdy El-Leissy; plus original choreographies by Australia's "Princess of Middle Eastern Dance", Amera Eid, and of course our own Päivi Mielikäinen - teachers who are both highly respected for their extensive knowledge and authentic Egyptian technique. We also pride ourselves on our range of colourful costumes that are stage-worthy while remaining true to their cultural origins. Farrah's website.

International belly dance artist Lisi Hannan (South Brazil) was born in her dance journey. A University Graduate in Physiotherapy, Lisi has experienced many different dance styles. However, it wasn’t until 1996 when she met popular Belly Dance Master Teacher Alessandra Forte, that she knew she had found the dance for her. Lisi began performing with Alessandra’s Belly Dance Company. In 2001 Lisi opened her own company - Cia Kadriya Bellydance and won over 20 prizes in various competitions for her choreographies. The most prestigious award was the best company in "Mercosul" (region include Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina) for 2 times, 2001 and best dancer in 2003. Lisi has performed throughout Latin America, was contracted to perform in Portugal in 2003, visited Morocco in 2004, and in 2007 moved to Australia. Lisi has been involved in a number of important dance events and made numerous television appearances including: Australian Idol (2007), The Chopping Block 2007 - (Morris Egyptian rest) and 2008 (Emads Lebanese rest), "VIVA magazine" cover and interview (Australian-latin magazine) 2007, New weekly magazine with Australian Idols 2007, Lebanese Carnival 2007 (Darling Harbour), Aroma Coffee Festival at The Rocks 2008, 2009 and 2010, Turkfest Circular Quay 2008, Show with the Turkish band Dolapdere Big Gang tour Australia 2008, Holroyd City Fest 2009 and 2010, participation on Middle east festival 2009,2010 and 2011 with ATTAR troupe, Amera Eid's teaching Khaleegy DVD, Australian Dance Festival 2009, The Oasis magazine interview 2010.
Lisi's website

Multi award-winning choreographer and teacher, Jrisi Jusakos, is the founder and artistic director of the Hathor Dance Studio and its professional dance company The Hathor Dance Theatre. One of the most versatile Oriental Dance artists in Australia today with solid accreditation in ballet, contemporary dance, jazz, flamenco and hip hop, she is highly respected and praised as an innovative choreographer, inspirational teacher and vibrant performer. As a recipient of an Australia Council for the Arts dance grant and choreographic commissions, Jrisi passionately represents Oriental Dance to the highest degree in Australia while deeply respecting its cultural origins. International performances and workshops in all parts of the world take Jrisi around the globe every year to ensure she continues to lead the way as the next generation of Oriental Dance artist. Jrisi's website

Virginia's love of Middle Eastern Dance was cemented in 1996 when she took her first belly dance class. Virginia is the director and principal of Cinnamon Twist Belly Dance, Wollongong’s premier centre for the study of traditional Middle Eastern dance and contemporary belly dance. An experienced and dynamic performer Virginia is well known for her charismatic stage presence and down to earth teaching style. Inspired by both the practical and theoretical aspects of the dance Virginia has dedicated the last 15 years to the study, performance, and teaching of belly dance both nationally and internationally. After completing two Bachelor degrees at the University of Wollongong (Australia), she was awarded a prestigious scholarship to undertake her Doctorate of Philosophy which she completed in 2005. Virginia wrote her thesis on the history of belly dance in literature and culture and has since presented numerous papers and seminars on belly dance at both national and international conferences. Virginia has published a number of works on belly dancing and plans to publish her full thesis in the form of a printed book in the near future. Virginia's website.

Devi Mamak, member & artistic director of Ghawazi Caravan is one of Australias premier ATS dancers, teachers and choreographers, having taught many of the top dancers in the genre. Devi is also well known for creatively fusing other styles such as Flamenco, Indian, Egytian & Ballet. She is renowned throughout Australia, NZ, Asia and Europe for her creative, thorough and approachable teaching style and her beautiful and commanding stage presence. Devi has co-taught Carolena Nericcio's General Skills certificate on several occasions with several of Devi's own steps being accepted into the ATS syllubus. Devi's website.

Päivi has been dancing for twenty-two years and teaching for eighteen. She specialises in the Egyptian style, technique and folklore and uses the Modern Egyptian Technique in her classes to help her students achieve the relaxed, centred and elegant style of dancing that is the trademark of the Egyptian dancers. Päivi started dancing in Finland and has studied with many of the top teachers of the world's Middle Eastern Dance scene, the main influences and inspirations being the Egyptian dance pioneers Mahmoud Reda and Farida Fahmy, the top innovators of the Egyptian dance Yousry Sharif and Madame Raqia Hassan, and Egypt’s top performer of today, Dina. In Finland she ran the national Middle Eastern Dance association 'Dance of the Seven Veils' where she founded the first annual Middle Eastern Dance Summer Festival and the Teachers' Education Program. Now in Australia, she teaches weekly classes in Lake Macquarie, monthly classes for Farrah in Sydney and weekend workshops and private classes on request. She also triumphantly returns to Finland to do workshops. In 2003, Päivi and her students founded “Farrah – Fananat al Raks al Masri”, Sydney’s first and only Folkloric Dance Troupe. Farrah has successfully performed and promoted Egyptian Dance at numerous festivals, special functions and auspicious occasions. What else? Päivi has also done some theatre work in Finland, and studied drama and circus art first in Finland and then in Copenhagen, Denmark. Päivi was born in Finland and moved to Australia in 1997, now living in Lake Macquarie with partner Rex and their four children. Her other interests include scuba diving, literature, theatre and craft.

Beginning her Middle Eastern Dance journey in 1996, Kylie is an experienced performer and teacher in traditional, contemporary and tribal styles of bellydance. Kylie has performed both as a troupe member and professionally with Wollongong’s Cinnamon Twist School of Belly Dance and Tribal Jewels as well as performing as a soloist and operating her own studio in Shellharbour. Over 15 years Kylie has been fortunate to have attended workshops and received instruction from many renowned Australian and International Instructors in traditional, tribal and fusion style bellydance including Virginia Keft-Kennedy, Jacqueline Peperkamp, Amera Eid, Devi Mamak, Melusina, Keti Sharif, Carolena Nericcio, Jill Parker and Rachel Brice. With a background in education and visual arts, Kylie’s interests lie in presenting innovative choreographies with stylistic or historical references.

Tribal Jewels Dance Company are Illawarra's premier Tribal Style Bellydance Troupe. Artistic Director and Principal teacher, Jacqueline Peperkamp is an award winning member of the NSW Bellydance community. Tribal Jewels are renowned for their professional appearance and dynamic choreographies. Jacqueline formed the original lineup of Tribal Jewels dance troupe in 2004 under Jewels of the Harem Bellydance, which operated from 1997 - 2010. Jacqueline has a lifetime career in the creative arts, a passion for dance and theatre. Commenced Bellydance in 1995 with teacher/friend and mentor, Perla Fefey. Jacqueline is highly sought after teaching workshops nationwide. The year 2011 marks her 15th year teaching Bellydance. Tribal Style Bellydance is richly flavored by tribal gypsy dance influences from Rajasthan India, Egypt, Morocco, Spain, Turkey and Asia. Jacqueline's website

Born in Turkey and husband of Leonie, Alpen  has been drumming since childhood. He has travelled the country with Leonie presenting workshops together and separately for 20 years. He finds teaching people to drum and discovering '‘lost'’ drummers a delightful experience.

Leonie Sükan has been dancing and teaching for more than twenty eight years and is Principal of the Newtown Middle Eastern Dance Centre  (NMEDC). A talented choreographer and dynamic performer, Leonie's choreographies have been performed by troupes from Townsville to Tasmania. Family ties in Turkey keep her up-to-date on the latest costumes, music and dance styles.  Leonie has played a crucial role in the development of Middle Eastern dance in Australia as producer and Artistic Director of the highly popular annual Sydney Middle Eastern Dance Festival. Leonie's teaching philosophy is based on enjoyment of the dance. She sees the art of Middle Eastern Dance as a celebration of a woman's body - no matter what shape it is! Leonie's classes are equally as popular with students who just want to have fun and improve their fitness as they are with those who want to seriously pursue the dance. The Newtown Middle Eastern Dance Centre and Sydney Middle Eastern Dance Festival.

Tamara is a graceful and passionate dancer, with an effortless and natural style reminiscent of the Egyptian dancers of old. Throughout her 21 year belly dance career, Tamara has worked with musicians, including concerts with renowned Iraqi musician, Anwar Abudragh, and performances with “Xenos” (Macedonian Gypsy band), “Drum Arabic” and “Skorba” (with Andy Busuttil), “Camoon” (with Yuval Ashkar), Adel Amin, and Nasser Masri. In 2001, Tamara was honoured to teach workshops with renowned musician Omar Faruk Tekbilek, alongside Terezka Drnzik. Based in Brisbane, Tamara dances and plays percussion with Middle Eastern music and dance ensemble “Muziz” and runs her school Hipnotic Bellydance.
Tamara's Website