MEDANZ
Middle Eastern Dance Association of New Zealand
Teachers List
The teachers on this list are part of the MEDANZ membership. MEDANZ does not offer any formal dancing or teaching qualification, nor can we endorse a teacher. However we have provided recognition of nationally recognised formal qualifications to assist you in the search for a teacher in your area.
DOWNLOAD TEACHERS FORM HERE
Key(based on information provided by teachers themselves) |
Locations |
||
 year joined MEDANZ |
Auckland | Northland | |
 year started MED -year started teaching MED |
Corommandel Peninsula | Cambridge | New Plymouth |
 maintenance of expertise -latest 3 qualifying workshops |
Christchurch | Palmerston North | |
 formal teacher trainingyear completed |
Tauranga | ||
 first aid certificate |
Napier | Timaru | |
 safe dance practice training[formal] |
Nelson | Turangi | |
 safe dance practice training[informal] |
Wellington/Wairarapa |
Northland
Sandra Bogart (Shakti)
with The Baklava Dancers and The Petite Sweets
Phone: (09)432 0115
Email: seawaipu@ihug.co.nz
R.D. 2, Waipu, Northland 0254
Teaching philosophy: I teach for fun, fitness and performance. Audiences recognise our energy and professionalism. I am an exercise physiologist and nutritionist by University Training and have been involved in belly dance for over 20 years. I've been to classes and performed in many countries and encourage my students to watch videos, learn technique and develop their own styles. I first learned in the USA and teach my own style.
Styles offered: Beginners introduction to Belly Dance, Classical Egyptian, cane, Latin-fusion, troupe and solo choreography
Classes: Private lessons; Workshops
1992 1983/1984 1999, 2003, 2004 1983 1983 (Post-graduate studies in Physical Education at San Diego State University in the 1980's included training for American College of Sports Medicine as a certified exercise leader)07/03/07
Auckland
Andrea Buchanan (Raven)
with Art of Bellydance (school) and Danse Macabre (troope)
Phone (mob): ( 021 ) 40 88 44 at all times
Email: andrea.buchanan@hynds.co.nz
WWW: www.artofbellydance.co.nz and www.dansemacabrenz.com
Teaching philosophy: To create a fun and supportive atmosphere to teach, learn and perform. To educate people on the many facets of the dance.
Styles offered: Cabaret, Fusion, Tribal, Burlesque
Classes: Evening at - Pakuranga, Auckland; Weekend at - Pakuranga, Auckland
2004 2002/2006
2006 2008 01May2008
Angela Hughes (Angie)
with Art of Bellydance
Phone (eve): (09)235-5044 (mob): (021)296-1593
Email: ahughes@orcon.net.nz
P O Box 431 Waiuku, Auckland 2341
For more information see: www.artofbellydance.co.nz
Teaching philosophy: I aim for a safe and fun environment for women to learn and express themselves.
Styles offered: Cabaret, Tribal and Fusion styles
Classes: The Rainbow Connection, Waiuku; Private lessons; Workshops
2000 2000/2003
2006,2006, 200618/04/07
Angela Mott (Shakeelah)
Phone: Mob (021)848 913
Email angela@medance.co.nz
For more information see: www.medance.co.nz
Teaching philosophy: Dancing should be fun, safe, and enjoyed by all ages and sizes.
Styles offered: Egyptian, American Cabaret, Tribal, Folk & Fitness.
Classes: Evening at - Takapuna and Glenfield; Workshops & Private lessons
1998 1993/2003 2006,2007, 2007 200419/04/07
Dallia
with Oasis for Dance
Phone (mob): (021) 354 243
Email: dallia@oasisfordance.com
St. Heliers, Auckland
For more information see: oasisfordance.com
Teaching philosophy: Teaching techniques of different styles of belly dance in safe environment. Have fun expressing your individuality, beauty and femininity.
Styles offered: Egyptian, Folkloric, Baladi, various props
Classes: morning/evening: St.Johns, Mt.Eden; Private lessons; Workshops
2001 1996/2000 2004, 2004, 2005 High school teacher & Keti26/01/08
Diane James (Sekeeta)
with Habibi Dance Troupe, Shebah
Teaching philosophy: Education, fun and performance
Styles offered: Egyptian, American Tribal, Folk, Sword, Zils, Cane
Classes: Evening at - Yes; Weekend at - Yes; Private lessons; Workshops
1992 1976/1980 2002,2002, 2003 1991 1991 (Community Dance Teaching Course, Danceworks Auckland Dance
Foundation)
01Feb2008
Fiona Harding (Fina)
with Ya Habibi Rock Ltd
(day): (0800)BELLY BELLY (mob): ( 027 )2000 437
Email: fina.h@xtra.co.nz
For more information see: www.bellydancing.net.nz/
Teaching philosophy: : I believe everyone can dance and that dance and costuming should be available to anyone who has the call to learn! I aim to provide a rich, cultural experience for women that is fun and increases their fitness and wellbeing, beginners through to professional. My mission is to inspire and empower mind, body and spirit through traditional dance.
Styles offered:Egyptian, Fusion
Classes: Evenings at Devonport and Takapuna.
2005 1975/1990 2004,2007 ACHPER (1990) 1992
29102008
Glennis Jones (Zahiya)
with Sahara Middle Eastern Dance School, Sahara Spice (Performance Troupe)
Phone: (09)836-0154 (mob): (027)272 4627
Email: glenphil@ihug.co.nz
24 Nui Mana Place, Te Atatu South, Auckland
Teaching philosophy: To share the fun, joy and beauty of MED, to encourage self-expression, femininity, and a healthy body image, to promote MED to the public through performance.
Styles offered: American, Egyptian, Folkloric, Fusion, Tribal, Plus zills, veil, cane
Classes: Evening at - Community Education (Waitakere College, Rathgar Road, Henderson); Choreography/Performance Class (Green Bay Community Centre); Private lessons
1992 1987/1994 2002,2003,200323/05/05
Ishtar Bellydancer
Phone: (mob): (021) 648 338
Email: ishtar.bellydancer@gmail.com
PO Box 128199, Remuera, Auckland
For more information see: www.ishtarbellydancer.com
Teaching philosophy: Fun classes for all ages, celebrating your individuality through dance, learning to maximise your strengths, appreciating your uniqueness, developing style and boosting self-esteem. Encourage improvisation as well as choreography
Styles offered: Egyptian, Egyptian folkloric, American Cabaret, Western fusion
Classes: Evening at - Tuesday, Buddha Room, Pakuranga; Weekend at - Sunday, Buddha Room, Pakuranga; Private lessons; Workshops
2004 2002/2005 2004,2006,200704/02/08
Kimberley (Kimberley)
Phone: (mob): (021) 606199
Email: teaching@bellydancing.co.nz
For more information see: http://www.bellydancing.co.nz/
Teaching philosophy: Kimberley is recognised for her highly professional and elegant teaching style. Her classes are based around building strong foundations in dance posture and presentation and only then layering specific moves and sequences. Within these areas she covers veil work, sword balancing, floor work, zills, musical interpretation, choreography building and performance techniques.
Styles offered: Her predominant styles that she teaches are Turkish Oryantal and Classical Egyptian
Classes: Private lessons; Workshops
1998 1994/1998 2004, 200515/10/05
Suzanne Robertson (Suezy)
with Cinch Dance Unlimited
Phone: (09)5272350 (mob): (021)115 8548
Email: cinch@xtra.co.nz
WWW: www.cinchdanceunlimited.com
12B Homestead Drive, St. Johns, Auckland 1072
Teaching philosophy: Fun! Self expression, acceptance, confidence, interpretation and more fun. Fabulous music with wonderful dance moves all packaged together with vibrant beautiful costuming. Sheer heaven.
Styles offered: Egyptian using veil, zills and cane, Tribal, Fusion and Gypsy
Classes: St Johns, Auckland
2004 2002/2007 200424/01/08
Tais
Phone (mob): (021)077 4720
Email: tais-bellydance@hotmail.com
WWW: www.tais-bellydance.com
Teaching philosophy:Bellydancing is a feminine form of art that encourages women to express themselves. It boosts self confidence, self esteem and improves overall fitness.
Styles offered: Egyptian, Folk, Fusion, props
Classes: Evening classes; Private lessons; Workshops
2008 2002/2004 2007,2007,2008 2005 (Institute of Fitness (Moscow, Russia))17102008
Tania Double (Masouda)
Email: medherb@xtra.co.nz
Teaching philosophy: Combines stretching, strengthening and the ancient art form of middle eastern dance as exercise and ritual for mind, body, spirit - celebrating the journey of life as the spirit evolves through the beauty of the goddess form - maiden, mother, wise woman.
Styles offered: Egyptian gypsy, Egyptian Saiidi Cane, Khalegy, Zill work, Veil, Sword, Ritual journey
Classes: Day and Evenings - at Massey (West Auckland); Private lessons; Workshops
1996 1987/1996 2004, 2006, 2007 1998, 2005 200308/03/07
Tanya Theron
with AISHA Belly Dance Studio
Email: tania_theron@hotmail.com
WWW: www.orientaldance.co.nz
Teaching philosophy: To create multilayered learning atmosphere where everybody can realise themselves depending on their motivation to belly dance and own fitness level. Fun, challenging and a lot of creativity from/for the teacher and students!
Styles offered: Egyptian, Folkloric, props and afro fusion. Belly Fitness (on request) Costume and props making
Classes: Evenings - group classes for adults and children. Private lessons, workshops Daytime lessons - on request, Orewa, North Harbour, North Shore
2009 200803/09/2009
Vicki Langford (Vicki Langford)
Phone: (09) 424 5301
Email: nickandvick@xtra.co.nz
6 Charlotte St, Stanmore Bay, Whangaparaoa HBC 0932
Teaching philosophy: To provide an exciting and very supportive learning environment, encouraging my students to progress through fun and relaxation. Focusing on positive attitudes and features of Belly Dance movements to enable maximum appreciation and enjoyment.
Styles offered: Egyptian styles including: Cabaret, modern Egyptian, Pop Egyptian, drum solo and understanding of basic rhythms, veil, cane, some Indian and Bollywood fusion, American cabaret styles.
Classes: Mornings and evenings: Stanmore Bay, Hibiscus Coast; Private lessons
2008 1978/200720Jun2008
Coromandel Peninsula
Suher
with Suher's Middle Eastern Dancers
Phone: (07) 864 7637 (mob): (027) 329 2288
Teaching philosophy: Convey precise technique of all movements. Teaching high quality choreographies (group and solo) in unison with the music as well as improvisation. Giving musical background information. Learning true Middle Eastern feeling for music while having lots of fun.
Styles offered: Egyptian, Fusion, Folk, all kinds of props used
Classes: Evening at - Whitianga, Whangamata, Thames; Private lessons; Workshops
1998 1982/1985 2002, 2003, 2006 1987 1990 informal13Jun2008
Cambridge
Karen Walworth (Karen)
with Cambridge school of bellydance Desert Gypsies
Phone (am): (07) 823 7232 (eve): (07) 823 7232 (mob): (0274) 489001
Email: nzbellydancer@gmail.com
For more information see: http://www.desertgypsysbellydance.webs.com
Teaching philosophy: To share the love of dance with students for all to have a fun time with, while developing technique in bellydance up to a level suitable for show performances
Styles offered: Cabaret, Fusion, Tribal Intro, candle, sword, cane, veil and Medieval fusion
Classes: Evenings, workshops, Privates Drum and sword
2000 1998/ 2003 2003,2004,2006,200917Apr2010
Turangi
Gendi Tanner (Gendi)
Teaching philosophy: To nurture the wellbeing of women by means of education in the art of belly dance and to culturally educate the public by offering professional quality performances in Middle Eastern Dance. Technique focused classes.
Styles offered: Egyptian, folkloric (one or more of: Saiidi, Khaleegy, Tunisian, Nubian), Tribal (+ Tribal/Kopa Haka fusion), Contemporary Belly Dance
1995 1991/ 1994 2001, 2003, 2004 200331/08/07
Tauranga
Andria Goodliffe
with Belisha Dance Club
Phone: (day): (07)570 2445 (eve): (07) 570 2445 (mob): (021) 022 55898
Email: belisha@clear.net.nz
Belisha Dance Club, c/f L Hulena/Mico Plumbing, P O Box 4422, Mount Maunganui
Teaching philosophy: : Belisha encourages active participation in the art of Middle Eastern belly dancing. Facilitates learning opportunities and options for dancers ranging from complete novice to experienced performers. The enjoyment of the dance, extending physical skills safely and learning are what we do.
Styles offered: Belly dance in its many forms, folkloric, cabaret, earthy, tribal, fusion.
Classes: Workshops
2006 2001/2004 2007 200124112008
Linley Duncan (Linley)
with Arabian Spice Dance Group
Phone: ( 07 )552 4352 (mob): ( 027 )286 3452
270 Te Puna Road RD6 Tauranga
Teaching philosophy:Encouraging and empowering women of all ages, shapes and sizes to have fun and enjoy dancing in a friendly environment with the support of fellow beginners. We explore dance styles suitable and unique to ourselves. To bring out "the inner dancer" whether for own personal enjoyment or for public performance.
Styles offered: Most styles, including veil, cane, sword, zills, cabaret, egyptian, oriental, fusion
Classes: Evenings at - Te Puna, Katikati College and Otumoetai College; Weekend: Te Puna
2000 1999/200702Aug2007
New Plymouth
Paisj Stonnell
with Hipnotix Dance Company
Phone (eve): (06) 754 4435 (mob): (027) 415 3 514 (eve): (06) 754 4435 (mob): (027) 415 3 514
Email: hipnotix@ihug.co.nz
Teaching philosophy: To create a nurturing and supportive environment, bringing this beautiful ancient art form to New Plymouth for all women to express themselves in safe dance practices.
Classes: Tuesdays & Thursday Evenings
2007 2006/2007 (Les Mills) 2007 04Feb2008
Palmerston North
Donna Gay Bliss (Dunia)
with Hayarti Belly Dance
Phone (evening) (06) 357 8679
Email: dgbliss@massey.ac.nz
21 Anglesey Place, Palmerston North
Teaching philosophy: Dancing for fun, flexibility and fitness. Step by step, the basic steps and how to combine them to create dance. Learn to interpret the music and gain awareness of Middle Eastern dance culture.
Styles offered: Egyptian
Classes: Evening at - Square Edge Dance Studio, Palmerston North
2004 1993/2003
200403Apr2006
Napier
Sue Plummer (Shaquana)
with Desert Rose Dancers
Phone: (06) 842-2464 (mob): 021 057 8250
Email: brucesuez@hotmail.com
Teaching philosophy: To share the enjoyment of Belly Dance, build self-confidence and self-esteem. To have fun and form friendships at the same time.
Styles offered: Egyptian, Fusion
Classes: Daytime at - By arrangement; Evening at - Napier; Weekend at - By Arrangement; Private lessons; Workshops
2003 2001/2004 200415/02/05
Wellington/Wairarapa
Beverley Dowling (Shekina Moonjelly)
Email: havingfun@zippityzoo.co.nz
For more information see: http://www.moonjellybellydance.co.nz
Teaching philosophy: To encourage the emotional and technical development of each individual dancer through safe dance practice, knowledge and most of all good old fashioned fun and belly laughs.
Styles offered: Variety of specific styles taught - I have a generalist approach providing a taste of the variety of experiences middle eastern dance offers. A veritable buffet of dance styles.
Classes: Evenings at Wellington (125 Cuba Street, Tarrant Dance Studio); Private lessons; Workshops - available for weekend workshops, willing to travel
1994/2002 1989/1992 2004, 2004, 2005 1996 (RGON, BHSc (Nursing))17Apr2010
Joy Evans (Jezamin)
with Baladi Beat Dance & Drum troupe
Phone (eve): (06)379 7566
Teaching philosophy: Providing an enjoyable environment for women to learn to bellydance confidently. Students are encouraged to express themselves through this beautiful dance form. Emphasis is placed on an appreciation and understanding of Arabic music, with good dance technique.
Styles offered: Egyptian, Fusion, Veil, Cane, Zills., Dancing to live drumming., Arabic percussion classes available on enquiry
Classes: Evening at - Upper Hutt: Beginners and Intermediate levels, during school terms (Contact Upper Hutt Women's Centre ph 04 5270017); Masterton: Beginner-Intermediate; Workshops
2000 1997/2003 2005, 2006, 2007 200504/07/05
Leilah
with Sisters of Sindbad , Leilah and the Bellycats , ShimmyDolls.
Phone (mob): (021)160 2501
Email: savages@actrix.co.nz
Teaching philosophy: Offering an alternative in Wellington since 1996. Sharing my passion and resources ideas generously. To empower through knowledge, grace and nobility of movement through understanding posture and the mechanics and muscular execution of technique. I endeavour to nurture unique qualities inherent in the individual that they experience some of the qualities of soul in this ancient dance. Classes are informal relaxed fun , ,informative ,expansive ,exhilarating, and challenging .
Styles offered: Leilah style of Wellington Tribarae, Students are introduced to many varieties of Egyptian styles Classic, Modern, Beledi, Saaidi, Basic Rhythms, Improvisation and Choreography, Make up and Costuming, Students are introduced to props, Zills, Veil, Sword.
Classes: Evenings at Karori and New Town ; Private lessons; Workshops
1992/1996 2004, 2006, 2006 199927Feb2008
Pip Bennington (E-Lysaah)
Phone (mob): (021) 542 013
Email: hedonistacal@gmail.com
Classes: Week nights - Wellington; Private lessons; Workshops
(See Christchurch for Pip's full details)
5/3/07
Ross Nixon
with Baladi Beat Dance & Drum troupe
Phone (eve): (06)379 7566
Classes: Saturday morning at Upper Hutt: Arabic Drumming and Percussion
2004 2004, 2006,2006 2005
06/03/07
Tamara Allerhand (Yasmin)
with Sirocco Middle Eastern Dancers
Phone: (06) 308-8343
Email: finalerh@actrix.gen.nz
Teaching philosophy: To provide students with sound technique and appreciation of the history of the dance. I aim to enhance their self confidence, improve their level of fitness within a safe environment and provide opportunities to perform for those who are interested. I also encourage development in associated areas such as costuming, choreography and music.
Classes: Evening at - Lower Hutt (Naenae), Masterton; Private lessons; Workshops
1994 1982/1983 1998,2003 1998 (Exercise Science)3/2/04
Nelson
Gretchen Howard (Gretchen)
with ZENDA Middle Eastern dance troupe
Phone: (day): (03)548 8707
Email: info@kites-rainbowflight.co.nz
19 North Rd Nelson
Teaching philosophy: I offer quality instruction in a fun, safe and supportive environment. My focus is to encourage each student to develop personal excellence, individual confidence and a positive body image. I also aim to inspire students to dance from a place of integrity and respect, bringing the dance out of the shadow and back into the light.
Styles offered: Egyptian, Folk, Fusion
Classes: Evening at - St. John's Church Hall Hardy St. Nelson; Private lessons; Workshops
1994 1980/1991 2002, 2003, 2003 200305May2006
Sabina Gilberg (Sabina)
with Troupe Sabina
Phone: (03)548 3739 Email: magic.happens@slingshot.co.nz
Teaching philosophy: My keywords are encouragement, enjoyment, energise and exercise; promoting of self confidence, friendship and laughter. Self awareness, technique and entertainment skills for those wishing to reach performance level.
Styles offered: Egyptian, Folklore, Fusion
Classes: Evenings - at Nelson, Victory Community Centre
2000 1989/1999 2003, 2004, 2006 198829/12/06
Christchurch
Amy Wilson
with School of Contemporary Belly Dance
Email: amy.shimmyqueen.wilson@gmail.com
WWW: www.belly.co.nz
Teaching philosophy: Dance should be fun, safe, engaging and confidence building. I aim to provide students with classes that entertain and educate. I also aim to increase self-confidence and body-awareness whilst enjoying dance.
Styles offered: ATS, School of Contemporary Belly Dance Tribal Style, Tribal Fusion
Classes: Private lessons; Workshops
2006 2003/2007 2006, 2007, 2008 07Aug2008
Brigid Kelly (Zumarrad)
with School of Contemporary Belly Dance
Email: zumarrad@gmail.com
For more information see: www.belly.co.nz
Teaching philosophy: To provide a fun, physical basic introduction to belly dance, particularly the Orientale style, in accordance with the School of Contemporary Dance philosophy
Styles offered: Introduction (Level one), Beginners oriental (level 2) Intermediate orientale (level 3)
Classes: Evening at - School of Contemporary Belly Dance, Level 1, 82 Lichfield St
2000 1998/2002 2004, 2006, 2007 200704/05/06
Farida
with Desert Veils Dancers
For more information see: www.bellydance.co.nz
Styles offered: Egyptian, Turkish, Lebanese, Khaleegy
Classes: Evening at - Chrystal Palace & Papanui High School; Weekend at - Chrystal Palace; Private lessons;
1992 1986/1990 2004, 2006, 2007 1980, 198406/03/07
Kashmir
with Belly Raqs with Kashmir
Phone (mob): (027)GET RAQS
Email: kashmir@raqs.co.nz
PO Box 18902o, New Brighton, Christchurch 8461
WWW: www.bellyraqs.co.nz
Teaching philosophy: Personal expression of the music through dance but grounded in an awareness of the cultural background and safe dance practice.
Styles offered: Egyptian raqs sharqi, beledi, and folk plus western belly dance
Classes: Evenings at - South Brighton, Christchurch; Weekend at - South Brighton, Christchurch; Private lessons; Workshops
1995 1991/1997 2008, 2008, 2008 1983, 2003 1979 2003 (Safe Dance Practices, QUT)21Jul2008
Pip Bennington (E-Lysaah)
with School of Contemporary Belly Dance
Phone (mob): (021) 542 013
Email: hedonistacal@gmail.com
WWW: www.hedonistacal.com
Teaching philosophy: Warm, innovative, breathing for life through dance. Tribal dance is about people dancing and performing together, and I love to promote this strong, urbanized style. My teaching philosophy is about showing people that they can express their individuality with this strong, creative dance style.
Styles offered: Tribal
Classes: Saturdays at - School of Contemporary Belly Dance; Sundays – by invitation; Week nights - Wellington; Private lessons; Workshops
2005 2001/2005 2006, 2006, 200629Oct2008
Yurie
with School of Contemporary Belly Dance
Phone: (03) 352-8209
Email: yuriematsui@xtra.co.nz
Teaching philosophy: To provide fun, safe Middle Eastern dance classes which relieves stresses and enhance well-being of women.
Styles offered: Folkloric (Saidi, Khaleegy, Ghawazee, Tunisian, Nubian, and other styles ), Oriental (Beginners to advanced)
Classes: Daytime at - Morning classes - Beginners Oriental (level 1 / 2) & Advanced (level 3) at School of Contemporary Belly Dance ; Evening at - Folkloric class (mixed level) at School of Contemporary Belly Dance; Private lessons; Workshops.
2000 1998/2002 2004,2005,2006 2004 05May2006
Timaru
Kathryn Gilligan (Sufiye)
with The Beledi Eastern Dance Group, Timaru
Phone (day): (03)612 6138 (mob): (021)183 4476
Email: gillakatss@xnet.co.nz
Teaching philosophy: To allow women of all ages, shapes, sizes and fitness level, to learn and enjoy this form of dance whether it be to perform, as a fitness class or to be able to enjoy the company of other like minded women. Also to build self esteem in a safe environment
Classes: Daytime at - On request; Tuesday Evening at - Timaru; Weekend at - Willing to travel; Private lessons
2003 1996/1998 2000,2001,2003 200317/01/07
Dunedin
Melissa Bryant
Phone (day): (03)456 2511 (mob): (027)488 8817
Email: melissa_joy2000@hotmail.com
Teaching philosophy: Belly dance is a low-impact way for women to strengthen core stability and develop cardiovascular fitness, core strength and flexibility, pelvic floor muscles and whole-body endurance - all while feeling gorgeous, having a laugh and enjoying the music. Come along just for fun, or work towards Dunedin's intermediate-level classes and performance opportunities.
Styles Offered: Beginners-level Orientale and Dunedin Gypsy-Caravan style Tribal. Introductory veil and balance work.
Classes: at - Dunedin city - St Kilda and North Dunedin. Mosgiel.; Private lessons
2004 2002/2005 2006,2008 06102008