Biography:

Principal of Hippy Hippy Shake Bellydance, Annette has been passionately involved in the area of Bellydance for over 17 years. The past 14 years has seen Annette share her knowledge, skills and experiences in providing a fun learning environment to foster the talents of her students coming from all ages and abilities.

Annette continues to draw inspiration and knowledge from many teachers and performers via classes, private lessons, workshops, concerts and multimedia presentations.  She has intensively studied bellydance with master teachers from Sydney including Amera, Terezka Drnzik, Leonie Sukan and currently Jrisi Jusakos.  Throughout her career she has participated in broad range of workshops by key teachers from around Australia including Belyssa, Naima Hassan, Shamira, Maria Masselos, Melissa Christina, Ma’isha and Rose.  Annette endeavours to travel regularly to Egypt to fine tune her dance knowledge and skills and has learnt from master teachers such as Raqia Hassan, Mahmoud Reda, Ibrahim Akef, Mohamed Khazafy, Aida Nour, Dina, Randa Kamel, Souheir Zaki, Frieze, and Ashraf Hassan.

Annette’s vast range of experiences has opened up opportunities to perform on Nile Cruise ships, Basma Hotel Aswan, Kings Palace in Fez (Morocco), interstate in Perth, along with countless community events and corporate functions in Sydney and Regional Centres.  Student troupes Secrets Of The Desert(Cabaret) and Aurora(Tribal) are Annette’s pride & joy and have entertained and given joy to thousands of people over the years.

In 2006, Annette completed studies in Group Fitness and attained international certification with FISAF (Federation Of International Sports Aerobics & Fitness) and registration with Fitness Australia.  Annette is also a dynamic secondary school teacher who is a highly experienced and qualified Head Teacher in Special Education for students having Intellectual Disabilities.  A challenging and extremely rewarding job!