About WAMED
Who or what is WAMED?
The Western Australia Middle Eastern Dance (WAMED) Festival Inc is a local, non-profit organisation based in Perth, Western Australia. WAMED’s main focus is to present an annual, international-standard festival which runs over the WA June long weekend. Each year the festival offers an eclectic program of workshops and seminars to educate and inform, with something for everyone - from professional dancers to the never-danced-before. We also provide an elite international Master Teacher to elevate the standard, skills and knowledge of the art form in Australia. The Festival also includes a variety of performance events featuring local, interstate and international artists to delight the general public.
Our aim is to introduce the wonderful, sensual, empowering and joyful art of MENAHT (Middle Eastern, North African, Hellenic and Turkish) dance to the community. We invite the general public to commence their dance journey; championing positive body image, education, self-care, and physical activity combined with laughter and fun.
Who is the WAMED Committee?
The WAMED Festival is brought to you by Kerry Mace, Princess Fee and Nat Diggins.
WAMED Festival History
Find WAMED Festival's timeline below including, year, festival theme, festival organiser and featured guest artist for each year.
26th Annual WAMED Festival
2025 - SEKHEM - The Healing Power of Dance
Featuring Shahrzad
2024 - REFLECTION - Looking Back, Moving Forward. Our Silver Anniversary. By WAMED Festival Inc
Featuring Melissa Gamal
2023 - Ghazal - The Poetry of Dance By WAMED Festival Inc
Featuring Kaouther Ben Amor
2022 - Metamorphosis By WAMED Festival Inc
Featuring Kadia Bellydance
2021 **WAMED Festival Inc was created
2021: "Muse" By Tamanya Movement & Free Spirit Dance and Wellness Inc
Featuring Esmeralda Colabone
2020: "Entwined" By Bellydance Central & Free Spirit Dance Community Inc.
Featuring Cinzia & Kae Montgomery
2019: ‘Ishreen’ 20th Anniversary By Bellydance Central & Free Spirit Dance Community Inc.
Featuring Vanessa
2018: ‘Enchanted’ By Bellydance Central & Free Spirit Dance Community Inc.
Featuring Nesma Al Andalus
2017: ‘The Rhythm Within’ By Bellydance Central & Free Spirit Dance Community Inc.
Featuring Karim Nagi and Rose Ottaviano
2016: ‘A Meeting of Tribes’ By Zahara Dance Co, Bellydance Central & Free Spirit Dance Community Inc
Featuring Nerissa & Melusina
2015: ‘Fountain of Dance’ By Keti Sharif
Featuring Jrisi Jusakos, Devi Mamak & Sydney Musicians
2014: ‘Faces of Isis’ By Keti Sharif
Featuring Farida Fahmy & Liza Laziza
2013: ‘Diamond Sky’ By Keti Sharif
Featuring Ozgen & Tamalyn Dallal
2012: ‘Alchemy’ By Shaheena, Jilyan & Renate
Featuring Ranya Renee
2011: ‘El Tarab’ By Shaheena, Jilyan & Renate
Featuring Leila Jouvana and Roland
2010: ‘Reflections’ By Shaheena, Jilyan & Renate
Featuring Nour and Yasser & Morocco
2009: ’Ashra’ 10th Anniversary By Shaheena, Jilyan & Renate
Featuring Artemis Mourat & Khaled Mahmoud
2008: ‘Midnight at the Oasis’ By Renate
Featuring Hassan Kahlil
2007: ‘Temple of Dance’ By Keti Sharif
Featuring Morocco
2006: ‘Drum Dance’ By Keti Sharif
Featuring Nasser Selimi
2005: ‘Carnivale’ By Keti Sharif
Featuring Mayodi
2004: ‘Modern Gypsy’ By Keti Sharif
Featuring Isabelle Nambu
2003: ‘El Hafla’ By Keti Sharif
Featuring Ashraf Mahdy
2002: ‘El Gawhara’ By Keti Sharif
Featuring Claire Naffah
2001: ‘Alf Leila we Leila’ By Keti Sharif
Featuring Nayima Hassan
2000: ‘Awel Marra’ By Keti Sharif
Featuring Yasmin & Terezka
WAMED Festival 20th Anniversary Video by Keti Sharif
