Adelaide Middle Eastern Dance Festival

Adelaide Middle Eastern Dance Festival An annual festival in Adelaide celebrating Middle Eastern dance and music.

03/08/2026

Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2026 Adelaide Middle Eastern Dance Festival another truly beautiful celebration of dance, music and community. ❤️

Over the weekend we shared inspiring educational workshops, unforgettable performances and so many special moments together.

A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful guest artists:
✨ Emily, for travelling from Perth and sharing her incredible knowledge and artistry.
✨ Melissa, who joined us from Darwin—and gave us the wonderful surprise of announcing that she’s moving back to Adelaide! We couldn’t be happier to have you home.
✨ Sarafina, for making the trip from Waikerie to be part of the festival.
✨ Morgan, whose beautiful live music added so much atmosphere and magic to the gala evening.

A huge thank you to our Adelaide artists who helped bring the gala show to life: Lilly, Adalia, Nicole, Kirralee, Fabiana, Kathy… and me. 😊 Your passion, generosity and love of your art made this year’s festival so special.

A very special thank you to Vanessa Rosen for being our wonderful MC on the night. You kept the show flowing beautifully with such warmth, humour and professionalism.

And a heartfelt thank you to Layla, Emily’s beautiful daughter, who spent the evening making sure our performers were looked after backstage, keeping everyone supplied with biscuits and chocolates, and always ready to lend a helping hand. We loved having you as part of the festival ✨

Finally, thank you to everyone who attended the gala show, participated in the workshops, volunteered, cheered from the audience and supported the festival in any way. A huge shoutout to Chris, Ty and Allan for all of your help and support behind the scenes.

Events like this only happen because of a community that believes in sharing, supporting and celebrating Middle Eastern dance.

Until next year… ❤️

Day 2 of the workshops is done! ✔️Emily, Adalia and Gül presented 6 hours of informative, inspiring and enjoyable worksh...
19/07/2026

Day 2 of the workshops is done! ✔️

Emily, Adalia and Gül presented 6 hours of informative, inspiring and enjoyable workshops. They were filled with knowledge, creativity, and plenty of moments that reminded us why we love to dance. Together with yesterday, we shared a total of 10 hours of dance over the weekend.

A heartfelt thank you to our presenters for sharing their knowledge and passion, and to every student who attended and made the weekend so special.

Until next year! ❤️

Day 1 of the workshops is done ✔️Thank you, Emily and Lilly, for your informative, inspiring and enjoyable workshops. Th...
18/07/2026

Day 1 of the workshops is done ✔️

Thank you, Emily and Lilly, for your informative, inspiring and enjoyable workshops. They were beneficial, uplifting and good for the soul.

See you tomorrow for Day 2! ❤️

✨WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHT ✨Cheeky Combinations with Emily (2 hours) Expand your movement vocabulary and spark your creativity ...
17/06/2026

✨WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHT ✨

Cheeky Combinations with Emily (2 hours)

Expand your movement vocabulary and spark your creativity in this playful and inspiring workshop in which we will learn four unique combinations to four different songs and styles. Perfect for building your own toolbox, giving you fresh ideas and inspiration to use in your own performances!

Level: Open
Sunday 19 July at 9am
162 Gilbert Street, Adelaide (Belly Dance Elysium/Istanbul Lounge)

To book:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lr6GK9WF7JxnzhL9CcmR90P4Tgzgj2sW/view?usp=drivesdk

A bit about Emily ✨

Emily discovered oriental dance at just 16 years old and has devoted herself to the artform ever since. Based in Perth, she began training with Jamila in Rockingham before continuing her studies with her longtime mentor Eva from 2008 onwards.

Over the years, Emily has studied with renowned artists including Tamalyn Dallal, Jillina, Özgen, Nour, Esmerelda, Liza Laziza, Jim Boz, Karim, Vanessa of Cairo, Kaeshi Chai, Kaouther Ben Amor, Yasmin of Cairo, Leyla Jouvana & Roland, Melissa Gamal, Shahrzad, and Azad Kaan.

Known for her artistry, elegance, musicality, and polished technique, Emily has become a much-loved professional performer in Perth and beyond. She performed at the inaugural Adelaide Middle Eastern Dance Festival in 2024 and returned to Adelaide in 2025 for One Night in Istanbul as part of the Adelaide Fringe, performing alongside the Zarina Sisters and Azad Kaan.

Only a few weeks to go until one of Adelaide’s most vibrant nights of dance and music — the gala show for the Adelaide M...
15/06/2026

Only a few weeks to go until one of Adelaide’s most vibrant nights of dance and music — the gala show for the Adelaide Middle Eastern Dance Festival ✨

Beautiful performers from around Adelaide and interstate are ready to take to the stage for an unforgettable evening celebrating the colours, music and spirit of the Middle East.

Tickets are available via the link below — don’t miss this stunning night of dance, music and atmosphere ❤️

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1590752

✨WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHT ✨That’s Freedom Drum Solo with Emily (2 hours) Learn Emily’s signature style in this bold, performan...
10/06/2026

✨WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHT ✨

That’s Freedom Drum Solo with Emily (2 hours)

Learn Emily’s signature style in this bold, performance ready choreography! This high energy drum solo workshop is jam packed with sharp accents, dynamic combinations, and all the excitement of a show stopping routine!

Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Sunday 19 July at 2:15pm
162 Gilbert Street, Adelaide (Belly Dance Elysium/Istanbul Lounge)

To book:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lr6GK9WF7JxnzhL9CcmR90P4Tgzgj2sW/view?usp=drivesdk

A bit about Emily ✨

Emily discovered oriental dance at just 16 years old and has devoted herself to the artform ever since. Based in Perth, she began training with Jamila in Rockingham before continuing her studies with her longtime mentor Eva from 2008 onwards.

Over the years, Emily has studied with renowned artists including Tamalyn Dallal, Jillina, Özgen, Nour, Esmerelda, Liza Laziza, Jim Boz, Karim, Vanessa of Cairo, Kaeshi Chai, Kaouther Ben Amor, Yasmin of Cairo, Leyla Jouvana & Roland, Melissa Gamal, Shahrzad, and Azad Kaan.

Known for her artistry, elegance, musicality, and polished technique, Emily has become a much-loved professional performer in Perth and beyond. She performed at the inaugural Adelaide Middle Eastern Dance Festival in 2024 and returned to Adelaide in 2025 for One Night in Istanbul as part of the Adelaide Fringe, performing alongside the Zarina Sisters and Azad Kaan.

✨WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHT ✨Pulse of the East: Darbuka Rhythms Unveiled with Morgan (2 hours)Step into the rich world of Middle...
30/05/2026

✨WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHT ✨

Pulse of the East: Darbuka Rhythms Unveiled with Morgan (2 hours)

Step into the rich world of Middle Eastern rhythms — their roots, textures, and evolving forms — with Morgan on the darbuka. A familiar and deeply respected presence within Adelaide’s music landscape, Morgan’s artistry spans far beyond a single instrument, bringing a rare musical sensitivity and depth to every beat.

Together, we’ll unravel foundational rhythms before weaving them into expressive combinations, allowing you to not just play, but truly feel the music.

Darbukas will be available to borrow for those who don’t have their own, so all are welcome to take part in the journey.

Level: Open
Saturday 18 July at 2:15pm
162 Gilbert Street, Adelaide (Belly Dance Elysium/Istanbul Lounge)

To book:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lr6GK9WF7JxnzhL9CcmR90P4Tgzgj2sW/view?usp=drivesdk

A bit about Morgan ✨

Morgan Taubert, also known as Zebulon, is a musician, storyteller, and educator based in Adelaide, South Australia.

His work blends Middle Eastern, Eastern European, and folk influences using instruments like frame drums, flutes, harmonica, and vocals. Known for fusing music with poetry and narrative, he has released several albums including On the Edge of Your Light and Music of an Invisible Enclave.

Morgan is also active in Adelaide’s arts scene, teaching drumming classes and collaborating with different groups. Beyond music, he engages in storytelling, writes creatively, and participates in cultural festivals and events.

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Adelaide, SA

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