Underbelly

Click here to find out about Melusina’s regular classes in Caulfield & Nth Fitzroy.

Click here to find out more about Melusina’s workshops

‘O body swayed to music,
O brightening glance,
How can we know the dancer from the dance?’
- W.B. Yeats

Melusina is an exceptionally talented dancer and teacher. Her love of dance is evident in the exhilaration she expresses when immersing herself in music and allowing her emotions to surge through her body. Dance for Melusina ‘is an experience of great exhilaration’.

Melusina’s dance journey began in childhood with Ballet but in the mid 1990s her true passion became apparent when she was introduced to Belly Dance. The ancient Middle Eastern dance form with its rhythmic accents, rippling undulations, and emotive gestures instantly enchanted Melusina who found she had a natural propensity for the style. Her growing love of belly dance led her to study it intensively over many years from many inspirational teachers. She developed a unique personal style which incorporates impeccable technical skill with passion, musicality and a strong emotive presence. Her regular training in other styles of dance like Latin, Ballroom, Ballet and Contemporary also enriches her dancing and expands her knowledge of movement.

Melusina enjoys dancing many forms of belly dance which is demonstrated in her diverse range but her main loves are Classical and Modern Egyptian, Contemporary, Tribal and Fusion styles. In 2006 Melusina travelled to America where she toured with well known Tribal music band Solace. Whilst in the U.S. she also taught workshops, performed and took lessons with some of the leading American contemporary belly dancers and fusionists like Jill Parker, Tiffany (from Suhalia Salimpour’s school), Paulette Rees Denis and Rachel Soto. In 2007 Melusina attended workshops in Egypt with some of the Egyptian master choreographers and dancers like Mohamed Reda and Nour and she performed in Cairo. Melusina has also studied under Rachel Brice, Sharon Kihara, Maria Harmer, Deb Rubin, Carolena Nericcio, Ava Fleming and Heather Stants and innumerable teachers in Australia and overseas.

Melusina has taught in America and New Zealand and frequently travels around Australia teaching and performing her unique styles. She has been one of the principle dancers and teachers at Underbelly Dance since 2000 where she teaches weekly classes in all styles and levels. Melusina is an acclaimed choreographer and many of her routines have been praised for their originality and beauty. She is artistic director and creator of the Tribal format, Red Belly Black, which is used by dance troupes around Australia and she regularly trains and dances with the Underbelly dance troupe.

Her performance experience is extensive including prestigious venues, events, functions, concerts, festivals and expos around Australia and overseas. Melusina has also worked in film, television, and music videos and has featured in top dance magazines in Australia.

Melusina is best known for her expertise in scimitar sword dancing, her innovative Tribal Fusion style and her expressive Classical Egyptian technique. She is proficient in the use of most props including zills (finger cymbals), veil, cane and Isis Wings and can dance to both recorded music and live musicians. Melusina brings a high quality, delightful and enthralling performance to any event. She is a popular teacher combining clear technical instruction with a warm, fun energy.