The MEDANZ Annual FestivalEvery April, MEDANZ holds a 3-4 day festival to showcase its dancers and provide a series of workshops with national and international teachers for members and non members alike. Of course, being a member assures you a place at a reduced price. Even if you have never attended a belly dance festival before, it is a very worthwhile and enjoyable experience for anyone with an interest in this beautiful dance form and it's associated musical styles. Festival HistoryWhen MEDANZ formally became an Association in 1992, its members would gather for the AGM in Auckland. In 2000 Festival was held outside of Auckland for the first time, in Christchurch. This consisted of two full days of workshops, a show where dancers could dance for each other, their friends, family and the general public, a swap and shop and the AGM. Of those who attended, many were from Christchurch. However, other members also came from Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin. The following year an extra day of workshops was added along with a professional theatre venue, and a grant was received in order for Gendi to organise it. The MEDANZ Archive has footage of many of the early shows from 2002 (all now converted to digital media) where you can see some of the popular NZ teachers in their bellybaby phase. The festival has been held thoughout New Zealand, with international keynote tutors as follows: 2000 - Christchurch Each year the festival has improved and changed, using feedback from the previous years attendees and current members to guide keynote choices and Festival format and timing. Over the Festival weekend the Show, Open Stage (at the Bazaar) and the Hafla are popular performance platforms with groups and soloists from all over the country submitting items each year and often planning work especially for the MEDANZ festival. |
Comprehensive list of MEDANZ Festival Tutors by Year2017 - "MEDANZ 25th Anniversary Festival", Christchurch Keynotes: Kami Liddle (USA), Zaghreet Daniela (EGY/SVK), Kiwi Tutors in alplabetical order: Agate Ponder-Sutton 2016 - "Windows of the East" MEDANZ Festival, Wellington Keynotes: Leila Haddad (France) & Alice Knox (QLD) Kiwi Progressive Tutors: Tanya Bamford-King & Ziva Kiwi Tutors in alplabetical order: Aaralyn 2015 - "Roots & Branches" MEDANZ Festival - Christchurch
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