Welcome to Azura's Oasis BELLYDANCER | LIVE ENTERTAINMENT | BOLLYWOOD SHOW | TAROT


	AZURA It’s taken well over 1001 Friday and Saturday nights of sinuous undulating and sensuous shaking to reach Bellydancer-Stardom but Azura who was born in Melbourne to Anglo-Indian parents has risen gracefully through the ranks from dancing at wedding functions and 21sts to Celebrity Events and Television. You may remember her early work as resident dancer at Turkish Restaurants Sofra’s, Kilim, Zara, Saray, Pammukale, Pinarbasi, Golden Terrace, The Star and Zara 2 or perhaps you attended one of the hundreds of Turkish Weddings, Festivals or Parties she shook up between 1996 and 2003. With an impressive resume as a solo artist, Azura’s industry experience covers TV features on Neighbours, Coxy’s Big Break and Rove Live plus Red Carpet Events for Pamela Anderson, Tara Moss, Mark Pennell, Kathy Freeman, Shane Warne, Kim Johnston, Tottie Goldsmith, David Hughes and Ernie Sigley. She has represented both Turkish and Egyptian dance alongside International Stars Ozgan Deniz, Hossam Ramzy, Omar Faruk Tekbilek and Tukish Idol winners Abidin, Firdevs and Bayhan. Azura’s personal contribution to Melbourne’s rich and diverse Bellydance scene reaches far and wide having entertained literally thousands of audiences and encouraging many an aspiring dancer to take up her craft. Azura performs, teaches, choreographs and directs large groups of dancers in spectacular stage shows for clients such as World Movie Channel, Microsoft, IBM, Melbourne City Council and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, her own energetic, rhythmic and animated style drawing largely upon the glamorous stars and romantic settings of Classic Bollywood and Egyptian Cinema. Azura’s Oasis growing student community of over 200 women is testament to her dedication too and love of teaching. Bringing passion, energy and unrivalled industry experience to each class, students flourish under her personal instruction, care and commitment to excellence. Regular School Concerts feature professional and up-and-coming talent from the school, special guests, dazzling costuming from Azura’s Oasis shop and of course all the fantasy, glamour and excitement that fires our passion to Bellydance! ARA As one of Australia’s leading Male Bellydancers, Ara sets the stage alight with his striking choreographies and powerful performances. His unique and captivating style is a synthesis of Middle Eastern dance with the technical precision of his DanceSport training, giving a distinct masculine edge to the traditionally female artform. Ara has appeared on the ABC Network's Strictly Dancing series 1 & 2, his titles including 2002 & 2004 National Capital DanceSport Champion and 3 times consecutive Victorian State Champion. ELIZA Eliza is an outstanding Choreographer, Producer of Children’s Theatre, Troupe Leader and Dancer/Entertainer, bringing an excitement, energy and glamorous appeal to the stage that is hard to match. Eliza has performed along side Azura for many years, featuring at hundreds of high profile events including Melbourne City Councils Giggle Wriggle and Rock Program, The Arts Centre In Pulse Concert with Hossam and Serena Ramzy and Channel 10’s Coxy on Tour. SARAH Sarah is a delightful Dancer and charming Entertainer, her soft and graceful style exuding a quite confidence that commands the stage. Sarah has performed extensively with Azura’s Oasis Dancers and the Azaad Bhangra Group at large Corporate Events and Festivals including Palladium Ballroom, Regent Theatre, Hamer Hall, Melbourne Food and Wine Festival Spice Bazaar, Northcote Arts Festival and the Sydney Road Street Party. Sarah also choreographs and teaches the Art of Bellydance to small children at after school programs and birthday parties. CHANTELLE Chantelle has trained extensively in jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop, latin, greek dancing, piano and singing. Inspired by the music and dance of her Greek heritage and a trip to Turkey, Chantelle decided to pursue her passion for Bellydance with Azura’s Oasis and has never looked back! Chantelle is an exciting and captivating performer who exudes a natural glamour and style. Her extensive stage and TV experience includes numerous corporate and themed events at Palladium Ballroom, Melbourne Function Centre and Coxy On Tour. SARAH TURNER Sarah’s love of folkloric traditions has led her to exotic destinations such as Turkey and Rajasthan where local artists left a lasting impression and influence on her dance style. Sarah is passionate about Tribal Bellydance as it brings together the spirit of many cultures in a challenging and dramatic display of intensity and control. Sarah has completed professional teacher training at Underbelly Dance and has undertaken extensive tuition in tribal belly dance with both local and international instructors including Carolena Nericcio (FatChanceBellyDance), Paulette Rees-Denis (Gypsy Caravan), Rachel Brice (The Indigo), Devi Mamak (Gawazee Caravan) and Melusina. CHERRY Cherry is a professional dancer of Kathak having studied Indian Classical Dance since the age of 3 with her gurus Shobha Kosar and Shohna Narayan, world famous Bollywood Dancers and Choreographers. Her Summer School Dance Program in Mumbai, Delhi and Goa attracted women and children of all ages keen to learn the traditional steps of Bhangra and classical steps of Kathak. LADY AZLEEN Lady Azleen has created something of a cult (or is that occult?) following amongst Melbourne’s celebrities and social scene for her accurate readings, wise counsel and psychic vision. Born and raised in India surrounded by the rituals of local gypsies and strong spiritual beliefs of the people, Lady Azleen recognised the power of dimensions unseen from a very early age, developing her own language of interpretation for numbers, color and astrology. Lady Azleen appears regularly at all manner of corporate and special events delivering readings with great energy, flair and style. Audiences love her exotic, glamorous and theatrical presentation. Honest, practical advice is offered with a sense of humour that is appreciated and respected by believers and apparent skeptics alike! Lady Azleen features annually at L’Oreal Fashion Week Red Market, Connex Christmas Party and NYE at Crown Casino where regular attendee’s look forward to receiving her advice. An avid collector of the Tarot, Lady Azleen’s private collection of over 350 decks includes Italian Renaissance designs, erotic French decks, Japanese cards and the original James Bond Witches Tarot. ELENI Eleni’s inherited psychic ability is from her Greek/Celtic bloodline. From a very young age she experienced “ghostly happenings” and the ability to predict future events through dreams, informing family members and friends of what she had seen with uncanny accuracy and detail. At the age of 16, Eleni discovered Rune Stones and Gypsy Cards and began using them as an aid to her psychic interpretation. She continued to develop her abilities through spiritual meditation and working with spiritual groups. Eleni has been reading professionally for many years using the Rider Waite Universal Tarot Deck. RENAE Renae has been a secret student of the Tarot for many years, her insightful readings successfully predicting personal circumstances and future events for literally hundreds of seekers. She extends her incredible knowledge to those seeking guidance and solace from the cards, combining a love of naturopathy to tactfully and intuitively answer health questions. Renae’s psychic advice regarding love, relationships, travel and finances is in high demand at Parties and all manner of Themed, Corporate and V.I.P Events. CUNET CAKMAK Cuneyt has 20 years experience playing Kanoon and Darbouka in Traditional Turkish, Ottoman, Gypsy, Folk, Middle Eastern, Greek and Flamenco styles. He studied at the prestigious Bosphorous Music School in Istanbul and has played with many Gypsy bands and well known singers in Turkey and on Turkish TV. Cuneyt is a mentor and teacher to many local musicians interested in the musical traditions of Turkey and the Midldle East working regularly as a session musician for recordings, live shows and accompanying Bellydancers. MATT STONEHOUSE Matt has been a musician for nearly twenty years performing both nationally and abroad with Award Winning Group 'Cantara' (Scotland), M.Naffi Mohamad (UK), LA based Bellydance super group 'Solace’, and Melbourne Gypsy groups ‘Zarafa’ and ‘Babaganoush’. Matt has studied Middle Eastern instruments and percussion in Turkey and with master teachers in Iran, performing regularly with International and local Bellydance Troupes and Solo Artists at major festivals and events around the world. Matt is founding member of Arabic Drum Ensemble 'Fingers of Fury' and co founder of popular Middle Eastern Surf band 'The Reefers’. He is also one of Melbourne’s most popular Middle Eastern percussion teachers specializing in current world class technique for hand held goblet and frame drums. MICHAEL VELLA Michael specializes in the traditional music of Turkey and Egypt playing a variety of Middle Eastern Percussive Instruments including Darbouka, Frame Drum, Daff and Rek. He performs regularly with well loved local group Yalla and the newly formed Drum and Dance Troupe Shisha. Michael is a passionate player who performs regularly with Bellydancer’s in the Tribal and Cabaret style. BYRON TRIANDAFILLIDIS A prominent vocalist and session musician, Byron specializes in Middle Eastern Strings and Percussion, playing Oud, Bazouki, Darbouka, Violin and Guitar with local band Meltemi and many Greek, Turkish and Bellydance ensembles. His new venue Byron Bar holds special Greek Nights where he plays all genres of Greek music including Classical, Folk, Popular, Rebetika, Turkish and Flamenco styles. Byron is very involved with community events teaching the traditions of his forefathers to primary aged children and recently supporting International Artist George Dalaras during his Australian Tour. MELTEMI It is often said that music is the language of the world that has no boundaries. The music of Meltemi is just that… a project blending east and west, the familiar with the exotic, the traditional with the contemporary. Formed in 2003 this Melbourne based lineup comprises Greek and Turkish members who have joined together to create a distinctly original and imaginative musical fusion of both cultures. (c) 2010 Azura's Oasis. All rights reserved. Web Design by ARA DESIGN	a

AZURA

It’s taken well over 1001 Friday and Saturday nights of sinuous undulating and sensuous shaking to reach Bellydancer-Stardom but Azura who was born in Melbourne to Anglo-Indian parents has risen gracefully through the ranks from dancing at wedding functions and 21sts to Celebrity Events and Television.

You may remember her early work as resident dancer at Turkish Restaurants Sofra’s, Kilim, Zara, Saray, Pammukale, Pinarbasi, Golden Terrace, The Star and Zara 2 or perhaps you attended one of the hundreds of Turkish Weddings, Festivals or Parties she shook up between 1996 and 2003.

With an impressive resume as a solo artist, Azura’s industry experience covers TV features on Neighbours, Coxy’s Big Break and Rove Live plus Red Carpet Events for Pamela Anderson, Tara Moss, Mark Pennell, Kathy Freeman, Shane Warne, Kim Johnston, Tottie Goldsmith, David Hughes and Ernie Sigley. She has represented both Turkish and Egyptian dance alongside International Stars Ozgan Deniz, Hossam Ramzy, Omar Faruk Tekbilek and Tukish Idol winners Abidin, Firdevs and Bayhan.

Azura’s personal contribution to Melbourne’s rich and diverse Bellydance scene reaches far and wide having entertained literally thousands of audiences and encouraging many an aspiring dancer to take up her craft. Azura performs, teaches, choreographs and directs large groups of dancers in spectacular stage shows for clients such as World Movie Channel, Microsoft, IBM, Melbourne City Council and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, her own energetic, rhythmic and animated style drawing largely upon the glamorous stars and romantic settings of Classic Bollywood and Egyptian Cinema.

Azura’s Oasis growing student community of over 200 women is testament to her dedication too and love of teaching. Bringing passion, energy and unrivalled industry experience to each class, students flourish under her personal instruction, care and commitment to excellence. Regular School Concerts feature professional and up-and-coming talent from the school, special guests, dazzling costuming from Azura’s Oasis shop and of course all the fantasy, glamour and excitement that fires our passion to Bellydance!

ARA

As one of Australia’s leading Male Bellydancers, Ara sets the stage alight with his striking choreographies and powerful performances. His unique and captivating style is a synthesis of Middle Eastern dance with the technical precision of his DanceSport training, giving a distinct masculine edge to the traditionally female artform. Ara has appeared on the ABC Network's Strictly Dancing series 1 & 2, his titles including 2002 & 2004 National Capital DanceSport Champion and 3 times consecutive Victorian State Champion.

ELIZA

Eliza is an outstanding Choreographer, Producer of Children’s Theatre, Troupe Leader and Dancer/Entertainer, bringing an excitement, energy and glamorous appeal to the stage that is hard to match. Eliza has performed along side Azura for many years, featuring at hundreds of high profile events including Melbourne City Councils Giggle Wriggle and Rock Program, The Arts Centre In Pulse Concert with Hossam and Serena Ramzy and Channel 10’s Coxy on Tour.

SARAH

Sarah is a delightful Dancer and charming Entertainer, her soft and graceful style exuding a quite confidence that commands the stage. Sarah has performed extensively with Azura’s Oasis Dancers and the Azaad Bhangra Group at large Corporate Events and Festivals including Palladium Ballroom, Regent Theatre, Hamer Hall, Melbourne Food and Wine Festival Spice Bazaar, Northcote Arts Festival and the Sydney Road Street Party. Sarah also choreographs and teaches the Art of Bellydance to small children at after school programs and birthday parties.

CHANTELLE

Chantelle has trained extensively in jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop, latin, greek dancing, piano and singing. Inspired by the music and dance of her Greek heritage and a trip to Turkey, Chantelle decided to pursue her passion for Bellydance with Azura’s Oasis and has never looked back! Chantelle is an exciting and captivating performer who exudes a natural glamour and style. Her extensive stage and TV experience includes numerous corporate and themed events at Palladium Ballroom, Melbourne Function Centre and Coxy On Tour.

SARAH TURNER

Sarah’s love of folkloric traditions has led her to exotic destinations such as Turkey and Rajasthan where local artists left a lasting impression and influence on her dance style. Sarah is passionate about Tribal Bellydance as it brings together the spirit of many cultures in a challenging and dramatic display of intensity and control. Sarah has completed professional teacher training at Underbelly Dance and has undertaken extensive tuition in tribal belly dance with both local and international instructors including Carolena Nericcio (FatChanceBellyDance), Paulette Rees-Denis (Gypsy Caravan), Rachel Brice (The Indigo), Devi Mamak (Gawazee Caravan) and Melusina.

CHERRY

Cherry is a professional dancer of Kathak having studied Indian Classical Dance since the age of 3 with her gurus Shobha Kosar and Shohna Narayan, world famous Bollywood Dancers and Choreographers. Her Summer School Dance Program in Mumbai, Delhi and Goa attracted women and children of all ages keen to learn the traditional steps of Bhangra and classical steps of Kathak.

LADY AZLEEN

Lady Azleen has created something of a cult (or is that occult?) following amongst Melbourne’s celebrities and social scene for her accurate readings, wise counsel and psychic vision. Born and raised in India surrounded by the rituals of local gypsies and strong spiritual beliefs of the people, Lady Azleen recognised the power of dimensions unseen from a very early age, developing her own language of interpretation for numbers, color and astrology.

Lady Azleen appears regularly at all manner of corporate and special events delivering readings with great energy, flair and style. Audiences love her exotic, glamorous and theatrical presentation. Honest, practical advice is offered with a sense of humour that is appreciated and respected by believers and apparent skeptics alike! Lady Azleen features annually at L’Oreal Fashion Week Red Market, Connex Christmas Party and NYE at Crown Casino where regular attendee’s look forward to receiving her advice.

An avid collector of the Tarot, Lady Azleen’s private collection of over 350 decks includes Italian Renaissance designs, erotic French decks, Japanese cards and the original James Bond Witches Tarot.

ELENI

Eleni’s inherited psychic ability is from her Greek/Celtic bloodline. From a very young age she experienced “ghostly happenings” and the ability to predict future events through dreams, informing family members and friends of what she had seen with uncanny accuracy and detail. At the age of 16, Eleni discovered Rune Stones and Gypsy Cards and began using them as an aid to her psychic interpretation. She continued to develop her abilities through spiritual meditation and working with spiritual groups. Eleni has been reading professionally for many years using the Rider Waite Universal Tarot Deck.

RENAE

Renae has been a secret student of the Tarot for many years, her insightful readings successfully predicting personal circumstances and future events for literally hundreds of seekers. She extends her incredible knowledge to those seeking guidance and solace from the cards, combining a love of naturopathy to tactfully and intuitively answer health questions. Renae’s psychic advice regarding love, relationships, travel and finances is in high demand at Parties and all manner of Themed, Corporate and V.I.P Events.

CUNET CAKMAK

Cuneyt has 20 years experience playing Kanoon and Darbouka in Traditional Turkish, Ottoman, Gypsy, Folk, Middle Eastern, Greek and Flamenco styles. He studied at the prestigious Bosphorous Music School in Istanbul and has played with many Gypsy bands and well known singers in Turkey and on Turkish TV. Cuneyt is a mentor and teacher to many local musicians interested in the musical traditions of Turkey and the Midldle East working regularly as a session musician for recordings, live shows and accompanying Bellydancers.

MATT STONEHOUSE

Matt has been a musician for nearly twenty years performing both nationally and abroad with Award Winning Group 'Cantara' (Scotland), M.Naffi Mohamad (UK), LA based Bellydance super group 'Solace’, and Melbourne Gypsy groups ‘Zarafa’ and ‘Babaganoush’. Matt has studied Middle Eastern instruments and percussion in Turkey and with master teachers in Iran, performing regularly with International and local Bellydance Troupes and Solo Artists at major festivals and events around the world. Matt is founding member of Arabic Drum Ensemble 'Fingers of Fury' and co founder of popular Middle Eastern Surf band 'The Reefers’. He is also one of Melbourne’s most popular Middle Eastern percussion teachers specializing in current world class technique for hand held goblet and frame drums.

MICHAEL VELLA

Michael specializes in the traditional music of Turkey and Egypt playing a variety of Middle Eastern Percussive Instruments including Darbouka, Frame Drum, Daff and Rek. He performs regularly with well loved local group Yalla and the newly formed Drum and Dance Troupe Shisha. Michael is a passionate player who performs regularly with Bellydancer’s in the Tribal and Cabaret style.

BYRON TRIANDAFILLIDIS

A prominent vocalist and session musician, Byron specializes in Middle Eastern Strings and Percussion, playing Oud, Bazouki, Darbouka, Violin and Guitar with local band Meltemi and many Greek, Turkish and Bellydance ensembles. His new venue Byron Bar holds special Greek Nights where he plays all genres of Greek music including Classical, Folk, Popular, Rebetika, Turkish and Flamenco styles. Byron is very involved with community events teaching the traditions of his forefathers to primary aged children and recently supporting International Artist George Dalaras during his Australian Tour.

MELTEMI

It is often said that music is the language of the world that has no boundaries. The music of Meltemi is just that… a project blending east and west, the familiar with the exotic, the traditional with the contemporary. Formed in 2003 this Melbourne based lineup comprises Greek and Turkish members who have joined together to create a distinctly original and imaginative musical fusion of both cultures.