MEDANZ

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.

Key (based on information provided by teachers themselves)	Locations
year joined MEDANZ	Auckland	Northland
year started MED - year started teaching MED	Cambridge	New Plymouth
maintenance of expertise - latest 3 qualifying workshops	Christchurch	Palmerston North
formal teacher training year completed	Masterton	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

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, 2006
18/04/07

 

Angela Mott (Shakeelah)

Phone: (09) 489 1333, Mob (021)848 913
Email angela@medance.co.nz
For more information see: www.medance.co.nz

Teaching philosophy: Dancing should be fun, accessible to all ages and sizes, and safe.
Styles offered: Egyptian, American Cabaret, Tribal Fusion & Folk
Classes: Evening at - Takapuna and Albany; Private lessons

1998 1993/2003 2006,2007, 2007 2004
19/04/07

 

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)
04/04

 

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: Evening at - Devonport Community House.

2005 1975/1990 2004,2007 ACHPER (1990) 1992
14/04/04

 

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 2002,2003,2003
23/05/05

 

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: Tfun 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 2004,2006,2007
04/02/08

 

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 & Keti
26/01/08

 

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, 2005
15/10/05

 

Liz Irvine (Fatina)

with Art of Bellydance

Phone: (09) 576 4615 (mob): (021) 2542779
Email: fatina@xtra.co.nz
80 Archmillen Ave, Pakuranga, Auckland
For more information see: www.artofbellydance.co.nz

Teaching philosophy: Bellydance is the ultimate dance form for women. It increases confidence as well as flexibility and provides a fantastic vehicle for personal expression. Bellydance is meant to be fun and the costumes are an added bonus. Enjoyment married with good technique make for a memorable performance both for the dancer and the audience and should leave both with a positive experience.
Styles offered: Cane, Sword, veil, zill, Dunyavi Gypsy, Oriental
Classes: Evenings at - Pakuranga, Auckland, Pukekohe & Mangere Bridge; Private lessons; Workshops

1994 1990/1993 2004,2004,2005
09/03/06

 

Suzanne Robertson (Suezy)

with Cinch Dance Unlimited

Phone: (09)575 2623 (mob): (021)115 8548
Email: cinch@xtra.co.nz
43 Kesteven Avenue, Glendowie, Auckland 1071

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, Fusion and Gypsy
Classes: Evening at - Glendowie, Auckland

2004 2002/2007 2004
24/01/08

 

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 2003
08/03/07

 

 

Cambridge

Karen Walworth (Adilah )

with Art of Bellydance NZ (Auckland) & Dessert Gypsies (Cambridge)

Phone (am): (07) 823 7232 (eve): (07) 823 7232 (mob): (021) 11 793 88
Email: nzbellydancer@ihug.co.nz

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: Classes consist of Arabic Cabaret and fusion with an introduction to tribal available ,
Classes: Evening at - CAMBRIDGE ; Private lessons

2000 1998/ 2003 2001,2003,2004
05/01/07

 

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 2003
31/08/07

 

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 2004
02/04/07

 

Linley

with Arabian Spice Dance Group

Phone: ( 027 )286 3452
2000 1999/2007
24/04/07

 

Tanya Bamford-King (Tanya)

Phone: 07 543 3788 (mob): 021 27 12 493
Email: bellydance@artofmovement.co.nz
28 Dekker Rd. RD3, Tauranga
For more information see: www.artofmovement.co.nz

Teaching philosophy: The Art of Movement was created to promote "Belly Dance" as an alternative form of recreational movement that offers fantasy, fitness and great fun.
Classes: Evenings; Private lessons; Workshops

1992 1989/1992 2003, 2003, 2004 2004 2004
20/02/05

 

New Plymouth

Leigh Gatward-Cook

with Cairo Rose Middle Eastern Dance School

Phone (06) 752 4949 Mobile: (027) 659 1529
Email: leighgatward-cook@xtra.co.nz
PO Box 8201, New Plymouth, Taranaki

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

1999 1999/2004 2004,2004,2005 2005
22/05/05

 

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 2004
03/04/05

 

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 2004
15/02/05

 

Masterton

Beth Stuart (Aldabra)

with The Pharaoh's Dancers

Phone: (06) 370 2634 (mob): (0274)336 844
Email: jazzscott2u@yahoo.com.au
"Ashcroft" R.D. 11, Masterton

Teaching philosophy: Learning through fun & understanding in a relaxed environment
Styles offered: Egyptian, Fusion
Classes: Daytime on request; Evening at - Jazz Dance Drama Centre, 305 Queen St, Masterton; Weekend on request;

2001 2000/2003 2003, 2003, 2004
15/02/05

 

Wellington/Wairarapa

Beverley Dowling (Shekina Moonjelly)

Email: bdowling@clear.net.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))
11/10/07

 

Joy Evans (Jezamin)

with Baladi Beat Dance & Drum troupe

Phone (eve): (06)379 7566
Email: baladi.beat@xtra.co.nz

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: 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 2005
04/07/05

 

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: Newtown, Karori and Mt Vic ; Private lessons; Workshops

2000 1997/2003 2004, 2006, 2006 1999
27/07/07

 

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
Email: baladi.beat@xtra.co.nz

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 2003
05/05/06

 

Sabina Gilberg (Sabina)

with Troupe Sabina

Phone: (03)548 3739 Email: magic.happens@paradise.net.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: Evening at - Nelson/Tahunanui; Private lessons; Workshops

2000 1989/1999 2003, 2004, 2006 1988
29/12/06

 

Christchurch

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
04/05/06

 

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, 1984
06/03/07

 

Kashmir

with Belly Dance with Kashmir

Phone (mob): (027)GET RAQS
Email: kashmir@raqs.co.nz
PO Box 18-902, Christchurch
For more information see: www.raqs.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: Evening at - South Brighton, Christchurch; Weekend at - South Brighton, Christchurch; Private lessons; Workshops

1995 1991/1997 2006, 2006, 2007 1983, 2003 1979 2003 (Safe Dance Practices, QUT)
12/02/07

 

Pip Bennington (E-Lysaah)

with School of Contemporary Belly Dance

Phone (mob): (021) 542 013
Email: hedonistacal@gmail.com
For more information see: www.belly.co.nz

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, 2006
05/03/07

 

Yurie

with School of Contemporary Belly Dance

Phone: (03) 352-8209
Email: yuriematsui@xtra.co.nz
For more information see: www.belly.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, Tunisian, Nubian, and other styles ), Oriental (Beginners to advanced)
Classes: Morning classes - Beginners Oriental (level 1 / 2) & Advanced (level 3) at School of Contemporary Belly Dance ; Evening - Folkloric class (mixed level) at School of Contemporary Belly Dance; Private lessons; Workshops

2000 1998/2002 2004,2005,2006 2004
05/05/06

 

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 2003
17/01/07

 

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
14/01/08