Artistic Director, Sydney Middle Eastern Dance Festival

Principal, Newtown Middle Eastern Dance Centre

Teacher, Choreographer, Bellydancer

 
Leonie Sükan has been dancing and teaching for more than twenty years and is Principal of the Newtown Middle Eastern Dance Centre (NMEDC). A talented choreographer and dynamic performer, Leonie's choreographies have been performed by troupes from Townsville to Tasmania. Family ties in Turkey keep her up-to-date on the latest costumes, music and dance styles.

Leonie has played a crucial role in the development of Middle Eastern dance in Australia as producer and Artistic Director of the highly popular annual Sydney Middle Eastern Dance Festival, now in its 19th year.

In 2006, Leonie pioneered the export of Australian bellydance to Turkey (!!) when she was invited by the producers of Turkey's top-rating bellydance talent show, Oryantal Star, to teach the contestants and perform on the show.

Leonie's teaching philosophy is based on enjoyment of the dance. She sees the art of Middle Eastern Dance as a celebration of a woman's body - no matter what shape it is! Leonie's classes are equally as popular with students who just want to have fun and improve their fitness as they are with those who want to seriously pursue the dance.

Leonie trains professional dancers and specialises in drawing out individual talents and style. She is Artistic Director of her own troupe of dancers, The Fabulous Turkish Delights, who have successful careers as soloists and troupe members and enjoy a varied and engaging performance life.