By Sheree Hoddinett
Share in a night of phenomenal costumes, sparkly entertainment, market stalls and food as Rhythms of Mayyada comes to life. Hosted by local dance and alternative arts studio, Belly Beats and Booty Buster, Rhythms of Mayyada on November 23 will see women from the Island, Caboolture, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane come together in a bright, bold and talented showcase.
Tia Wyatt is the extraordinarily talented woman behind the scenes at Belly Beats and Booty Buster. Her students have been working hard all year preparing for this event and can’t wait to hit the stage.
“If you’re looking for an upbeat, fun and alternative night out, we recommend coming to the show! This entire event supports small local businesses,” Tia said. “You can expect to see elaborate costumes, tribal dancers, sword dancing, silk fan veils and an array of alternative art and props. Our showcase is not only about displaying talents, but is most importantly about our student’s gaining confidence, taking opportunities and most of all body positivity.”
If you find yourself in the audience, you will get to see belly dancing, tribal artists, Bollywood dancers, hula hoop performers, beautiful market stalls and so much more. Seeing it all come together fills Tia with a great sense of achievement.
“Months and months of preparation goes into this event and I am always left feeling proud. Proud of our studio, but most importantly proud of our dancers,” Tia said. “Our performers are local, every day people. They are stepping out of their comfort zones and doing something for themselves and that deserves to be celebrated and cheered for! If we have an audience full of happy faces, that’s a huge bonus!”
With close to 100 women and children attending the popular belly dancing and booty buster classes each week, Tia highlights inclusivity as the best part of Belly Beats and Booty Buster.
“We welcome ALL ages and ALL sizes,” Tia said. “We are a community that makes people feel welcomed and accepted. We are a judgment free studio with no competition. We have also seen so many friendships formed over the years as well.
“Our classes run on weeknights, as well as the occasional weekend workshop. I would encourage all children and women to join because I think it is such an uplifting and supportive space to be a part of. We recommend everyone check out our Facebook or Instagram so they can see all our photos, videos and events. Then, if they decide they’d like to join in on all the fun they can just flick us a message or email to find out which class suits them best. I always welcome people with open arms and remind them not to feel nervous about joining as they’ll feel at home!”
For Tia, dance and movement is an important aspect in her life and it means so much for her to be able to share that experience with others.
“I think dance is underestimated for its ability to help one’s mental state,” Tia explains. “I see people daily enter our doors struggling with life’s challenges and they walk out feeling the exact opposite with a smile on their face. This doesn’t even cover the many exercise and health benefits it includes.
“Dance means the world to me because it doesn’t just take you out of your own head, it’s also a safe space, a place of expression, a supportive group and a space to meet new friends.”
More than just showing off their amazing talents, this year’s show also has a more poignant meaning for everyone involved.
“This year’s event, Rhythms of Mayyada, is in memory of the mentors and students we have sadly lost due to cancer,” Tia said. “Bribie business Mayyada Bazaar was where all of our belly dancing journeys began and this year, we sadly lost owner Leanne Griffith. In honour of her memory, our show is dedicated to her and hence the showcase name Rhythms of Mayyada, which will demonstrate our belly dance journey.”
Rhythms of Mayyada is on Saturday November 23 from 6pm at Morayfield East State School. For more information, join the event Rhythms of Mayyada via Facebook.
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