Prepare to be transported to a world of breathtaking beauty and vibrant culture at Arabesque, an exclusive one-day event nestled in the stunning hills of the Dandenong Ranges. Arabesque offers a unique immersion into the rich and elegant traditions of live music and dance from the Middle East and North Africa.
This highly anticipated event brings together some of Melbourne’s most accomplished musicians and professional Bellydancers for a captivating experience you won’t forget. 
The day’s itinerary is designed for both enthusiasts and curious newcomers, offering a multi-faceted exploration through music lectures, dance workshops and an unforgettable live music and dance event, held at the atmospheric Earthly Pleasures restaurant. Witness the full spectacle of professional artistry in a dynamic performance that showcases the passion and precision of these beautiful traditions.
Arabesque is more than just an event; it is an intimate and luxurious celebration of movement, sound, and culture set against the backdrop of the Dandenong Ranges' natural splendour. 
LIGHT REFRESHMENTS AT THE WORKSHOPS PROVIDED BY LEMON8 TURKISH CAFE!

Arabesque workshops

BOOK HERE!

DRUM DISCOVERY LECTURE

Sunday July 26 12:30-2:00pm

Ananda Yoga Studio 1681 Burwood Hwy Belgrave, Melbourne

Discover the rhythm and technique fundamentals of Arabic and Turkish percussion in this seated lecture presented by master drummer, Matt Stonehouse. Learn about the history and craftsmanship of darbuka and frame drums, as well as the many different drums that make up an Arabic Drumming ensemble.

Matt Stonehouse specialises in Arabic and Turkish style percussion, focusing on darbuka and frame drums. He has performed/ recorded with Jeff Martin (The Tea Party), Alwan Trio, Ross Daly quartet, Van Diemen's band, Orchestra Victoria and many more. Matt is passionate about the art of frame drums, handcrafting beautiful pieces from his workshop in St Andrews.

Open level. No prior knowledge required.

*Some door tickets may be available on the day. Please check here and on the Facebook event for updated ticket information.*

BOOK HERE

DRUM AND DANCE DANCE WORKSHOP

Sunday July 26 2:30-4:00pm

Ananda Yoga Studio 1681 Burwood Hwy Belgrave, Melbourne

Arabic music is known for its intricate melodies and vibrant, compelling rhythms. We invite you to join us for an immersive workshop that will take you on a rich musical and dance journey across Egypt and beyond. Join Prue, a professional Bellydancer and Dance Teacher and Matt, an expert in Arabic and Turkish drumming to explore which classic belly dance steps pair with specific rhythms, allowing you to dance authentically and with musicality. Gain hands-on understanding of how drummers and dancers work together to connect to each other and the music to create a dynamic performance.

Prue is a passionate dancer and teacher with 40 years experience in the dance world. She holds a Diploma of Dance Teaching and loves to help students feel confident in their technique and performance skills.

Suitable for dancers with at least 6 months experience in Bellydance.

*Some door tickets may be available on the day. Please check here and on the Facebook event for updated ticket information.*

BOOK HERE

BELLYDANCE TASTER WORKSHOP

Sunday July 26 12:30-2:00pm

Ananda Yoga Studio 1681 Burwood Hwy Belgrave, Melbourne

Learn all about the history and fundamentals of Bellydance in this fun and relaxed workshop presented by Janelle of Mystique Bellydance.

Janelle is a dedicated dance educator and versatile performer with over 40 years of comprehensive training and stage experience in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre, Contemporary, and Belly Dance. professionals. Her facilitation style encourages exploration, confidence, and individual expression in dance, making her
workshops both accessible and inspiring for a wide range of participants.

OPEN LEVEL. NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

*Some door tickets may be available on the day. Please check here and on the Facebook event for updated ticket information.*

BOOK HERE

arabesque LIVE!

Don’t miss the early bird prices! Ends july 12

BUY TICKETS

SUNDAY JULY 26, 6PM

EARTHLY PLEASURES 1627 BURWOOD HWY BELGRAVE, MELBOURNE

Step out of the cold and into a world of vibrant decadence and intoxicating warmth. Immerse yourself in the rich, sensory tapestry of Arabesque, a spectacular evening blending live Middle Eastern music, Bellydance, and exquisite food.

Prepare for an unforgettable journey for all your senses. You will be captivated by the ancient, soulful sounds of a live ensemble featuring the complex rhythms of authentic Middle Eastern drums, the haunting melodies of wind instruments like the ney flute, and the spirited strumming of traditional string instruments such as the oud and qanun.

A selection of Melbourne's best professional dancers will grace the stage, weaving mesmerizing tales through movement. They will guide you on a hypnotic journey, showcasing the rich history and diverse regional styles of Middle Eastern dance, from the majestic classical styles of Egypt to the vibrant folkloric traditions and modern interpretations from countries beyond. Each performance is a passionate display of artistry, elegance, and cultural storytelling.

This night is a celebration of life and movement. We invite you to lose yourself in the rhythms. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes—the energy on the dance floor will be irresistible as we encourage everyone to join in the spirit of the hafla (party).

Choose from 3 different ticket types:
1. Seated with vegetarian Mezze plate plus a drink of your choice. (Vegan on request. Please contact event organiser to arrange)
2. Seated on the mezzanine level with a drink of your choice.
3. Standing.

BOOK TICKETS HERE!

ABOUT THE ARTISITS

Prue’s lifelong dedication to the art of dance is not merely a passion, but a profound commitment deeply embedded in her every movement. This dedication manifests in a vintage Hollywood meets bellydance vibe - elegant, poised, balletic, with a conservative polish and a hint of playful mischief. 
Beyond the technical prowess, Prue possesses an exquisite sense of impeccable timing and deep musicality, allowing her to connect intimately with the rhythms and nuances of the music. This technical precision is seamlessly matched with a powerful, heartfelt connection to her audience; her performances are not just demonstrations of skill, but genuine expressions that forge an emotional bond with those watching.
Diiverse and comprehensive lifelong dance training has built the foundation for Prue's performance style. She masterfully draws on the stringent discipline of ballet, the sharp, dynamic energy of jazz, and the emotional fluidity of contemporary dance. Prue performs many different cultural styles from Egypt, Turkiye and Persia. She continues to study at every opportunity to deepen her cultural knowledge and understanding of changing trends in dance, music and costuming.  
Prue’s rich, multi-disciplinary foundation allows her to create truly exciting and unforgettable performances, ensuring that every time she steps onto the stage, she delivers an experience designed to delight and inspire all who witness it.
 Prue holds a Diploma of Dance Teaching and has 2 decades of experience sharing the joy of Bellydance with her students. Prue also holds a Diploma of Pilates Movement Therapy and is the creator of The Dance Safe Project, assisting dancers across the world in safe dance practices and pain and injury management.

You can follow Prue on Instagram and Facebook

prue_thedancesafeproject

Deanna Meraki is a Melbourne based artist who shares her love for dance with heart, soul and creativity. She was drawn to belly dance 20 years ago, unearthing all the wonders this special art form has to offer - self expression, joy, strength, healing, connection, culture, femininity and community, just to name a few! 

Her energy and presence while dancing is often described as being vulnerable, earthy and heartfelt; capturing and embodying the essence of oriental dance with authentic interpretation, sincere connection and sheer joyous delight for her audiences. 

As a teacher and performer, Deanna has shared her knowledge and passion for dance both nationally and internationally. She has recently returned from living and working in Cairo, furthering her studies in Egyptian dance, culture and language.

You can follow Deanna on Instagram at

deannameraki

Amanda is an inner Melbourne based performer and teacher and the brains behind APB Dance and Amanda PB Performance Coaching. She is the only Australian to perform with Bal Anat, and holds an Advanced Performer and Instructor certifications with the Salimpour School (California, USA). Amanda's love of dance goes deeper than just making shapes. Amanda has been immersing herself in history, language and art to not only be an awesome performer, but to also understand the cultures she is representing when she dances.

www.apbdance.com.au

Instagram: apbdance

Described as "the equivalent of a firework on New Year’s Eve," Joanna is Australia’s own internationally acclaimed belly dance performer, instructor, and powerhouse entertainer.
Raised in the Hellenic community, surrounded by Greek belly dance (tsifteteli), and with over 25 years in the performing arts, she brings a rich blend of cultural influence, technique, and stage presence to every performance. Her passion for belly dance has taken her to stages across Europe and throughout Australia, where she’s become a vibrant force in the community. Career highlights include headlining Adelaide Fringe’s Electric Oasis, performing for the AFLW, and touring nationally with Eurovision alumni Sarbel, Andreas Habibi, and Alexandra Aura.

Beyond the stage, Joanna is the resident Belly Dance instructor at the renowned 'Maison Burlesque' and its global online platform 'Maison Burlesque Online', where she shares her love of dance, history, and culture with students worldwide. Known for her theatrical flair and magnetic energy, Joanna creates unforgettable, high-impact performances - whether solo or alongside her array of live musicians and ensembles. Joanna’s goal is to leave every audience buzzing with joy and adrenaline through one-of-a-kind, personalised entertainment experiences.

joannabellydance.com

Instagram: joannabellydance

Josie Palermo is the Director of Melbourne Bellydance, with decades of local and international experience in Middle Eastern dance. As one of Melbourne’s leading commercial booking agents, Josie works closely with many of the city’s top venues, curating high‑quality, culturally authentic entertainment tailored to professional performance environments.

Josie is also a highly respected teacher with Strut Studio, where she trains dancers from complete beginners through to developing professional performers. Her flagship troupe, MBD Pro Team, is one of the few professional-level bellydance ensembles in Melbourne, bringing together elite dancers to create dynamic, polished productions for stages, festivals, and premium events. Known for her ability to bridge tradition with theatrical flair, Josie is passionate about elevating bellydance as a respected and commercially viable art form that all people can enjoy.

melbournebellydance.com

Instagram: bellydancemelbourne

Elena is a Melbourne-based artist of Raqs Sharqi with over 23 years of experience developed across her dance journey, known for her elegant, fluid style and deep musicality. Recognised for her intuitive connection to live Arabic music, her performances create a dynamic dialogue between dancer and musician. Having begun her professional journey performing to live band, Elena returns to this original and foundational experience, creating expressive, improvisational performances that bring the music to life and connect deeply with audiences.

You can follow Elena on Instagram

elena_sas_artisty

Apsara is a Melbourne-based belly dance artist from India whose artistry blends passion, sensuality, and deep embodiment. Her work is rooted in the practice of coming home to the body, inspired by the rich Arabic music and culture. Through a feminine and heartfelt style, her performances are an offering of devotion, inviting the audience to slow down, tune in, and experience the joy and power of movement.

You can follow Apsara on Instagram

apsarabellydancer

impruve

prue@impruve.au