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About
Virginia Belly Dancer is a renowned entertainer, children's party service, dance company, party planner, and wedding service in Wollongong, Australia. With Virginia at the helm, this professional and interactive company aims to make your special occasions truly memorable. Whether it's a wedding, engagement, anniversary, corporate function, child's party, or festival, Virginia's elegant and glamorous belly dance shows will leave your guests enchanted.
Virginia is the director and principal of Cinnamon Twist School of Belly Dance, which is Wollongong's largest centre for the study of traditional Middle Eastern dance and contemporary belly dance. Her passion for dance was ignited when she witnessed an amateur belly dance group in 1997 and was immediately drawn to the earthy grace and mesmerising sensuality of the art form. She wasted no time and began taking belly dance classes, eventually turning professional just two years later.
Continuing to grow and learn, Virginia constantly studies, teaches, and immerses herself in the art of belly dance. Some of her esteemed instructors include Jrisi Jusakos, Belyssa Radzivanas, Amera Eid, Terezka Drnzik, Elizabeth Strong, Morocco, Dina, Artemis Mourat, and Amel Tafsout, among others. Virginia's dedication to her craft is evident in her pursuit of knowledge and willingness to explore various belly dance forms nationally and internationally.
Aside from her dancing career, Virginia is a highly accomplished academic. She completed two Bachelor degrees at the University of Wollongong and obtained a prestigious scholarship to pursue her Doctorate of Philosophy. Her doctoral thesis focused on the history of belly dance in literature and culture. Virginia has since presented numerous papers and seminars on belly dance at both national and international conferences.
She has also published works on belly dancing and plans to release her full thesis as a printed book in the near future.
In 2004, Virginia established her own belly dance business, Cinnamon Twist School of Belly Dance. She created a teaching philosophy centred around the belief that dance is not only a personal journey but also a community endeavour. In all her classes, Virginia is committed to providing top-quality instruction in a supportive, fun, and encouraging environment. Cinnamon Twist not only imparts belly dance skills but also aims to preserve and promote the folk and contemporary dance culture of the Middle East.
Cinnamon Twist Belly Dance Troupe, a part of Virginia's company, actively participates in local community events and cultural festivals in the Illawarra region, such as the Thirroul Seaside Festival, Corrimal Spring Fair, and The Illawarra Folk Festival. Comprising women of diverse ages, backgrounds, and experiences, this troupe shares a common love and dedication for the art of Middle Eastern dance. They are available for hire at various functions.
Virginia is also available for lectures, seminars, and belly dance demonstrations upon request. Her vast knowledge and expertise make her an excellent choice for those seeking to learn more about the art form or incorporate it into their events.
With an impressive array of publications to her name, including her PhD thesis entitled “Representing the Belly Dancing Body: Feminism, Orientalism, and the Grotesque,” Virginia's contribution to belly dance has extended beyond her performances and teaching. Her work delves into the deeper aspects of belly dance, exploring its intersection with feminism, literature, pregnancy, and even children's dance.
Overall, Virginia Belly Dancer is a versatile and multifaceted company, offering exceptional entertainment, dance classes, and event planning services. With Virginia's expertise and passion for belly dance, guests are guaranteed an unforgettable experience filled with elegance, grace, and captivating performances.
