Welcome to Amera's Palace on the web! Here you will find all you need for Belly Dancing
– beautiful costumes, jewellery, accessories, instruments, music CDs, videos, books and more.
Order online or visit us at our retail store in Marrickville.
Hire a Dancer – Solo Bellydancers
To make a booking, please call, fax or email
Phone: +61 2 9519 4793
Fax: +61 2 9519 3969
The following solo dancers are available for hire. Click the headshot photo to view the bodyshot.
AMY
Amy discovered her love of bellydancing six years ago, and since then has studied under numerous teachers, both in Australia and internationally. Her principal teachers have been Samantha at That’s Belly Dancing in Adelaide and Jamil at Amera’s Palace. She has also attended workshops and private classes with the following teachers: Rachel Brice, Moria Chappell, Sonia (Bellydance Superstars), Samantha Hasthorpe, Kami Liddle, Sharon Kihara, Deb Rubin, Kazafy and Yasmina of Cairo. Described as an "elegant and engaging performer", Amy performs in Sydney restaurants and continues to develop her skills by attending regular advanced classes and workshops.
ANGELINA
Angelina's relationship with music and dance can be described as one of divine love and passion. Her strong connection with music along with the ancient cultures of Egypt and the Middle East has been a strong influence creatively throughout her life. Some of Angelina's dance teachers and inspiration include: Georgette, Johara, Amera, Jrisi, Sahara, Dina of Cairo, Popi, Rachel and Josephine. Angelina's spirit brings life to your party. Her vibrant energy lights up the room as she expresses her love of music, dance and people. Be mesmerised as she evokes a rainbow of emotions for you to enjoy ...
CAITLIN
Caitlin started bellydancing at 12 when her mother founded a belly dance school where she immediatley fell in love with the dance and started performing professionally at 16. Since then, she has performed at festivals, Arabic clubs, restaurants, weddings and special events. She has studied with the finest teachers in Egypt, Lebanon, Australia and the UK.
Having recently returned to Australia after working in the UK for 7 years, Caitlin is excited to be rejoining the Sydney dance scene. An engaging performer, Caitlin shares her joy of the dance with audiences and delivers a bespoke, professional show for any event.
Caitlin's talent shines when performing with musicians and her authentic, graceful technique has made her a favourite with Arabic audiences. Her drum solos and shimmies are a delight to watch, captivating enthralled audiences worldwide.
DANIELLE
Danielle Lopes is a Brazilian born belly dancer based in Sydney / Australia with over 12 years of professional training and entertainment. Throughout this period she has encountered various forms of dance but found that through the mystifying beats and movements of oriental dance her passion is fully expressed. Danielle has trained meticulously in oriental dance art through both continual dance classes and self study.
DARIA
Daria has been dancing all her life and is a Sydney based belly dancer. She has been performing the art of Danse Orientale, better known in this country as belly dancing, for the past ten years. Daria is also one of the founding members of the Desert Jewels troupe and 1001 Nights Theatrical extravaganza. Daria has appeared in European music videos, television commercials and many television appearances. Daria travels frequently and has completed major bellydance workshops with renowned teachers from Egypt including Randa, Yasmina, Carolina, Leila and Horacio & Beata of Germany. Daria's aim is to expose non-Arabic audiences to the beauty and subtleties of Middle Eastern dance drawing on her European heritage combining gypsy and latin dance, cultivating into her own unique style of performance. Daria also offers spectacular sword balancing and mesmerising veil-work, along with fabulous Isis wings.
For something a little different Daria can perform with a live snake. Either snake dancing or roving. Guaranteed to enthrall the audience!
DESPINA
Despina is an accomplished and experienced professional bellydancer. Since 1997, she has been one of Sydney's most popular bellydancers and teachers and has trained some of Sydney's top dancers. Despina is a beautiful and stylistic performer who brings the music to life with a stunning performance that encapsulate elegance and femininity. She is well renowned for her energetic, creative and original dance routines which incorporate veil, tambourine, stick, sword, Isis Wings, zills and fan veils.
EMILY
Emily began her dance journey at the age of 4 when she started ballet lessons. Her first introduction to oriental dance was in France while staying with a Lebanese family; she knew she had to learn bellydance from the minute she saw a woman shimmy and became fascinated by the beautiful movements, music and culture. Emily has performed in Dina’s concert and the Middle Eastern Dance Festival with Attar Troupe, as well as various restaurants in and around Sydney and Cairns. Described as a fun, energetic, passionate & graceful dancer, Emily aspires to ensure that her audience always has a good time!
EVE
Performing within Australia and internationally for the past 10 years has given Eve the professionalism and experience that defines her as the performer she is today. Eve has a beautiful elegant show using Isis wings, Veil, Drum solo, Stick, Zill and Sword dance. You can see her perform at Al Mustafa in Glebe, Gebrans in Bankstown, Pau Brazil in Homebush, occasionally Al Aseel in surry Hills and Arabella in Newtown.
FARAH
Farah is a professional bellydancer based in Sydney, Australia. Born and raised in the Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago, Farah was trained in classical ballet as a child. After moving to NYC in 2004, Farah fell in love with bellydance. Farah has studied under renowned instructors including Morocco, Anahid Sofian, Elena Lentini and Yousry Sharif in New York City. Farah holds a Bachelor's degree from the Ivy-league Columbia University and is currently studying Law at University of Sydney. Farah is also a classically trained pianist and holds an Associate's Diploma in Piano Performance from Trinity College London. Farah dances and teaches in the Sydney area and internationally.
FIFI
Fifi has been studying Orientale Dance for over a decade and is a much sought out performer around Sydney. Fifi performs with some Sydney's best dance troupes.
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.
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’, aimed at educating students about safe dance practices, the history and 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!
HEATHER
Heather is a professional belly dancer based in Sydney; she has trained extensively with some of the industry’s best, both locally and internationally and is a certified teacher in the A-Z belly dance original and advance stage techniques. Heather has been studying and performing the art of Middle Eastern dance for the past 10 years and is also a member of Hathor Dance Theatre – a contemporary company focusing on high level bellydance and world fusion. Heather’s elegant style, which fuses modern and classical techniques, has made her a sought after performer at many of Sydney’s leading Arabic restaurants and nightclubs. Shows are tailored to meet the needs of your event. Performances are suitable for all ages and backgrounds. Heather’s professional and glamorous bellydance performance will leave your guests captivated.
HILARY
Hilary is one of Sydney's most well respected tribal and contemporary bellydancers, performing her unique shows at some of Sydney's top venues and is a regular at major Australian dance events and festivals. She is also a fire artist and stilt dancer. Tribal fusion is a new direction in bellydance where earthy expression intersects the ethereal delivering an delightful dance form that suggests tradition but with a distinctly urbane flavour, adapting bellydance to include both these impressive props.
JAMIL
Jamil is an internationally recognised Male oriental dance performer, instructor and choreographer. Known for his musicality, stage presence, technique and authenic approach to Oriental dance, Jamil is a sought-after performer and teacher, both locally and internationally. From a middle Eastern Background, Jamil has grown up with Oriental dance melodies pumping throug his veins and considers dance a way of life rather than purely an art. His professional career was boosted in 2006 with his performance in public with one of the most watched belly dancer clips on YouTube with over 800 thousand hits on just one clip. Since then, Jamil has been a notable icon in the Sydney dance scene performing at various events, concerts, corporate functions and weddings. In 2009, ATTAR Troupe was formed with Jamil as the head instructor and choreographer. Jamil can also be found teaching his regular classes in Ameras Palace and performing weekly in some of sydneys most notable restaurants.
JANAINA
Janaina is a belly dance teacher from Brazil, with six years experience. Her performances display high energy and great professionalism – it is a show not to be missed!
JANE
Jane Jardines is a professional belly dancer in Sydney and has been involved in the art of belly dance since 1995. Jane was crowned winner in Solo, group and best choreography categories for the 1st Annual National Belly Dance Competition on 28th November 2003, at Enmore Theatre. Jane is one of the few full-time bellydancers in Australia. "Belly Dance Harem won the Dedication Award for the 2005 Bellydance Logies". Jane has danced internationally and has completed private classes and workshops with renowned teachers in Egypt including Farida, Mona Al Said, Dina, Raqia Hassan, Yasmina, Aida Nour, Randa Kamel, Soraya, Beata and Horacio from Germany.
JOHARA
Johara is an established performer within the Arabic, Turkish and Persian community. She has a wealth of knowledge having studied with Sydney based teachers
Paivi Mielikainen, Amera Eid and currently with Jrisi Jusakos. Always in search of new knowledge to better her performance and teaching, she keeps up to date with the latest trends in Egypt, having collected an impressive range of top designer Egyptian costumes and travelling to Cairo to immerse herself in Arabic culture.
In Egypt Johara enjoyed intensive workshops with such Master Teachers as Raqia Hassan, Aida Nour, Mahmoud Reda and Nagwa El Sultan. She has also completed workshops by International teachers such as Dr. Mo Geddawi, Magdy El Leissy, Yasmina, Caroline Evanoff, Kaeshi Chai as well as various interstate teachers. Johara is the resident dancer at Arax Lebanese Restaurant in Willoughby.
JOSEFINA
Josefina is a professional belly dancer and certified Oriental Dance teacher who has been established for some ten years in the Northern Beaches area of Sydney teaching both classical and folkloric styles of Egyptian belly dancing. She is of Lebanese heritage who was born and bred in Australia. She has taken many trips abroad to both Egypt and Lebanon whereby she has undertaken numerous workshops with World famous dancers and teachers alike. To name just a few: Dina, Lucy, Souheir Zaki, Raquia Hassan, Mahmoud Reda, Ibrahim Akef, Yousry Sherif, Dr Mo Geddawi, Farida Fahmy, Aida Noor, Randa Kamel and Lebanese Amani. Within Australia, Josefina has primarily studied under Amera Eid, Jrisi Jusakos and Terezka Drnzik. Yasmina and Caroline Evanoff have also influenced her dance style.
Josefina also teaches tribal fusion belly dance, which is another style of dance currently sweeping the world. It involves dance genres from the Middle East, India, Africa and Spain. Gypsy dance also an influence.
JRISI
An internationally trained dancer, Jrisi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance majoring in Contemporary dance and choreography. Jrisi was recognized as an innovative dancer/choreographer by the Arts Council and was awarded a substantial grant to train with master teachers in Oriental Dance in Egypt, Lebanon, New York and Germany, as well as intensively studying Western dance forms at prestigious dance academies in New York. She is the first Bellydancer in Australia to have been awarded a substantial government grant. Jrisi has also taught and performed in Germany, Tunisia and New York and has featured with Flamenco virtuoso Antonio Vargas’s work “The House Plus”. Jrisi travels every year to study the latest dance trends in New York and Egypt. Jrisi is in high demand for professional performances and workshop tutoring and has taught at leading Oriental Dance schools around Australia as well as in Singapore and Japan.
JULIA
Info
KAMELIA
An elegant, joyful and charismatic performer, Kamelia is a Sydney based dancer who began her dance journey 8 years ago. She has sought tuition from some of the most acclaimed performers the industry has to offer both locally and abroad developing a style which is both emotive and energetic to achieve a both fun and authentic experience. Kamelia has become a sought after performer and teacher encouraging students to harness and develop their own abilities, use safe dance practices and respect cultural contexts. Understanding of the dance and exploration of other styles, not just cabaret, is important to her always encouraging students to "find out more"! A professional and bubbly talent, Kamelia will be sure to leave you inspired and smiling.
KURVY KELLIE
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).
LISI
Lisi Hannan was born in her dance journey. She is a university graduate (physiotherapy), University dance extension course and fitness. She is from South Brazil and is also an international belly dance performance artist. In 1986, Lisi began her dance life and experienced many different dance styles however it wasn’t until 1996 when met popular Belly Dance Master Teacher Alessandra Forte, that she knew she had found the dance for her. Here, Lisi began performing for and with Alessandra’s Belly Dance Company.
In Australia, Lisi is the resident dancer at Erciyes Turkish Restaurant, Emad’s Lebanese Restaurant, Pasha’s Turkish Restaurant and Tony’s Family Restaurant - performing at these venues every week. Now she is beeing part of the ATTAR professional troupe with Jamil choreographer and The bellysamba project, created by Lisi Hannan and Danielle Lopes, it consist in a fusion with bellydance and brazilian dance.
MAGDA
Magda's intention is to represent the cultural dance in its original form. Through her studies with great teachers and performers from around the globe, Magda offers what they have passed on, which was passed on to them from the great teachers before them. Also to note is the incredible inspiration from the stars of the past that seem to hold a timeless quality. Magda began training in this ancient art from the age of 15.
OSTARA
Ostara grew up around the western suburbs of Sydney, where she was infused with the rich culture and community of Belly dance within her local middle eastern community. Ostara's mother was a professional cabaret dancer, facilitating a life long love affair with dance. Ostara performs primarily along the east coast of Australia as a VIP special guest at many of Australia's most prominent music festivals and parties. Ostara teaches Bellydance and Kundalini Dance on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Kundalini Dance was the beginning of another awakening, one of transformation, purification and love.
POPI
Popi has over seven years of professional bellydance experience. She has been described as a warm, graceful and fluid dancer with strength and natural rhythmic awareness. Her passion for Middle Eastern music and dance combined with an extensive repertoire, particularly in Egyptian styles, makes for an engaging and entertaining performance.
RABIYA
Rabiya is one of Sydney's most popular dancers, her charisma and personality leave audiences wanting more. She has spent most of bellydancing tuition by taking private tuition by Sydney's godmother of Bellydance Amera Eid. She has since been with the Hathor Dance Studio perfecting her graceful and charming techniques. She is a popular dancer in Sydney has held residence at Summeland Lebanese Restaurant for a number of years, she also performs regularly at Romeo's Restaurant in Parramatta. Her vivacious personality and energetic performance also sees that she is in high demand for private functions such as parties, weddings and corporate events. She has performed with the Hathor Dance Theatre in various functions, at the Sydney Middle Eastern Dance Festival and also at our regular Theatre Shows. Along with her husband, she is also an excellent rock n roll dancer and has seen her fuse this with 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 participating in advanced classes and rehearsals each week, as well as attending workshops, supporting other performers, and teaching. Rachel is extending her performance skills by training in acting and improvisation.
ROZAH
Rozah is a beautiful, vibrant, and popular belly dancer, who has been studying and performing Belly dance for over 9 years, having trained under such notable and accredited Belly Dance instructors such as Aida Nour, Ambyr Johnston, Elenie Vlismas-Smith, Nerissa, Amera, Jrisi also other International teachers. Rozah’s lively performances are an inspiring display of her Middle Eastern background, and her fondness of Arabic music always provide her audience with a dynamic and exciting show. With performances incorporating Zills (finger symbols), Veil, Cane and audience participation, Rozah’s stage presence and ability always leaves her audiences enthralled.
SAPPHIRA
Sapphira has been performing Middle Eastern Dance and learning with teachers from around the globe for more than 15 years. Her performance history includes a decade of professional restaurant, troupe and private performance work in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne along with two overseas tours and several television appearances. Sapphira's attention is now focused on her training as well as her joyful return to Sydney's professional performing circuit after four years in retirement. In addition to a perpetual commitment to her own development, Sapphira shares her knowledge and love of dance by teaching at dance schools, community education classes and fitness centers. For Sapphira, dancing is one of only a few activities where emotional, creative, intellectual and physical realms are stimulated together. This integrity makes the experience a beautiful vehicle for self-discovery. Sapphira’s journey with dance is life-long.
SHIVA
With over 10 years dance experience Shiva is firmly established as Australia's Premier Male oriental dancer. Having worked both nationally and internationally, Shiva brings a dynamic approach to Oriental dance. From folkloric, classical and modern interpretation Shiva combines the masculine strength and muscle isolation to create a mesmerising performance for any occasion.
SHULA
Shula (aka Nikki) fell in love with belly dance 10 years ago. Since that incendiary beginning she has studied with some of Australia’s most accomplished dancers including Elenie, Terezka and Amera and has travelled to Egypt for instruction from teachers such as Aida Nour and Randa Kamel. Shula performs regularly, both with Studio Danse Orientale troupes Lotus Dreaming & Pyramidstique and solo, at events such as the Mind Body Spirit Festival and for the Egyptian Consulate. Shula has danced on tour for Jeff Martin of the Tea Party & The Armada and in August 2010 performed as part of Egyptian superstar Dina’s Australian tour. Shula delights in sharing the joy belly dance brings her with audiences and students alike.
SOPHIA
With more than 20 years of dance training up her jewel encrusted sleeve, Sophia's is a premium, dynamic, show-stopping performance that will leave a lasting impression on your guests. A master of props including, isis wings, sword balancing, saiidi cane dancing and live snake charming, Sophia will have you enthralled by her mesmerising body isolations, upbeat movements and incredible ability. Dressed to impress in bejewelled designer costumes, Sophia will provide the dazzle you desire for your event while her warm, personable nature will engage and connect with your guests, and have them talking long after the show is over.
SOPHIE ALIZE
Sophie Alize is a magnificently earthy dancer. She has an amazing ability to capture and mesmerise her audience. When she dances her spirit sings, her passion shines forth, her womanhood washes over her and her audience, her soul is at peace. Sophie Alize fell in love with with Oriental dance, better known in Australia as 'Bellydance', in 2000 when she discovered it at a workshop at The Woodford Folk Festival in Queensland, Australia. Upon returning to Sydney, Sophie Alize took up classes and has never looked back. Having danced her whole life Sophie Alize picked up the moves quickly and within no time she was performing at street fairs and festivals with The Fabulous Turkish Delights. The transition from festivals to restaurants and private functions came in 2004 whilst Sophie Alize was training with Skeik to Skeik in Perth Western Australia. Again it was upon her return to Sydney that saw her fully embrace this and Sophie Alize began her restaurant dancing career.
SUZIE
Suzie is a performing artist, instructor and choreographer who specialises in Egyptian style belly dance. Her passion for the dance and music is evident in her skillful movements and dynamic performances.
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