Dancing Down the Rabbit Hole: A Magical Journey with Bellydance Evolution
Last weekend, I had the honour of performing in a production that was nothing short of magical, Bellydance Evolution show – Alice in Wonderland, held at the Darebin Arts Centre. As a dancer and creative, it’s rare to be part of something that blends excellence, heart, and imagination so seamlessly, and this show delivered all that and more.
What made this experience so extraordinary wasn’t just the exquisite costumes or the world-class choreography; it was the incredible cast of 30 talented dancers I had the privilege to work alongside. Under the masterful direction of Jillina Carlano and Luna Poumian, we came together from different countries, cities and backgrounds to create something unforgettable.
Preparation for the show began well before we stepped foot in the theatre. We spent weeks learning the choreographies online, practicing independently, and submitting videos to receive personalised one-on-one feedback from the creative team. This virtual approach allowed us to show up prepared, polished, and ready to dive deep into the live rehearsal process.
And we did dive, with four intense days of rehearsal, we worked as one team, supporting, syncing up and adapting, laughing, and growing together. Jillina and Luna created the perfect conditions for collaboration: open communication, clear direction, and an environment of respect and encouragement. It’s rare to feel such genuine connection and camaraderie in such a short time, but that’s the magic of dance, and of leadership that empowers.
I was so proud of all our dancers and especially our Melbourne Pro Team members, Elena, Laura, Carla, Apsara, and I, Josie, who auditioned and were cast in the show!
When the curtain rose, we brought Alice in Wonderland to life, not just through collective movement, but also through shared storytelling. Every character, every transition, every moment on stage felt charged with purpose. And the audience at Darebin Arts Theatre were completely enthralled. We could feel their energy and awe from the stage and it reminded us why we do what we do.
✨ My favourite moment? “Down the Rabbit Hole” is a piece that captures the surreal beauty, chaos, and enchantment of Alice’s journey. It felt like being suspended between worlds, and dancing it with this extraordinary cast was a true highlight of my performance career.
To Jillina, Luna, and every dancer who poured their heart into this production, thank you. You’ve inspired me, stretched me, and reminded me what’s possible when talent meets trust and collaboration.
Until the next magical adventure… 💫
Josie
