About Cinnamon Twist Belly Dance
Cinnamon Twist Belly Dance offers belly dance classes, Arabic Drumming and Zumba Fitness for all ages, all fitness levels, and all shapes and sizes.
Virginia's teaching philosophy is based on the notion that dance is a community endeavour as well as a personal journey. At Cinnamon Twist Belly Dance we are strongly committed to providing quality instruction in a supportive, fun, and encouraging environment. Whether you are just starting your belly dance journey, or whether you've been dancing for a while you will find our classes unique, fun and informative.
Virginia's teaching philosophy is based on the notion that dance is a community endeavour as well as a personal journey. At Cinnamon Twist Belly Dance we are strongly committed to providing quality instruction in a supportive, fun, and encouraging environment. Whether you are just starting your belly dance journey, or whether you've been dancing for a while you will find our classes unique, fun and informative.
About Virginia
Virginia is the director and principal of Cinnamon Twist School of Belly Dance, Wollongong’s largest centre for the study of traditional Middle Eastern dance and contemporary belly dance. Virginia has a lifelong interest in dance but when she saw an amateur group of belly dancers in early 1997 she was immediately drawn to the earthy grace and mesmerising sensuality of the dance. She began taking belly dance classes right away and began performing professionally two years later. Virginia continues to study, teach and learn the art of belly dance in all it's forms both nationally and internationally. Some of Virginia's instructors include: Jrisi Jusakos (Sydney), Belyssa Radzivanas (Perth), Amera Eid (Sydney), Terezka Drnzik (Sydney), Elizabeth Strong (San Francisco), Morocco (New York), Dina (Egypt), Artemis Mourat (Maryland, US), Amel Tafsout (UK), just to name a few.
At the end of 2004 Virginia opened Cinnamon Twist School of Belly Dance. Cinnamon Twist continues to be dedicated to the public presentation and preservation of the folk dance and contemporary dance culture of the Middle East. Virginia is available on request for lectures, seminars, and/or belly dance demonstrations.
At the end of 2004 Virginia opened Cinnamon Twist School of Belly Dance. Cinnamon Twist continues to be dedicated to the public presentation and preservation of the folk dance and contemporary dance culture of the Middle East. Virginia is available on request for lectures, seminars, and/or belly dance demonstrations.
Virginia's Research
Publications
- "Representing the Belly Dancing Body: Feminism, Orientalism and the Grotesque" PhD thesis, School of English Literatures, Philosophy and Languages: University of Wollongong, Australia (2005)
- "'How Does She Do That?': Belly Dancing and the Horror of a Flexible Woman". Women's Studies: An Interdisciplinary Journal 34, no. 3-4 (2005): 279-300.
- "Belly Dance through Pregnancy: An Ancient Dance for a Modern Mama!" Early Years Magazine, Issue 3 (2010)
- "Belly Dance for Kids" Coast Kids Magazine, July (2009).
- Good Vibrations: Sex, Race and the Body in 19th Century Constructions of Belly Dance. Nineteenth Century Sex: Interdisciplinary Nineteenth-Century Studies Association Conference (INCS). University of California, Santa Cruz (March 2003).
- "Sequins are a Girls Best Friend: Belly Dance and Feminism" Making an Appearance: International Conference on Fashion, Dress and Consumption. University of Brisbane, Australia (July 2003).
- “‘How does she do that?’: Belly Dancing and the Horror of a Flexible Woman” Body Modification: Changing Bodies, Changing Selves. Macquarie University, Sydney Australia (April 2003).
- “Stereotype and the Construction of Cultural Difference in Loubna Haikal’s Seducing Mr Maclean” Knowledge and Nation: Australasian Universities Language and Literature Association (AULLA Congress XXXII) University of Wellington, New Zealand (2003).
- "Controlling the Unruly (Soft) Body: Belly Dance, the Grotesque, and the Politics of Appearance" Body Modification Conference: Mark II. Macquarie University, Sydney Australia (April 2005).
About Cinnamon Twist Belly Dance Troupe
Cinnamon Twist Belly Dance Troupe represents an active and vital part of local community events and cultural festivals in the Illawarra such as Thirroul Seaside Festival, Corrimal Spring Fair, The Illawarra Folk Festival, and KidsFest Shellharbour just to name a few. The troupe comprises of women of varying ages, backgrounds, and experiences – women who share a love and dedication for the art of Middle Eastern dance. Cinnamon Twist Belly Dancers are available for hire at your next function.
Visit virginiabellydancer.com.au for more information about belly dance entertainment.
Visit virginiabellydancer.com.au for more information about belly dance entertainment.
Wollongong Belly Dance Festival ~ 2013! Dates to be announced, stay tuned
Virginia is the founder of Wollongong Belly Dance Festival - an exciting 3 day public event from 28th - 30th Oct 2011. The festival aims to celebrate the diverse traditions of belly dance, folkloric Middle Eastern dance, and its fusions.
The festival, which is the first of its kind for the Illawarra and South Coast, is dedicated to fostering a sense of Middle Eastern dance community, and to provide dancers from around Australia and beyond the opportunity to expand their knowledge by attending workshops, dance shows, not to mention the chance to mingle, shop and be merry!
The Festival Overview:
The festival, which is the first of its kind for the Illawarra and South Coast, is dedicated to fostering a sense of Middle Eastern dance community, and to provide dancers from around Australia and beyond the opportunity to expand their knowledge by attending workshops, dance shows, not to mention the chance to mingle, shop and be merry!
The Festival Overview:
- Workshops ~ 12 inspiring belly dance and world fusion Workshops by some of Australia's best dance instructors and choreographers.
- Friday 28th ~ 'Sheiks & Sirens'. A night of dance and Hollywood glamour featuring performances by Cinnamon Twist Belly Dance and special guests.
- Sat 29th ~ Raks Al Dunya:Belly Dance Party! A Dance Party to rival all others - held in one of Wollongong's best nightspots, be prepared to dance, dance, dance to the raw rhythms of Percussion Junction and be inspired and entertained by spectacular performances by the dance instructors of Wollongong Belly Dance Festival 2011.
- Sunday 30th ~ Market Bazaar and Festival Showcase ~ shopping, food, dance, workshops (all the stuff we love!)
