Maria Hamer
Zafira Dance Co. (USA)
"Disciplined movement - impeccable synchronicity"

Maria Hamer has been immersed in all facets of bellydance for the last 17 years.  Her main focus is Turkish and Egyptian however she also fuses styles and gestures of other Eastern dance forms and modern Western culture to create a visually complex and vibrant performance.

In 2000 Maria formed the Zafira Dance Co with Olivia Kissel and Christine Andrews, later adding Tamara Nelson and her sister Jennifer Imashev. Zafira are recognised for highly disciplined movement and impeccable synchronicity that leaves audiences spellbound and wanting more and were voted 'Troupe of the Year 2007' by American bellydance magazine, Zaghereet.

Maria has studied with some of America's bellydance legends and is mostly inspired by the work of Jill Parker of Ultra Gypsy and the teachings of Suhaila Salimpour. She regularly teaches and performs at major festivals and events in the USA and abroad.

Wild Honey is extremely excited to have Maria as a special guest this year! She will present four yummy workshops that encapsulate the sassy, saucy Zafira style and also perform at Rhapsody on Saturday 26th September. 

Let Maria take you to a world where gypsy caravans and circus side-shows still dot the landscape; an exotic world that is both modern and vintage; folk and urbane.

Workshops
Wild Honey presents a rare opportunity to study in Australia with the highly accomplished Maria Hamer in a small class setting (and in a studio with mirrors!). Class sizes are strictly limited to 30 students.

Each workshop is $65.00 + booking fee.
Buy all four by close of business 21 September and receive a $20 discount.
Check the 'buy tickets' page for full discount details.

All enquiries to wildhoney.festival@yahoo.com.au
Ph: 0420 398590

Workshop Venue
Living Arts
144 Jonson Street
Byron Bay

Level: beyond beginners +

Liquid Layers
Saturday 26 Sept
11:30-1:30pm

Bring the belly back in belly dance! This class starts with an intense warm up engaging the work from the 'core', drilling movements that require muscle awareness and stamina and applies some Pilates techniques to achieve a strong centre for balance and precision.  Learn some combinations of 'liquid like' layers that roll and ripple through your belly, back, hips and shoulders.  Finish off with beautiful arm and footwork to frame and enhance some of the most elegant moves.

Level: Suitable for non tribal dancers; beyond beginners +

Combo-Nation!
Sunday 27 September
9:00-11:00am

You love 'em, we love 'em! Dance combinations are a great way to pack in technique and signature stylisations in a short 2 hour workshop time period.  This workshop covers tried and true classic Zafira combos from some of their most popular performances, as well as new and 'in the works' combos that will push you both physically and creatively. We will warm up with a shimmy drill, bringing more fast paced, intense energy into the mix! Bring your note pad and yoga mat for a breif warm up.

Level: beyond beginners +

Gypsy Spins & Stylings
Sunday 27 Sept
12:00-2:00pm
Living Arts

Explore the distinct style of Zafira's 'gypsy' style movements and various intense spins inspired by the gypsies of Rajasthan, India.  Learn and play with a range of spins and techniques including spotting, barrel turns, synchronised and tidy group spins and sharp crisp turns that add a very intense finish to a most passionate dance! Please bring a yoga mat for a brief warm up including yoga and Pilates techniques.

Level: suitable for non tribal dancers; beyond beginners +

Watch Zafira in action!

Here are some favourite Zafira performances that showcase their gorgeous free spirited gypsy style, seamless synchronisation and gooey, liquid layers!

Click here to see Zafira's 2007 Tribalfest performance.

Click here to see some of Zafira's signature formations and seamless transitions. Maria is wearing the blue harem pants.