Pictured above one of the Academy co-Founders Susan Buntine - the costume is Tribal style |
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The Academy was co-founded by Susan Buntine (Yasmini) and Maria Masselos (Azziza) in 1989 . The Academy has since grown to a cohesive team of teachers, incorporating a high standard professional dance troupe - the Oasis Dancers.
The Oasis Dancers are well known both in the Brisbane area and throughout Australia for presenting not only a glamorous image in costuming, but exciting and innovative choreographies of a very professional standard.
The troupe is highly recognizable at functions and multicultural events, and the individual teachers and troupe members are also very visible on Brisbane's restaurant scene.
The Academy attempts to present the many and varied facets of Middle Eastern Dance to the broader community and actively seeks to promote the art of Middle Eastern Dance and conducts classes in several areas of Brisbane.
The Academy also conducts several workshops throughout the year with visiting guest teachers, as well as workshops on makeup and costuming.
The Annual "Winter Warm-up" organized by Maria Masselos (Azziza) attracts dancers from throughout Australia and New Zealand to participate in not only the dance workshop but other social events which have been added to make an attractive package for the participants.Academy teachers attend dance conferences and workshops throughout Australia, and have participated in overseas events.
The aim of the Academy is to promote Middle Eastern Dance, to conduct classes with well qualified teachers, to give our students a well rounded Middle Eastern dance education who will go on to enjoy the dance form either as recreation or as polished professional performers.
Each year the Academy teachers encourage students to enter the "Oasis Dreams" competition giving them an opportunity to display their own talents in choreography and dance within a variety of categories. This is a valuable learning experience.
In addition annual auditions are held for Academy students with aspirations to join the ranks of the Academy's performing troupe the "Oasis Dancers".
The Annual Bellydance Extravaganza also gives both teachers and students the opportunity to display their creative talents in the public arena. |
