Romandance - Turkish Gypsy
Gokden Killic (Turkey)

The traditional dance of the Turkish Gypsies. The line between Turkish belly dance and Turkish Gypsy dance can be fuzzy; many famous belly dancers in Turkey can dance Gypsy but the two are not the same.

Learn the unique 9/8 rhythm of the Traditional Turkish Gypsy (Roman) dance as well as specific movements that express the daily life of the Roman women – washing clothes, playing and listening to music, rivalry, jealousy etc. Through this dance you can get an understanding of their point of view and way of life. You will discover the unique spirit of the Turkish Roman women, through their characteristic arm and hip movements to the expressive rhythm of Roman music.

DAY & TIME: Friday 9.30 - 11.30am
SUITABLE FOR: ALL
VENUE: Starlight Auditorium, CHP

About Gokden
Gokden was born and raised in the coastal city of Trabzon, where he was one of the first choreographers to stage Kolbasti dance in the 2007. He was also one of the first teachers to introduce Latin, Classical and Freestyle dances to Trabzon.

During his career he has taught at dance schools in Istanbul; been artistic director and choreographer of up to 300 dancers in the May 19th National Festivals between 2001 – 2008; and represented and introduced Turkish folk and gypsy dance in a cross-European cultural project in Poland, Spain and Hungary.

Having moved to Sydney in 2009, he has continued to work and is the founder of The Sydney Turkish Folkdance Ensemble. He aims to introduce Turkish dance internationally.