Workshop Schedule
Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just starting out, Synthesis fusion dance festival has something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of fusion dance, cultural arts, creative workshops and informative lectures, learn from top artists, and connect with a community that shares your love for movement.
Saturday, 2 May 2026
8:30am to 9:30am
HOUR OF POWER SESSION
Stretch and Relax with Esha
Get prepared for a day of movement with Bec! Ease into motion with this gentle Stretch and Relax class. Designed to awaken the body, release stiffness, and build mindful awareness. It’s the perfect way to prepare for a day of workshops
Level: Open
Bring: yoga mat or towel to lie on
HOUR OF POWER SESSION
Stage Fright with Jessyka
Join a qualified therapist in delving deep into stage fright – what is happening in the brain and body, why it occurs, how we can prevent or manage it, and techniques to strengthen our stage confidence and presence
Level: Open
Saturday, 2 May 2026
10:00am to 12:00pm
TAKE YOUR CROWN – VEIL WORKSHOP with Cara Griffin
Take your Crown! This Veil choreography workshop will not only give you new skills in technique, musicality and stage presence but it will also get to the heart of you as a dancer. How do you want to present yourself? What is your message? What do you want to say to the world. Drawing on techniques from her training in Classical Egyptian Dance, Zambra Mora and Modern Dance principles Cara will bring all of this together for a powerful workshop experience. It’s time for you to take your crown!
Level: Intermediate
What to bring: Veil
ASSUIT – LEARN TO TALLY with Traysi Ewayan
(Creative)
Discover the ancient Egyptian art of Tulle-Bi-Tally (Assuit). A stunning handwoven fabric of metal in Egyptian cotton net. In this immersive workshop, you’ll learn how to transform cotton netting into a glittering textile masterpiece – one tiny stitch at a time. Guided step-by-step, participants will practice the signature technique of folding and pressing real metal strands through mesh, and experiment with design motifs inspired by the heritage of Upper Egypt, or your own pattern, on a small piece to take home.
Level: Open
INTRODUCING MOZAIK GLOBAL FUSION with Magharita Galal
Mozaik Global Fusion is a unique and Australian-original Fusion of Romany and Arabian dances. In the tradition of western fusion style, MGF is taught in ‘combinations’ that can be used in improvisation or choreography however the Egyptian tradition of honouring every nuance, ebb and flow of the music is a central principal of this format. Combinations range from the romantic Russian inspired, to the passionate Spanish, to the lyrical Persian and beyond. In this introductory workshop you will learn several foundational and advanced combinations both fast and slow and we will also explore how the Giant Fanveil and Sword can be incorporated into each combo. In the second hour, we will make a gorgeous piece of music exquisitely visible by using the combinations we have learned! Please bring a very full skirt and, if you have them, a sword and fanveil that is on the shorter side. We will have some skirts, swords and fanveils to borrow but not many.
Level: Open
DANCE DYNAMICS with Esha
Long before she was a dancer, Esha was a musician, and music was what drew her to bellydance in the first place. In this workshop, we will explore how to put dynamics to work in your dance: speeding up and slowing down movements at the right times, or making moves bigger/smaller/stronger/softer to match the music. This can help create contrast in your dance, adding layers of spice and feeling. Suitable for beginner to intermediate level dancers.
Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Saturday, 2 May 2026
1:00pm to 3:00pm
LIQUID ALCHEMY with Sarah Moulton
Transcend through flow and form. This workshop will explore liquid-like Fusion Bellydance movements and stylisation creating new pathways that will allow your body to flow from one movement to the next.
Through the repetition of the fluid movements scaling through the body we can enter into a transcendental space and a deep hypnotic and somatic mediation.
Level: Open
AFRO BELLY FUSION with Deanna Meraki
Celebrating the fusion of different cultures, styles and sounds, we will learn a fun and simple Afro Bellydance choreography to the song “Hella Décalé”. Blending smooth Arabic melodies with the upbeat percussive vibe of coupé-décalé from Ivory Coast, this song welcomes us to dance and have a good time. And that’s exactly what we will do!
Level: Open
EARTH OFFERING – GLOBAL CARAVAN with Laurie & Lisa
This workshop integrates simple Global Caravan moves and formations with baskets, danced together in a circle.
Lisa (Tree Temple Dance) and Laurie (Lunadorn) will teach you some simple Global Caravan moves with some local variations.
As a group, we will integrate the moves into simple formations such as rotating circles, duets, mirroring and chorus concepts bringing this together as a circle of dancers.
We will then layer baskets as props to create a sense of earthy offerings.
For advanced dancers please bring zills and drums for another level of your dance repertoire
Level: Open
Bring: Balancing Basket. Zills and Drum optional
INTRODUCTION TO KARMA ECHOES with Jessyka
Join Australia’s only certified Karma Echoes instructor for an introduction to this beautiful format! Designed by Valenteena Ianni, these combinations feature elegant and unusual layers, and are guaranteed to get you attention on stage, as well as increasing your movement vocabulary.
Level: Intermediate, Advanced
Saturday, 2 May 2026
3:30pm to 5:00pm
SEMI CLASSICAL INDIAN FUSION with Astha
Explore the world of ancient classical South Indian dance! In this workshop learn some basic classical steps and hand gestures to fuse into your choreography and dance practice. Elevate your dance with some facial expressions and makeup tips to fully embody the story of the dance.
Level: Open
LUCKY DANCE DIP with Valerie Curtis
This workshop is a little game I like to play with my students. We write down the tribal dance moves we know, and put them in a jar – shake. Then we pull 3 moves from the jar, and make those 3 moves fit to the music. This game teaches musicality, and is a useful tool for creating both choreographies and improvisations with ease. This workshop is open to all levels.
Level: Open
EXIT, STAGE RIGHT with Amanda PB
We all know how to enter a stage, the whirlwind of energy, colour and excitement. But often we don’t think about the impression that out exit can leave on an audience.
Learn different ways of exiting a stage that reflects the performance you did. Explore how you can gather up props and also how you can use the audience to make your departure even more special.
Level: Open
LATIN MOVES FOR RAQS SHARQI GROOVES with Adara
(Scholarship)
Learn a few styles of Latin Dance footwork and how to incorporate them into belly dance moves and music.
Level: Open
Sunday, 3 May 2026
8:30am to 9:30am
HOUR OF POWER SESSION
Greek Coffee Cup Readings with Fotini
Level: Open
HOUR OF POWER SESSION
Crystal Sound Journey with Becky English
This workshop blends the transformative power of sound healing with a deep guided meditation to help participants connect with their higher self – the confident, graceful dancer that resides within. Using the resonant tones of crystal singing bowls, we will guide you through a journey of self-discovery, allowing you to shed limiting beliefs and step into the fullness of your dance potential.
Through sound and meditation, you’ll feel your energy align with your truest expression – fully confident, grounded, and flowing with grace. As you embark on this journey, we will cultivate inner peace, open creativity, and invite a deeper connection with your dance, unlocking the mastery within. By the end, you’ll feel more empowered, in tune with your body, and able to embody the highest version of yourself as a dancer.
Level: Open
Bring: Singing bowl
Sunday, 3 May 2026
10:00am to 12:00pm
RUMBA REVELATIONS! with Cara Griffin & Michel Concepcion Mullings
The Rumba rhythm has long been incorporated into many Arabic music compositions. But where did this rhythm come from? What is it’s history? How can it be interpreted. Cara and Michel will present this thrilling workshop bringing the roots of Cuba to the doorstep of Australian Belly Dancers! Michel will explain the musicality, history and technique of traditional Cuban Rumba and Cara will show you how this can be fused into our Belly Dance repertoire! Don’t miss this thrilling opportunity to learn from two of Australia’s most artistically diverse dancers!
Level: Open
DOUBLE DARE: TWO SWORDS ARE BETTER THAN ONE with Bronwyn Buasavanh
The hypnotic power of a sword act is undeniable. One sword is fantastic, but two will have your audience eating out of your hand. Building on skills and movements covered in “The pointy end”, Bronwyn will demystify the logistics of working with two swords at once and have you wielding them with confidence in no time.
Tap into your inner drama queen and learn a sequence of moves that will add a majestic intensity to your set.
Bring two swords (matching if possible) or let us know if you need to borrow some, but hurry as numbers are limited. A headband or scarf to protect your hair and scalp, as well as a yoga mat would also be handy!
This workshop also contains an optional floor-work extension for some moves, so if you’re ready to challenge yourself, also bring kneepads
Level: Intermediate, Advanced
Bring: 2 swords (matching if possible), Headband/scarf
KADIOĞLU ZEYBEĞI – A FUSION BELLYDANCE CHOREOGRAPHY with Thais Carvalho
Immerse yourself in a 2-hour journey with Thais original choreography to Kadıoğlu Zeybeği by Okay Temiz – the legendary Turkish fusion percussionist – a piece rich with hypnotic grooves and deep textures.
This dance is slinky, layered, and full of isolations, inviting you to explore how subtle shifts can ripple through your body.
Together, we’ll:
- Learn and flow the choreography, focusing on musicality and nuance.
- Play with silky transitions, tight isolations, and fluid pathways.
- Connect to the music’s pulse while letting your own style breathe through the movement.
Bring your curiosity, your flow, and your details — let’s move inside the music and carve new shapes in sound.
Level: Intermediate, Advanced
THE WHEEL DEAL in FCBD® with Jen Shedden
Step into the flow and explore one of the signature elements of FatChance® Bellydance Style — The Wheel. In this immersive two-hour workshop, Jen will guide you through a rich mix of visuals, ideas, drills, and creative combinations designed to help you move with confidence and clarity in this dynamic formation.
We often find transitions challenging because we’re focused on what’s next, forgetting to complete the step we’re in, using the wheel as a way to get to ‘the next bit’, rather than it’s own destination. This workshop will shift that focus, teaching you how to finish each movement fully before flowing seamlessly into the next and enjoy the intimacy of dancing in a circle together.
This workshop will give you the tools to make each turn of the wheel feel intentional and beautifully placed.
By the end, you’ll feel confident, connected, and ready to make the wheel an effortless, expressive part of your dance. Basic knowledge of FCBD® Style Belly Dance is helpful, but not required.
Level: Beginner
Sunday, 3 May 2026
1:00pm to 3:00pm
INDIAN FUSION with Sarah Moulton
Rooted in devotion and the soul’s longing for beauty, this workshop is an offering—an exploration of movement as prayer, posture as poetry, and dance as a path to transcendence.
This workshop offers an elegant and swoony fusion of Indian dance aesthetics and fusion bellydance vocabulary, weaving together intricate gestures, temple-style elements, and flowing combinations that emphasize grace, devotion, and artistry.
Level: Open
ASSUIT – LEARN TO TALLY with Traysi Ewayan
(Creative)
Discover the ancient Egyptian art of Tulle-Bi-Tally (Assuit). A stunning handwoven fabric of metal in Egyptian cotton net. In this immersive workshop, you’ll learn how to transform cotton netting into a glittering textile masterpiece – one tiny stitch at a time. Guided step-by-step, participants will practice the signature technique of folding and pressing real metal strands through mesh, and experiment with design motifs inspired by the heritage of Upper Egypt, or your own pattern, on a small piece to take home.
Level: Open
OMAR KHORSHID & HIS MAGIC GUITAR with Deanna Meraki
Discover the innovative sounds of Omar Khorshid that revolutionised the Arab music scene. Known as Egypt’s first electric guitarist, his experimental style was a fusion of traditional oriental sounds with modern Western influences that pushed boundaries. Come learn about the stylisation, musicality and history behind this unique style of music.
Level: Open
BREAKING BRAIN BARRIERS with Jessyka
A deep dive into mental and psychological barriers that can hold us back in our dance. Learn more about over-comparison, burnout, perfectionism, imposter syndrome and others- but more importantly, how we can manage these issues.
Level: Open
Sunday, 3 May 2026
3:30pm to 5:00pm
TAROT FUSION DANCE: EMBODYING THE TAROT THROUGH FUSION BELLY DANCE with Julie Orchid
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to dance The Moon? To connect with the celestial wisdom of The High Priestess or the alchemical spark of The Magician through movement?
In this open-level workshop, we explore fusion belly dance as a vessel for tarot embodiment. Each movement becomes poetry—imbued with rich symbolism through the potent archetypes of the tarot.
You’ll learn beginner-friendly motifs and expressive tools, with optional advanced layering for dancers seeking a challenge.
Julie’s tarot fusion dance method combines fusion belly dance vocabularies with mythic visualisation, stylised combinations, and embodiment prompts. As a certified Dancecraft teacher, she draws from a strong lineage. Expect motif drills, elemental dynamics, and the invitation to dance your own intuitive version of the cards.
Come as you are—the dance meets you there.
Level: Open
BLING IT ON! with Elena
(Creative)
Get ready to sparkle! In this hands-on workshop, you will be guided through the process of designing and decorating your own necklace and earring set with plenty of bling. No experience needed – just bring your creativity and love for all things shiny.
Kits will be provided.
Level: Open
CAIRO CLUB – MAHRAGANAT with Em Lea
(Scholarship)
Mahraganat, also known as Egyptian electro, Egyptian street music or shaabi-electro, is a popular genre of Egyptian folk music. Mahraganat is a combination of popular Egyptian music with EDM and hip-hop, with heavy autotune use. In this workshop we will go over the difference between Shaabi, Egyptian Pop and Mahraganat music and learn a few combinations fit for the Cairo Clubs.
Level: Open
BELLYDANCING AS A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE with Amanda Jane
(Scholarship)
This beautiful dance ritual will combine eclectic modern spiritual practices with fusion belly dance moves to create a unique, magical devotional practice you can can apply at-home.
Level: Open