Özlem is not only gifted as a beautiful belly dance artist, she is also blessed with the ability of knowing how to pass this knowledge onto others who readily welcome it.
Her aim is directed at achieving optimum technique in one’s dance skills, refined mental and physical control, belief and confidence in oneself, and most importantly a safe space for the liberation of one’s inner self expression – the result is freedom.
She pays particular concerns to establishing and achieving very high standards in both her belly dance classes and teaching style and is extremely generous in sharing her knowledge and dance experience to aid students in comprehending the tasks required of them during lesson interaction.
Özlem proudly descends from and carries the traditions of her family of generations of musicians and artists. From parents to grandparents she has a mix of nationalities: Turkish/Cypriot and French. Her elegant dance style and natural expressive talents reflect the nobility handed down to her by her ethnicity.
Özlem has ten years of dance training behind her and discovered bellydancing from a very young age as part of her culture. Turkish Folk, Turkish Gypsy/Roman Havasi, Turkish Cabaret, Jazz, Funk, Cypriot Folk & Egyptian styles are a few of her areas of expertise. She trained primarily in Cyprus & Turkey, supplemented with workshops from such outstanding dancers as Serena & Hossam Ramzy of Egypt and Reyhan Tuzsuz of Istanbul.
She is a passionate performer known for causing her audience to be moved and inspired by her self expression.
Özlem has recently performed at the Mind, Body, Spirit Festival, and she is also retained by a number of secondary schools to teach workshops every term.
She recently provided a workshop for YWCA – body image project. The YWCA Project aims to support girls (aged 10-12) celebrate the diversity and capabilities of their bodies through a series of practical, creative and experiential sessions focussed on promoting and building positive peer relationships, positive body image, self esteem, self care and active recreational choices. Özlem supports this project by providing Bellydance workshops as part of the school curriculum in Geelong and metropolitan Melbourne.
Many people report a profound connection to themselves following taking up Özlem's classes, including weight loss, better moods, more confidence, strength & toned muscles.
Other companies she has provided a service for:
Workshop/Performance History
- Laverton Secondary college
- St XavierPrimary School, Geelong
- Hobson's Bay Nursing Centre, Altona North
- SouthKingsvilleCommunity center, Gateway Participation Day/Cultural Diversity
- Hilltop Age care Facility, Preston
- Eating Disorders Foundation of VIC
- Visy Cares Hub, Sunshine – ARTReach
- SydenhamCommunity center – World Disco Day, celebrating cultural diversity
- The GrangeCommunity Center - Come’n’try day
- Dove Neighborhood & learning center
- CASA House - charity event
- Mind, Body, Spirit festival 2007
- CERES - 8 Lee St, Brunswick
- Marcellin College, 106 Bulleen Rd, Bulleen – Graduation Boys college dinner party
- The Famous Blue Raincoat Café – Newport
- Baroq House - speed networking xmas party
- Masonic Centre, Moorrabbin - Turkish circumcision party
- Lauralicious Cafe, Sth Kingsville – ladies hens party
- Laverton Community Renewal, Women’s network group
- Parkville Nursing Home
- Brimbank Anglican Parish, fundraising event
- Harmony Day/Refugee Multicultutal Celebrations
- Glen Eira Auditorium, Rotary Club Charity Event – Middle eastern dance (OMEDA) bushfire recovery concert
- Darebin Arts Centre, Preston
- AltonaPrimary School
- AltonaSportsCenter, Altona - Disability group/National Volunteers Week
- ReservoirEastPrimary school
- Vision Dance studio, Hillside
- Supersonics singing & dancing school, Keilor
- Neighbourhood House, Box Hill South
- North Cyprus Turkish Festival, St Albans
- Altona Festival, Pier St
- Turkish Tulip Festival, Silvan
- Lavendar festival – Warratah, Warratina Lavender Farm
- Caroline Springs Primary & Day care center
With qualifications in a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition, a Certificate III & IV in Fitness & extensive training in Leadership and Management, Özlem is a profoundly passionate & dedicated artist.
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