An Ancient Mystic Art Form that has it’s origins as an ancient religious ritual. The Araby Belly Dance Academy was founded in 1990 by Artistic Director Elenie Vlismas-Smith. Elenie, with Greek heritage, is an International Middle Eastern Dancer/Entertainer with 20 years experience and has completely embraced this beautiful Art Form from the Middle East. Elenie’s academy on the Gold Coast has students with ages ranging from 6 years to “Still Breathing”.
The Academy encourages students from all walks of life, of all nationalities, all ages, religious backgrounds, all levels of dance ability and with different health histories. All are able to learn, understand and benefit from this universally interesting and increasingly popular “Exotic Art Form” in Dance Exercise.
Students learn a disciplined form of dance, music and rhythms, musical instruments, customs and traditions of another country. This Art Form will allow the student to be creative with-in themselves, and to express themselves through dance. They will develop confidence, self-esteem, co-ordination. flexibility, strength, stamina and fitness.
Belly Dance is a safe and exciting Dance Art. Increasing body awareness, enhances sensuality and femininity and can establish a feeling of “Fun, Fantasy and Fascination”.
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Where are Classes?

SOUTHPORT, at CWA Hall, at Crn Garden & Young Street
NERANG, at the Nerang Bicentennial Community Center, Room 5, 833 Southport/Nerang Rd.
Student ages range from young teens to 70+.
Class Levels: Beginners, Elementary, Belly Funk Fitness, Intermediate and Advanced.
Evening Classes - Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Call and find out details
Elenie has created a new style of fitness class with her BELLY FUNK FITNESS Class which is a total fitness workout. Designed as a safe low impact total body workout and covers all Middle Eastern dance styles, rhythms and most props. So Exciting! Elenie has also added an exciting element to the Araby Belly Dance Academy’s skilled classes, BURLESQUE. Elenie has used her formal dance training together with her theatrical training. These classes are a total blast!
Private Lessons by appointment

Contact Information:

Ph: 07 5539 5229
Mob: 0438 127 232

email: araby@araby.com.au

Activities:
Raqs Araby (Dance Arabic) Banquet Evenings, which are Belly Dancing Parties for students of Belly Dance and Burlesque. The event is for family and friends and invited guests.
The Araby Belly Dance & Burlesque Academy proudly presents its’ Annual Araby Concert Event which is of the highest standards. The last 18 years have seen the performers of the academy present some remarkable dance sequence creations, choreographies and with stunning costumes. This year’s event. ARABY HAFLA IN PARADISE Concert, will be staged 2pm, Sunday 24th November 2012, at the Nerang Bicentennial Community Theatre, at 833 Southport/Nerang Rd Nerang.
We welcome all to come see the celebration of dance from the students, teachers and professional entertainers of the academy.
It is also a wonderful opportunity for vendors of Middle Eastern Goods from near and far to come together under one roof to show their wares and satisfy the insatiable appetite of belly dance enthusiasts.
There are Festivals and Charity Events where the academy is asked to help with entertainment and fund raising. This allows the community to see the “Art Form” of Belly Dancing in an encouraging light. Hopefully, with the broader public seeing Middle Eastern Dancing in a favourable and supportive manner it may enlighten the knowledge and understanding of this intriguing and mysterious art form.
Workshops are regularly presented by Elenie who is professionally trained in dance and theatrical stagecraft. She uses her vast knowledge of the different regional Middle Eastern dance styles and props to benefit her students. Elenie also sponsors interstate Master Teachers to share their knowledge with students and teachers of South East Queensland and Northern N.S.W.
Elenie has been described as “One of Australia’s finest entertainers with teaching skills that arouse a curiosity and a sense of wondrous things to come, skills in artistry and with a wonderful hypnotic hold.” Elenie has been invited to perform and give workshops Australia wide, and New Zealand.
ELEGANT STYLE, EXQUISITE COSTUMES & EXCITING CHOREOGRAPHY

ELEGANT STYLE, EXQUISITE COSTUMES & EXCITING CHOREOGRAPHY

Elenie dazzles and mystifies her audiences with mastery of the Finger Cymbals, Veil, Sword, Stick and excellence of technique and dynamic interpretation of the Art Form that is
“Traditional Dance Orientale”.
Elenie & her performing students and teachers of the Araby Belly Dance Academy will captivate you with their interpretation of this age old dance. You will be spellbound with flashes of humour and fun, enchanted with an experience you will long remember.
The Araby Belly Dance & Burlesque Academy continues to receive accolades and respect for their achievements in their representation of the Art of Dance Orientale and Burlesque

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