Baladi is the dance of Egypt. 'Baladi' means "my country" or "of my country" and is the name of the urbanised folk music and dance from the Middle East. A new style of dance developed in the nightclubs, due to the introducing of outer influences and aspects of other cultures, like Ballet, Flamenco, Brazilian samba and Indian dance. This hibriding, became what we call today "Raqs Sharqi".
Fiona Harding - Fina! took up belly dancing from 12 years old and began a Professional career performing from the age of 14 years. Fiona has been teaching continuously in Australia and New Zealand since 1990. The classes offer a fun, exercise belly dance class that is based on the improvised rhythms of Baladi.
Fiona now offers classes from a dance studio at home, in Bayswater, Auckland.
‘I believe everyone can dance and that dance and costuming should be available to anyone who has the call to learn! I aim to provide a rich, cultural experience for women that is fun and increases their fitness and wellbeing, beginners through to professional. My mission is to inspire and empower mind, body and spirit through traditional dance.’