Our Story
History of MEDANZ
Supporting belly dance in New Zealand since 1992.
The Middle Eastern Dance Association of New Zealand Inc. was formed in June 1992 by a group of belly dancers led by Diane James of Auckland.
We are a group of dance enthusiasts committed to supporting each other in the spirit of friendship. We believe in sharing information to educate both dancers and the general public about Middle Eastern dance.
MEDANZ produces events that bring belly dancers together so we can share our love of dance with each other and the public. Over the years the association has grown into the central hub for the New Zealand belly dance community, connecting local dancers with each other and with international artists. The annual MEDANZ Festival has become a beloved tradition in the calendar.
The association continues to evolve, embracing new formats while keeping the vibrant, warm and inclusive community spirit that has always been its heart.
If you are interested in some of the history behind the evolution of MEDANZ, here are a few pdf documents detailing our Festivals, AGMs and prior Committee members.
- MEDANZ Meetings (PDF)
- MEDANZ Festivals (PDF)
- MEDANZ Committees (PDF)