For over four decades dance has been the path, Tradition & culture has always been the destination
Every life has a thread.
Mine has always led back to the Middle East.
What began as family stories became a lifetime of music, dance, travel and human connection. For more than forty years, I have followed that thread across Egypt, Lebanon and beyond—learning from remarkable teachers, performing on stages throughout the Middle East and around the world, and building lifelong friendships through a shared love of culture.
Along the way, I became one of the pioneers of Middle Eastern dance in Sydney, helping the art form grow, gain recognition and find its place within Australian Multi cultural arts. Through teaching, performing and creating spaces where dancers could learn, connect and belong, I've had the privilege of watching an entire community flourish.
Today, my journey continues, though it has evolved beyond the stage. I share what I've learned through mentoring, workshops, performances, cultural tours and conversations that celebrate the music, history and traditions of the Middle East. Whether I'm standing in a classroom, walking through the streets of Cairo, or sitting over coffee sharing stories, my greatest joy is connecting people—not only with the dance, but with the culture and the people who gave it life.
Warmth, curiosity and genuine connection have always guided my work. I believe every dancer has their own story, and every journey begins with listening.
I invite you to follow mine—and perhaps discover a little of your own along the way.
Four decades of dance, culture & connection.
Read Amera's Story
Before there was a school, a boutique, international tours
or four decades of teaching, there was simply a young woman with an unshakable fascination for the music, people and culture of the Middle East.
Born into an Egyptian European family, growing up in Sydney
Australia, Amera grew up surrounded by stories of Egypt. Her grandparents' memories of Cairo, Alexandria and Port Said became part of her own imagination long before she ever set foot there.
When she finally returned to Egypt as a young dancer, it didn't feel like discovering somewhere new—it felt like coming
home.
Choosing dance wasn't the easy path. Coming from a traditional family, becoming a professional dancer meant stepping into an
unknown world.
Amera left home determined to follow her dream, living on very little while dedicating every spare dollar to classes, music and hand making costumes.
It wasn't glamour that drove her—it was an obsession with learning about the traditions of the dance.
Under the guidance of the legendary Rozeta Ahalyea, Amera
entered Sydney's Lebanese nightclub scene in the early 1980s.
It was an extraordinary time, dancing alongside Egyptian & Lebanese musicians & singers working until the early hours of the morning immersing herself dance but knowing how to truly listen to the music.
Those years became the foundation of everything she would later teach. That journey soon carried her across the world.
She performed throughout Lebanon during the civil war, worked in Jordan, Greece, Syria, Egypt, Oman, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, danced for sheikhs, royalty and visiting dignitaries, and immersed herself in the traditions of each country. Rather than simply performing, she sought out the great masters, studying with renowned Egyptian teachers, created music for belly dancers and absorbing the culture from the people who lived it.
Back in Sydney, in 1987 Amera opened a tiny shop beneath a nightclub on Enmore Road ( later to Marrickvill road) . With little more than paint, determination and a love for the dance, Amera's Palace was born. What began as a small boutique soon became one of Australia's best-known centres for Middle Eastern dance, music
and culture—a place where thousands of dancers found costumes, music, community and inspiration over the next four decades.
Throughout her career, Amera has remained committed to sharing authentic Middle Eastern dance with respect for its music, history and cultural roots. She has organised international workshops, brought celebrated Egyptian artists to Australia, led cultural tours throughout Egypt and Lebanon, and mentored generations of dancers who continue to carry the art form forward.
Today, Amera's greatest passion is much the same as it was when she first began helping people discover not just how to dance, but how to truly hear the music. Whether teaching, performing, mentoring or travelling, she believes dance is ultimately about connection—to culture, to community and to ourselves.
From Couture for the stage to the Beauty of the Beach
Fashion has always been woven into Amera's creative journey. Since Studying Fashion Technology in the mid -1980's. Founding & opening Amera's Palace in 1987.the first Belly Dance boutique in the Southern Hemisphere-she has designed costumes that celebrate movement, music and individuality.
Her creations have been worn by performers, featured on international stages. detailed costumes for entertainers, Mardi Gras icons, fashionistas and film stars.
A career highlight: hand-beading the intricate fringing on the Sydney 2000 Olympic costume worn by Kylie Minogue — alongside costume jewellery for Sass & Bide runway shows and contributing pieces for film productions including Moulin Rouge.
" Fashion has always been part of my creative journey."
"Today through my label Cave Woman Australia I support a collection of naturally sustainable beautiful clothing. Inspired by beaches, sunrises & sunsets, artisans I have met in my travels- every piece has been shaped by a love of craftsmanship, sustainability and storytelling "
Beyond the Stage
Away from the stage, I have a deep commitment to supporting Australian foster carers and the children and families they care for. As a foster carer for more than 20 years and an adoptive mum, this is a community very close to my heart. I continue to draw on my lived experience to support, encourage and advocate for those who open their homes and hearts to children in care.
The Journey Continues ...
Whether you're discovering Middle Eastern dance for the first time, travelling with me through Egypt & Lebanon , or joining one of my conversations, every experience is about connection, culture and community .