MEDANZ | November 2025 Update

MEDANZ FESTIVAL 2026 - OREWA, AUCKLAND

Since my last update, things have been progressing well. Many dancers from various parts of New Zealand have joined as new MEDANZ members. We also have a fabulous lineup of tutors (yet to be confirmed) but all keen to teach and dance with you at the festival. Workshops will cover a wide range of subjects—from choreography to folklore, from dancing with props to delving deeper into dance technique. Stay tuned for more updates!

I hope a good number of members will attend the festival and purchase tickets. This is the only way we can make the festival happen, and we are counting on your interest and enthusiasm! 😊

By the time you read this, I will be in Cairo with Candice from Phoenix Belly Dance and a group of 15 New Zealand belly dancers that she has assembled. I'm currently packing and trying to decide what to bring and what to leave behind; I really wish I knew how to travel light!

While in Cairo, I look forward to learning from Egyptian Raqs Sharqi teachers. Some of them are dancers I have admired for a long time, while others are new to me.

Furthermore, we will also visit the newly opened, out-of-this-world Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), situated not far from where we are staying in Giza.

Check out this video depicting mostly the King Tutankhamun's massive collection:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtPdnkQgzCk

I am so excited!

Keep dancing, learning, practicing, and enjoy listening to music.

Wishing you a happy and expansive Month 😊

Raffaella

MEDANZ President 2025/26

PS: Interested in getting to know other MEDANZ members? Click on the Raqs Chat tick box in your MEDANZ Profile to join the next round of Raqs Chat, we connect members every couple of months via email.

UPCOMING EVENTS WITH OUR MEDANZ PARTNERS:

WELLINGTON - Saturday 29th November 2025 - join the Dandarah Dance School 2025 End of year Celebration! 6-9pm, booking essential https://www.dandarah.co.nz/classes

AUCKLAND - Sunday 30 November 20205 - join the Desert Divas Hafla in Browns Bay, 3-5pm, Tickes $20 per adult - desertdivasnz@gmail.com

ONLINE - 22-25 January 2026 - featuring Candice of Phoenix Bellydance, the Al Raqs Conference - https://alraqsconference.com/ use promo code CANDICE10 for your USD$10 discount!

OREWA, AUCKLAND - 24-26 April 2026 (Anzac weekend) MEDANZ Festival - tickets will be available for purchase on our website shortly!

Do you have a bellydance related event coming up? Tell us about it, we would love to share it with our members!

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