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Click here for the full festival schedule and printable program

Book here or on the WAMED SHOP page.

FRIDAY WORKSHOPS

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FREE LANGUAGE OF DANCE WARM UP

Natalie Diggins l  FRI  l  9am - 9.20am WST

Join Language of Dance Master Practitioner, Natalie Diggins, for a scrumptious warm-up that is bespoke to the workshops on offer that day. Every morning will be a suprise and delight! All levels welcome.

This session is FREE and open to all Festival Participants.

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MASTERCLASS - GOLDEN ERA

Shahrzad l  FRI  l  9.30 - 11.30am WST

Shahrzad will be sharing her unique way of recreating 'golden era' Raqs Sharqi from the 1940's-1950's starting with detailed technique breakdowns of posture, arms, hips, and footwork and working into combinations to a variety of songs. Add to your technique and your musical repertoires with this glimpse into the golden age.

Intermediate/Advanced / Technique  / $100

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A VILLAGE ROMP

Tara Yasmin  l  FRI  l  9.30 - 11.30am WST

Think all 'dancing on mwashahat' is regal and elegant? Think again! In this workshop you will learn upbeat neo-Andalusi combinations on the yuruk samai rhythm (6/8), conjuring up a village romp set in a marketplace somewhere between Mount Qasioun and Rabwah, Syria… Drawing on a range of inspirations from Reda, Spanish folklore and oriental dance, this workshop will have you clapping, stamping and skirt swishing in no time. Please bring a half-length or full length skirt that is comfortable that you can grab in your hands and achieve a swishy vibe! 


Intermediate / Choreography / $50

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THE MYTH OF INNANA

Charmaine  l  FRI  l  9.30 - 11.30am WST

The story of Innana, a Goddess of ancient Sumeria, takes us on a journey to our own inner depths. Innana braved the underworld and relinquished all of her gifts on a quest to see her sister. On her journey, she meets with each of the seven gates and at each gate she stripped of one of her possessions in order to go further. She stayed in the depths for days and nights before being reborn.
In this workshop we will recreate the story of Innana through dance. There will be a section that is choregraphed and together we will co-create a section of this dance story, weaving in all of our gifts, knowledge and magic. As part of the recreation, we will offer up your own possessions (7 ribbons) as a symbolic gesture, each of which represent our own gifts and knowledge. Once stripped bare we will sit together and await our rebirth.
This story highlights the cycles of our human experience; only when we let go can we find the new. The aim of this workshop is to identify our gifts as both women and dancers and see ourselves through the eyes of this mythic tale of death and rebirth. Offering up and letting go of our gifts,  (a symbolic 'death') to invite in and welcome the new (rebirth). Please bring a journal & pen and wear an item of your favourite colour.


Open / Choreography + Experiential / $50

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MASTERCLASS - A GRAND ENTRANCE - SOLD OUT

Shahrzad l  FRI  l  12.30 - 2.30pm WST

Mejance - The art of making a grand entrance. First impressions matter! Just as an overture is an orchestra's opening pitch, the mejance is a dancer's first introduction to the audience and a sampler of the delights to come. Capture your audience from the moment you step into the spotlight by immersing yourself in the vibrant layers of a mejance composition. Covering several styles of dance, this is a buffet of knowledge to take away and a great option for eclectic dancers.

 

Intermedicate - Advanced  / Technique + Choreography / $100

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CLASSICAL ORIENTAL MUSICALITY

Belyssa  l  FRI  l  12.30 - 2.30pm WST

Musicality - Classical Oriental standout combinations workshop with Belyssa.

Immerse yourself in delicate instrumentation. Skilfully separate your rhythm from the flowing lyrical. Take time to relish the 'breath' of each movement, the delicacy, the musical eroticism and lure. Belyssa invites dancers of all experiences to indulge in the beauty of old musical classics. Please bring 2 veils. All levels welcome

Intermediate / Technique / $50

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HEADWRAPS PART 2

Karen Davey l  FRI  l  12.30 - 2.30pm WST

Headwraps Part 2. Join the Queen of Headwraps for this fun, interactive workshop. Learn more about the incredible history of headwrapping in a historical and cultural context. Learn some of the different techniques involved in how to headwrap from different parts of the world and then have some fun and experiment with Karen’s guidance. Come and enjoy the fascinating art of headwrapping. Fun guaranteed! You may bring any favourite scarves, pins, flowers and more to play with, or use a few from Karen's extensive collection!

Open / Seminar +Technique  / $50

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LEVANTINE NOSTALGIA

Laila Shouha l  FRI  l  3-5pm WST

The levant historically (and currently) has had to survive long periods of conflict, war and oppression. Through this, an inner strength and defiance to hold onto culture and tradition emerges, alongside a deep ache of nostalgia for times when people were just allowed to exist. A large part of this nostalgia is the music and dance that was televised during the 80s, 90s and 00s and in this workshop we will crack open that time capsule to look at some of the most influential dancers and musicians of that era. We will then explore Levantine signature movements and musicality through a series of combinations. Please bring a cane or assaya if you have one. Some spares will be available to borrow.

Open / Technique /  $50

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THEATRICAL STAGE MAKEUP

Kalikah Jade l  FRI  l  3-5pm WST

Put your best face forward and learn some of Kalikah's tips to really define your look for stage lights & photo shoots. Learn how to achieve a flawless base that won't sweat or smudge off, plus learn handy tricks to enhance your features under harsh stage lights. We will cover application, product types and styling for all styles of bellydancers. Please bring a makeup toolkit - a list with some suggestions will be emailed to registered attendees.

Check out this workshop overview video from Kalikah about her 2025 WAMED workshop and book now to up your makeup game!


Open  / Experiential / $50

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CONFIDENT CHOREOGRAPHY

Xaeda l  FRI  l  3-5pm WST

This workshop is a fast and fun way to boost your confidence and start your choreography journey! Based on an interactive movement building format, you, as a participant, will guide the workshop's direction as we build a choreography together.

We will touch on the fundamentals of choreography development and look at understanding the music, direction, interpretation, movement, adding emotion, stagecraft and so much more, while we learn the choreography we are writing.

By the end of our time together we will have a collaborative dance piece that you can claim as your own.


Open  / Choreography / $50

FRIDAY NIGHT SHOW - ESHTA PART 1

Friday 30 May  l  Doors open 7.30pm, dancing from 8pm.

Sit back and enjoy a colourful, energetic, and fascinating night of raqs shaqi, folkloric, and fusion dances from the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, and Persia, with a twist of local flavour, showcasing talent from around Australia. Learn more about our amazing international guest artist in a live interview with our master teacher, Shahrzad.


Doors open 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Unallocated seating. Show is 120 mins with a short intermission.
$50 adult  l  $30 Concession  l  $15 Kids 6-12yrs  l  Kids under 5 free l Performers $20.

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SATURDAY WORKSHOPS

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FREE LANGUAGE OF DANCE WARM UP

Natalie Diggins l  SAT  l  9am - 9.20am WST

Join Language of Dance Master Practitioner, Natalie Diggins, for a scrumptious warm-up that is bespoke to the workshops on offer that day. Every morning will be a suprise and delight! All levels welcome.

This session is FREE and open to all Festival Participants.

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MASTERCLASS - HIP TO THE BALADI - SOLD OUT

Sharzad  l  SAT  l  9.30am - 11.30am WST

Learn how to achieve super juicy baladi hip movements! Shahrzad will be breaking down a series of techniques focusing around baladi stylization followed by drills and combinations to classic baladi tunes. Connect your Doum-Doum to your tek-a-tek and be your best Bint el Balad, dancing to the heartbeat of Egypt.


Open / Technique and Choreography  /  $100

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JUST DANCE

Belyssa l  SAT  l  9.30am - 11.30am WST

A non-stop, fast-moving technique workshop, sprinkled liberally with dynamic poses and powerful locks, interlaced with sensual silences to intrigue your audiences. Why be good, when you can be GREAT!?!
All levels and genres welcome
Please bring a veil, an assaya and red lipstick


Open / Technique /  $50

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MASTERCLASS - HOT CAIRO COMBOS - SOLD OUT

Shahrzad  l  SAT  l 12.30 - 2.30pm WST

Work on modern Egyptian style technique to the hottest new songs from Cairo! Shahrzad will take 4-5 of the most popular new songs, break down the lyrics and context, go over technique, and put together combos/short choreo to each one. Walk away with a ton of new music and combos for class or performance!

 

Intermediate  / Choreography /  $100

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HUMAN

Clay |  SAT  |  12.30 - 2.30pm WST

I am flesh, bones, skin, soul..... I am human. Slink into this fusion style choreography.
Dance can create a beautiful bond between our physical body and our soul, in time healing our self judgement and hurts... This choreography intention is to reconnect with ourselves, to celebrate the movement our incredible human selves are capable of. While this routine could be performed, it is for the dancer more than the audience, to honor all that it is to be flesh, bones, skin, soul.... Human.
Music is Human, by Sevdaliza. Hear from Clay about her workshop here and book now to explore your humanity on the dance floor.

Open level / Choreography / $50

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DANCE TO LIVE MUSIC WITH ROSE AND THE AFRAAH ENSEMBLE

Rose and the Afraah Ensemble  |  SAT  | 3pm - 5pm WST

Experience the in-the-moment thrill of dancing to live music. Explore the connection between Arabic music and dance with special guests , the amazing artists from the Afraah Ensemble - Michael, Julia and Zak.
We will cover technique, choreography and improvisation and immerse ourselves in the relationship between musicians and dancers.

 

Intermediate to Advanced level / Technique + Choreography /  $100​​​

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MOZAIK GLOBAL FUSION 

Margaret Cunningham l  SAT  l  3pm - 5pm WST

Sekhem can symbolise the breaking apart necessary to regenerate, renew and rebuild on a new foundation- the very essence of the fusion dance styles that today grace our stages.

Inspired by the phenomenal emergence of FCBD and Tribal Fusion styles in modern times, Mozaik Global Fusion™ is an original Australian format fusing Middle Eastern Dance and the Romani dance traditions of the world.  This unique take on fusion has been born of founder Margaret Cunningham's twin dance passions and life-long work.  

In this introductory workshop learn some original, foundational combinations (both fast and slow) to add to your existing improv vocab and learn how the single giant fan veil or sword can be seamlessly incorporated. Then let's put everything together to create a routine dripping in the sensual fire that is embodied by Mozaik Global Fusion™.

You'll need dance shoes or socks, a super-full skirt (sides can be lifted and placed behind the crown of your head), and if you have them, a right handed fan veil (1.5m or less) and/or sword*.  You may also want to wear bike pants or harems for when the skirts really start flying!

*If you have any extras and don't mind lending please bring them along


Open Level / Technique / $50

ESHTA PART 2 - SATURDAY NIGHT SHOW

Saturday 31 May  l  Doors open 7.30pm for an 8pm start.

​Join us for ESHTA Part 2, featuring stunning performances from our international guest artist, Shahrzad and amazing troupes and soloists from all over Australia and New Zealand.

Take a seat and prepare to travel through a richly textured landscape of dance delights from the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, and Persia, with a twist of local flavour. Cultural, colourful, educational, and beautiful; this is a night out that the whole family can enjoy.

Enjoy a delicious, pre-show meal from the nearby North Perth eateries.

Doors open 7.30pm for am 8pm start. Unallocated seating. Show is 120 mins with a short intermission.

$50 adult  l  $30 Concession  l  $15 Kids 6-12yrs  l  Kids under 5 free l Performers $20.

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SUNDAY WORKSHOPS

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FREE LANGUAGE OF DANCE WARM UP

Natalie Diggins l  SUN  l  9.00 - 9.20am WST

Join Language of Dance Master Practitioner, Natalie Diggins, for a scrumptious warm-up that is bespoke to the workshops on offer that day. Every morning will be a suprise and delight! All levels welcome.

This session is FREE and open to all Festival Participants.

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SHAABI SOUL

Sam  l  SUN  l  9.30 - 11.30am WST

The working class music & dance of Egypt isn't meant to be pretty, it's meant to challenge society's rules. We'll look at both Arabic and Western pop culture to understand how they have influenced our dancing from the days of rock-n-roll through the shiny girl-bands era, into the modern hip-hop flavours and learn to relax into the gritty, real movements. Sha'abi Soul with Sam isn't a choreography workshop and it's not designed for those who want to perform sha'abi on stage. It's for the dancers who want get in touch with their inner danger and tear up the dance floor!


Open  / Technique / $50

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FIND THE FAN FLOW

Xaeda  l  SUN  l  9.30am - 11.30am WST

Find Your Flow, with fan-veil flagging technique and combinations. You will get lost in a trance as we float on top of the music and sink into the movements of this fluidic dance style. Focusing on flag style reels, pin wheels, crossovers, figure 8's (and more!), we will create freeform combinations and inspired movements that transcend the traditional fan veil format.
Please bring a set of fan veils - some spares will be available.

Open level / Technique / $50

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MASTERCLASS - ELEGANT ARMS - SOLD OUT

Shahrzad  l  SUN  l  12.30 - 2.30pm WST

Add elegance and fluidity to your arm technique! This workshop starts with the basics of upper body posture and arm movement and then flows into intricate arm patterns coordinated together with full body movement to create great combos for practice and performance.

Open / Technique / $100

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DIY DECORATION - MAKE YOUR OWN BEADED APPLIQUES

Liz Grzyb  l  SUN  l  12.30 - 2.30pm WST

Learn how to make your own individual appliqué designs to add to your costumes, using glued and stitched techniques. These appliqués are adaptable for all styles of costumes, depending on the beads and other bits and bobs you select. 

To make your own appliqués during the workshop, you can bring your own supplies (felt, beads, crystals, etc) or purchase a mini kit which will give you enough supplies for two coordinating appliqués. 

 

Pre-order your kit to ensure your choice, or some kits will be available for purchase on the day. 2 kit types available:

Rhinestone flowers kit $25
This kit includes felt, glue, a wide-mouth beading needle, beading thread, rhinestones, beads and sequins to create a large (10.5cm diameter) and a medium (8.5cm) flower appliqué. 
Colour Options: crystal/silver, AB/gold, black/silver, purple, green, red, blue.

Beaded circles kit $20
This kit includes felt, glue, a wide-mouth beading needle, beading thread, rhinestones, beads and sequins to create a large (9cm diameter) and a medium (7cm) concentric circle appliqué. 
Colour Options: crystal/silver, AB/gold, black/silver, purple, green, red, blue, or Evil Eye (blue/white/black)

 

Participants do not need to purchase a kit to attend the workshop - if you prefer, please bring along some beads, sequins, rhinestones, thread of your choosing.

 

Open / Experiential /  $50 (+ the cost of the kit, if required)

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TURKISH ROM STORYTELLING

Margaret Cunningham  l  SUN  l  12.30 - 2.30pm WST

The authentic spirit of Romani dance and music is often imbued with frustration, fire and release and has been a central mechanism of catharsis and survival for the nation over the centuries.  It has been  the Rom’s primary method of history-keeping and story-telling, thus connecting Rom within their communities and around the world. It has also been a bridge of connection with non-Romani populations.  Not only is Romani music and dance universally acclaimed and celebrated, but it is a rare portal they sometimes allow the non-Roma to enter, if they agree to teach them their art.
Margaret has had the great privilege of visiting the Roma neighbourhoods in Istanbul and learning directly from Roman dancer Reyhan Tuzsus over many years. In this comprehensive workshop, you will immerse in Margaret’s clear and structured teaching methodology to learn authentic Turkish Romani step combinations, gestures and feeling that you can use for authentic improvising.  We will learn story telling through dance including moves that depict healing from injury and overcoming hardship.  In the second hour we will use these building blocks to create a dynamic version for the stage.
Please bring a skirt full enough to gather into a knot at your tummy, a hip scarf and a triangular head scarf - Margaret will bring some of her Oya Scarf collection for borrowing.

Open / Experiential /  $50

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MASTERCLASS - CLASSIC TARAB

Shahrzad  l  SUN  l  3pm - 5pm WST

Relax and immerse yourself with the indulgence of Tarab. Dive deep into the intricacies and steps of this captivating choreography. Tarab is a way to deepen your relationship with dance and allow yourself to become introspective and as a means to express your feelings during difficult or transformative times. Find your own unique way to connect with and interpret some of the most intricate songs in our repertoire through a series of combos, improv, and musicality drills.

Open Level / Choreography / $100

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FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Alison l  SUN  l  3 - 5pm WST

Raqs Sharqi has often been described by many dancers (myself included) as healing and therapeutic. In this seminar led and facilitated by Alison we will explore how dance can be a tool in self development as well as talk about the struggles we may face in our dancing such as insecurity, health issues. anxiety, aging, etc. The goal in this session is to learn from each other and Alison will also share what she has learned from her experience as both a dancer and her work as a therapist.
Please bring a notebook and pen.

Hear from Alison about her 2025 WAMED workshop and book now to explore your dance self from the inside out!

 

Open / Seminar $50

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DYNAMIC IMAGERY FOR MOVEMENT

Regan l  SUN  l  3 - 5pm WST

Enhance your understanding and execution of movement by tapping into imagery to embody movement from the inside out. Strong imagery can connect you into flow and continuity through the body, direction of energy and intention through shape and form and the juxtaposition of tension and release creating deeper expression through your dance.

Hear from Regan about her workshop here and book now to explore how to use your imagination to create dynamic movement.

 

Open / Technique $50

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CATALYST

Raven l  SUN  l  5.15 - 6pm WST

Soothe your body and mind with a sound and spirit healing session with Raven from The Shamanic Healing Way.

Please dress warmly and bring a yoga mat, a blanket and a cushion to make yourself comfortable on the floor for the duration of the session. Some will be available to borrow.

Free for festival participants - pre-booking essential as space is limited.

RAQS CAFE

Sunday 1 June  l  7pm l North Perth Town Hall

Join us at Raqs Cafe to wind down from a spectacular weekend of fun, learning, and laughter. Hear from an experienced panel on the topic, "Perspectives - Dancing Through the Ages" - an exploration of how we change and grow as dancers as we develop into maturity. Then hit the dance floor to the super-phat beats from WAMED's one-and-only DJ PHAT GAFFAH!
Relax with friends new and old to celebrate the end of a fabulous festival!  

$20 general entry, Kids 5-15 $10, Children under 5 free.

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MONDAY EVENTS

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Alma Sarhan | MON 2 June | 10am-12pm

STRIKE A POSE - SOLD OUT

Strike a Pose

Learn to be more comfortable in front of a photographer and learn the classic poses for a bellydance shoot. Alma (an amazing dancer herself) will show you how to perform in front of the lens. Alma will be joined by Phynia, one of Australia's top dancers and a very experienced model and dance teacher. Come in full makeup/hair and a costume.  This workshop will be offered at Alma's South Fremantle Photographic Studio. Accessible by public transport.


Open level / Photoshoot / $50

GRANDE BAZAAR

Monday 2 June  l  Doors open 11am - 3pm l North Perth Town Hall - 26 View St North Perth

Wrap up the festival with Bellydance Christmas! A fabulous market Bazaar to buy treasures and trinkets, pamper items, costumes and all-day performances! 
Doors open 11am. $5 entry at the door. Cash and card accepted.

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