Terasa has been involved in Middle Eastern Dance since 1982 and has a background in ballet, modern and folk dance. Terasa has studied with leading teachers of Middle Eastern Dance in Britain, USA and Australia as well as spending time further developing her style in Egypt and Lebanon.

Terasa's talent for communicating with women, her cultural sensitivity and strong sense of fun combine to create a teaching style that is truly unique. Terasa has worked with women for many years in the field of natural therapies. In addition to this she is also a certified midwife which enhances her work with antenatal and postnatal women. Terasa also studies the Alexander technique which she incorporates into all of her classes for correct posture and body movement.

Presently the school continues expanding its artisitic expression with women from all backgrounds, cultures and philosophies. Persian, Egyptian, Indian, Turkish, Lebanese, Armenian, Mediterranean are just some of the cultures within the school community. Our students of all ages, from youth to mature age contribute artistic input. Our just formed Multicultural Youth Troupe and the popular Hills Middle Eastern Dance Troupe continue to bring the Dance to the community in a tasteful way breaking old stereotypes and presenting the dance as an artform.

Bellydancing is both a graceful and skilful form of art.

The social side of the dance unites women of all ages giving them the opportunity to feel truly feminine and express themselves in a supportive environment that crosses the boundaries of age, appearance and creed.

Bellydance is an extremely enjoyable way of keeping fit, reducing tension and producing a lasting feeling of physical and emotional well being.

Karen Wray has been playing and teaching Arabic percussion for seventeen years. Born in the UK, Karen came to live in Sydney twenty years ago and was completely captivated by a Middle Eastern music session she attended in her early years in the country. From that day she has studied the music, dance and culture of this region and has traveled to Egypt and Lebanon to further learn and live the music. Karen also holds a passion for African percussion, making her skills both blended and broad. Her skills have been well sought after for Arabic weddings, festivals and multicultural events.

"I find there are many Arabic migrants wanting to get back in touch with their culture and rhythm. In saying that, this is not only for those who grew up with it, but also the children who never really became accustomed to it. It is great for them to be educated in their cultural rhythms," says Karen.

The students of Karen's class will learn to use the Arabic Tabla, also known as the Darabuka, and the African Djembe. The techniques used for these instruments are quite unique. Karen explains that the Arabic style is fine fingered orientated, while the African style involves gusto and arm strength.

"Drumming can be very empowering and energising whether it is done alone or in a group situation. Percussion can be very motivational. I've seen people transform with the music," says Karen.

"Everybody has rhythm," says Karen. "Anybody can join in at any level and feel that they are participating. Anybody can pick up a drum and play."

 

Peta discovered Middle Eastern Dance in 2002 and was immediately entranced by it's beauty and the culture's of origin. Since then she has studied under various well respected teachers. Peta's background as a Primary Education Teacher and her attendance in Belyssa's Teachers Training provide a sound teaching foundation for all her students. In addition to her formal qualifications, the life skills she has gained from being a mother of two beautiful young children enable her to pass on to other mums the benefits of the dance 'mum to mum'. Peta's passion for the dance is passed on to each student in her classes in which she concentrates on developing student's basic foundation moves and technique in a fun and comfortable environment. Peta has recently travelled to Egypt where she immersed herself in the dance and Egyptian Culture as well as taking part in various workshops both traditional and modern.

She has performed at numerous functions and events including concerts, interactive performances with migrants from Sudan and Afghanistan, children with special needs, corporate events, womens nights and school events. These experiences have given Peta inspiration and passion to continue teaching the dance to all facets of our community.

 

Deb's dancing background includes Jazz, Tap, Classical and Professional Cheerleading. She found her passion in Bellydance, enjoying the feminine aspect to getting fit and having fun while encountering a different culture which she loves to share with her students & fellow dancers.

Deb's greatest thrill in teaching is seeing her students master a move & lose themselves in the joy of dance in a non competitive, friendly environment. You'll leave the class, de-stressed, smiling and have new friends.

Deb and her daughters - Tamara and Renee love to dance and perform together. Tam and Renee help run regular children's Bellydance classes and provide interactive entertainment at childrens parties.

 

Margo has been devoted to dance all her life, and discovered bellydance after decades of each of classical ballet, contemporary dance and physical culture. She was immediately captivated by the dance's ability to empower women to feel beautiful, strong and positive about themselves at any age.

She attends regular festivals, workshops and classes with internationally and nationally-renowned teachers. Margo recently participated in several workshops at the Western Australia Middle Eastern Dance Festival with the legendary New York teacher, Morocco.

Margo conducts corporate workshops in bellydance and is an assured and passionate teacher, committed to bringing to her classes a combination of technique, confidence, friendship and especially, fun.