Amera's Palace

Our Teachers

Bellydance and Beyond - Dance Teachers at Newtown

Amera
Amera is one of the principal owner of Amera's Palace at Newtown .. She is a dedicated teacher and has been teaching for over 22 years and performing even longer. After a long professional dance career in the Middle East and after nearly two decades of performing experience, Amera has become widely recognised as one of the country's leading exponents of Oriental Dance. As a teacher she is in demand for workshops at home and abroad. As a performer her knowledge is unrivalled. Specialising in many different Egyptian styles, her unique way of capturing the spirit of this sensuous and exciting dance form, as well as her strong and engaging stage personality, have made her the only choice for many seeking a truly authentic Oriental Dance experience. Amera has a Cert IV in Assessment and Workplace training, is a fully qualified Aerobics group fitness instructor with Fitness NSW, Cert IV in personal training and Cert IV in fitness Assessment and Workplace Training. She is also the creator of the new Bellyrobics exercise program www.bellyrobics.com.au - an aerobic based workout incorporating simple bellydance techniques.

Rachel
Rachel is currently one of the most sought-after bellydancers in Sydney, performing at restaurants and function centres from the coast to the mountains. She is recognised as a polished, dynamic performer with a diverse repertoire and a passion for engaging her audience. The 2006 Amera's Palace Award was given to Rachel in appreciation of the consistently positive feedback given by customers, who commented on her performance skill, professional manner, polished appearance and quality Egyptian costumes, happy and bubbly personality, and ability to make every party a success. The award also acknowledged Rachel's commitment to the dance and respect for the culture, and her efforts in continually developing her dance technique by attending regular classes as well as master workshops with visiting teachers. Rachel continues to train and develop her dancing by participating in advanced classes and rehearsals every week, as well as attending workshops, supporting other performers, and teaching. She is an active member of two groups: Hathor Dance Theatre, a contemporary company focusing on high-level Bellydance and World Fusion; and Farrah ~ The Egyptian Dance Artists, an association dedicated to presenting a range of traditional and modern Egyptian dance forms. Read more about the troupes here. In addition, Rachel is extending her performance skills by training in acting and improvisation.

Georgette
Georgette is one of Sydney’s most respected and sought after Belly Dance performers and is known throughout the dance circuit and Arabic communities as a talented, fun and charismatic entertainer. Throughout a career spanning 12 years (and still going!), she has performed both on a national and international level with 5 star contracts held in the UAE, Qatar and Morocco.

Recently named ‘Teacher of the Year’ by Amera’s Palace, Georgettes classes are highly sought after. She bases her classes upon what she terms the ‘Australian style of Belly Dance’ which is aimed at educating students about safe dance practices, the history of the dance, the various styles of Belly Dance, respect for the dance itself, respect for the students themselves and most importantly - how to enjoy the dance, music and all of the fab, sparkly costumes! Georgette’s classes and FUN and FANTASTIC – just like her!

Kurvy
Kurvy (aka Kellie Harkin) started bellydancing in 1999 and teaching since 2003. She currently performs as a solo and collaborative bellydance artist fusing fire, traditional oriental, tribal and contemporary styled bellydance. She has been trained by Jrisi Jusakos, Hilary Cinis, Devi Mamak and Yolla Kordahi (Contemporary Dance) and attended workshops with Hossam Ramzy, Rachel Brice, Kaeshi Chai, Jill Parker, Heather Stants, Mel Rogers and The FatChance Bellydance Company (General Skills Certificate in American Tribal Style). Check out www.kurvy.com.au for class locations and times or drop Kurvy an email at kurvy@kurvy.com.au

Jamil
Jamil has had a deep seeded passion for Arabic music his entire life. Coming from a Middle Eastern decent, Jamil has grown up with belly dancing pumping rapidly throughout his veins and considers it a way of life rather than purely an art.

Since the age of five Jamil worked his way up to the enigma he is today by slowly discovering the amazing talent and skill that he possessed. In an industry dominated by talented females, Jamil was determined to help introduce to the west the true art of oriental dancing. He used this energy to transform the feminine moves of world renown belly dance idols to a unique masculinized style with the help of the very few and talented male oriental dancers that currently exist. With humble confidence Jamil introduces audiences to the exotic form of male Arabian dancing, through both vigour and grace.