Mandy
I started dancing the day I took my first step as a baby but my official training started at the age of 6.  I started with modern dancing and performed in various shows and concerts. At the age of 9, I was introduced to the world of ballroom and Latin American. Strangely, I wasn’t too keen when I started but soon got addicted. I danced competitively for 13 years and am a former South African Ballroom Champion (2001).  In early 2002 however, I traded in my ballroom and Latin America shoes to try a different dance discipline. I fell completely in love with this oriental art form. I started my training with Natasha Wells (van der Merwe) in Cape Town and I was fortunate to tour Turkey in June 2007 and received international training with a Turkish dance instructor during my time there. To me, belly dancing is captivating and exhilarating and our performances continue to entertain audiences from all ages and different walks of life.

Simone
I started dancing at the age of 6, doing ballet and modern dancing, continuing with modern/contemporary dancing. I attended many festivals locally in the FNB Dance Indaba and internationally in Greece, Finland and Amsterdam. I continued my contemporary dance career, exploring dance forms in African contemporary and Hip Hop. I was introduced to belly dancing in 2003 and started training with the Hip Circle and was immediately groped by its power and the exploration of its femininity. I enjoy every minute of celebrating the sensuality, natural movements, muscular isolation and wonderful curves of a woman. With years of performance experience, I’ve danced at high profile corporate events, product launches, weddings, hen parties, birthday parties, as well as charity events.

Training completed by Mandy & Simone:

• Turkish and classical Egyptian style with Natasha van der Merwe – HipCircle –  (2002 to 2006)
• Gypsy and Folk with Marina Ajsa Samia (2005)
• Tribal workshops with SOMA (2006)
• Hands & Arms with Marina Ajsa Samia (2006)
• Floor work with Marina Ajsa Samia (2006)
• One-on-one training with Turkish instructor and performer, Hale Cakir (2006)
• East Coast Tribal Fusion workshop with Noelle from New York (2007)
• Hula Dancing with Senta from Maya Dance Company (2008)
• Dance with Seven Veils with bellydance superstar Tamlyn Dallal (2008)
• Drum Solo with bellydance superstar Tamlyn Dallal (2008)
• Isolation Workshop – SOMA (2008)

HipNotize Rising Stars
Zulfa is currently training to become a HipNotize Student Teacher and assists with the new beginner classes in Goodwood on a Wednesday. She has been with HipNotize since we started the Academy and we are happy to have her on our team.