MEET US
Dominika Keller
Dominika's dance and teaching style, like her artwork (please see http://www.dominikakellergoddessart.zoomshare.com/) is individual and creative. Her heartfelt and hypnotic performances are inspired by her study of various belly dance styles and her love of teaching is reflected in joyful and dynamic choreographies. Dominika encourages students to have fun with their dancing. Her teaching style is designed to encourage students' individual self-expression through dance and to give dancers of all levels the opportunity to perform at regular events. Dominika's belly dance journey began in 1999. Since then she has developed expertise in styles including Turkish, Classical Egyptian, and the use of props such as veils, zills and cane. Dominika is currently studying American Tribal Style and Tribal Fusion and performs regularly with tribal troupe Red Earth Ghawazee.
Ma'isah
The founder and director of Raqs Gothique: Dark Fusion Dance Art, Ma'isah began oriental dance classes in 1999 in New York and has never looked back. She dances both solo as well as in collaboration with other artists, and is a highly sought after teacher for workshops all over Victoria, interstate as well as overseas. Ma'isah is a featured workshop presenter and performer at the annual WAMED festival in Perth as well as the Victorian OMEDA festival and several other events, including the Melbourne Fringe Festival, opening act for Jeff Martin and the Armada, pre show entertainment for Rachel Brice and the Sugar Kitten Cabaret, and in 2010 Ma'isah was the International Guest Star at Gothla 2010 in the USA. As well as being renowned for her Gothic Fusion performances and development of Elysium, her tribal-esque format for Gothic Fusion belly dance, Ma'isah is a highly respected teacher and performer of Classical Egyptian belly dance, Cairo Style, and skilled in dancing with veils, zills, swords, and parasols. With a dedicated following of students, and constantly increasing fan base, Goddess Bellydance will be gradually increasing the number of locations available for classes with Ma'isah. For more information on Ma'isah and her performance and workshop schedule, please visit her website www.raqsgothique.com or see her perform:
Caroline Whitlock
With experience in Jazz Ballet and Native American dancing, Caroline is inspired by the traditionally earthy Egyptian belly dance. Caroline engages her audience with a fusion of traditional technique performed to the compositions of Soul, Jazz and Blues artists. Caroline brings a wealth of experience and a focus not only on the technical side of the dance, but one embracing the holistic aspects including chakra cleansing and meditation. Caroline is the face of Goddess Bellydance, our event organiser and 'Mistress of Ceremony'. Currently studying Elysium (Gothic Fusion), Caroline can frequently be seen performing with student troupe 'Dark Djinn'.
Amanda Heinze
Amanda has been bellydancing for more than 12 years, and exploring the many aspects of Middle Eastern Dance. In 2001 Amanda formed Charm Bellydance and began teaching. One of Amanda's passions is American Tribal Style bellydance which she was first introduced to in 1999. Since then she has undertaken many workshops and classes in American Tribal Style and Tribal Fusion. She is a founding member of the American Tribal Dance troupe, Red Earth Ghawazee and performs at many festivals and functions across Australia. Amanda continues to explore many dance styles, including Egyptian, American Tribal Style as well as venturing into Burlesque dance. She brings a warm sense of fun to class with a nurturing caring approach to the growth and development of her students. For more information on Red Earth Ghawazee including upcoming performances please visit www.redearthghawazee.com.au.
Caroline Miller
Caroline has been performing belly dance for 12 years. She has devoted herself for the past 6 years to American Tribal Style belly dance. To further enhance her skills in this style, Caroline has undertaken workshops with both local and overseas teachers, in 2008 having completed General Skills Certification with Carolena Nerricio (founder of American Tribal Style bellydance, and director Fat Change Bellydance) and in 2009 receiving her ATS Teacher Certification. Caroline's love of ATS, and her desire to ensure this style of dance continues to develop for others to perform and enjoy, is evident through her teaching style . She brings to her classes not only her extensive performance and ATS dance experience and sense of humour, but clear patient teaching that allows students to develop into this style of dance with confidence. Caroline is also one of the founding members of tribal belly dance troupe Red Earth Ghawazee (www.redearthghawazee.com.au), whom she continues to dance and perform with.
Cindy Hyde
Cindy's belly dance journey started in WA in 2000. Since then she has followed her passion by studying various Egyptian based styles including Cabaret, Fusion (including Dark, Goth & Tribal), Trance, Whirling & the use of props. Cindy's intense training with Maria Sangiorgi in Baladi & Traditional Egyptian dance as well as membership in Maria's troupe ‘Daughters of Isis', developed an embodiment of the dance & it's encompassing of anatomy & body awareness. Cindy is inspired by the power of this dance form to change & effect the body, mind & soul of the dancer regardless of their skill level, and is passionate about women discovering their own body wisdom, working on the body holistically through dance to unlock stress, tension & internal blockages, as well as combining the body's energy pathways, chakras & the physical body to become a more relaxed dancer. Cindy is the founder of Eternal Beat Bellydance which operate in Gippsland & costume designer with her own label ‘Cinful Thoughts'. A qualified fitness instructor & strength & conditioning coach, she also has a solid background in the Holistic Healing Arts. Currently studying Elysium (Gothic Fusion), Cindy can frequently be seen performing alongside Ma'isah and Caroline Whitlock in the Elysium troupe ‘Dark Djinn'.
Yeow
Yeow has been passionate about Middle Eastern drumming for many years. Having studied with many teachers most notably the famous Hossam Ramzy and Issam Houshan, Yeow began teaching in Melbourne in 2006, and has since travelled to New Zealand several times to run workshops. Yeow was a founding member of the Middle Eastern percussion band Bellyslap whom he currently heads. Bellyslap perform regularly at festivals and belly dance events around Melbourne and are frequently seen accompanying Red Earth Ghawazee and Goddess Bellydance. For more information please visit their website www.bellyslap.zoomshare.com.
Bellyslap & Red Earth Ghawazee perform at the Mirboo North Italian Festival, 2010.