Al Farasha Folkloric Troupe
Balkan Fusion Performance Course
14 June – 19 July 2025
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Learn the vibrant, fun and cheeky style of Balkan folkloric, fused with belly dancing. Join this course and work towards performing at Melbourne’s top belly dance event, Club Rakasah, 25 July 2025.
Learn a short circular folkloric choreography with the use of skirts and featured solos for each dancer.
The choreography will combine theatrical use of the costumes and the mystical tarot cards.
Learn stage presence, presentation and express the joy and cheekiness of the Balkan Belly Dancer.
Time: 11:30am to 1pm
Rehearsal Dates: Saturdays 14 June to 19 July 2025.
Performance Dates: Friday 25 July at Club Rakasah.
Tuition Cost: $180 for the full six weeks.
Additional costs: Costume and performer attendance ticket for Club Rakasah.
Rehearsal outline
Week 1 | 14 June | Led by Melissa Cristina: Melissa will teach you the Balkan Chigani big skirt folkloric dance.
Week 2 | 21 June | Led by Elisa: Elisa will drill you through the choreography.
Week 3 | 28 June | Led by Melissa Cristina : Melissa will touch up and refine everyone’s dancing and performance techniques.
Week 4 | 5 July | Led by Elisa : Elisa will drill you through the choreography and performance style.
Week 5 | 12 July | Led by Melissa Cristina: The choreography and all performance techniques will be finalised.
Week 6 | 19 July | Led by Melissa Cristina: Any final perfections will be incorporated, ready to perform at Club Rakasah.
If you cannot attend any rehearsals, videos will be provided for you to catch up.
About the teachers…
Melissa Cristina
Melissa Cristina, was the owner of Hip to Hip Middle Eastern Dance Studio, and renowned as the best belly dancer and teacher in Melbourne. Since closing her studio, Melbourne has missed Melissa’s fun, informative and expert teaching and spectacular performances.
Elisa Hansen
Elisa trained under Melissa Cristina and has been dancing, performing and teaching for over a decade. She also teachers regular classes at Coco Ella, 7:30pm Mondays and Wednesdays. Come and join her for a class, all levels welcome.
Where is Coco Ella?
Coco Ella is located on the first floor at 225 Chapel Street, Prahran. It is the glass door, in between Jane Doe bar and a kebab shop. Please head up the stairs when you arrive.
Is there free parking near Coco Ella?
Yes, there is free 2 hour parking down Anchor Place and Cecil Place (just opposite the studio from Chapel Street).
If you will be more than 2 hours, there is 3 and 4 hour parking on Thomas Street. From the studio, head towards Dandenong Road and turn right at High Street. Thomas Street is the first on the left.
How do I get to Coco Ella by public transport?
Tram 6 to stop 31 Chapel Street/High Street. From here walk towards Malvern Road and it is a 110m down on your left.
Train Sandringham Line to Prahran Station. From here, walk towards Chapel Street, turn right at Chapel Street, and it will be 150m down on your right.
Do I have to be at a certain level to join the course?
The course has been designed so that everyone will be able to learn, practise and enjoy these beautiful styles of dance.
We can’t wait to dance with you.
BOOK YOUR SPOT