About

Cinnamon Twist Belly Dance is the Illawarra and South Coast’s longest continuously running centre for the study of Middle Eastern dance and contemporary belly dance. 

Artistic director and principal, Dr Virginia Keft is a proud Muruwari woman. She is a multi-disciplinary award-winning belly dance dance performer, artist, and educator. For more than two decades, Cinnamon Twist Belly Dance has offered the community high-quality, fun, and informative classes, workshops, performances, and cultural programs for diverse audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Virginia is known for her charismatic stage presence, down to earth teaching style, and in-depth knowledge around the history and culture of belly dance. She was inspired by both the practical and theoretical aspects of the dance and has studied, performed, and taught both nationally and internationally.

When she’s not belly dancing, Virginia is making art - she is a practicing artist, weaver, and sculptor. She spends time facilitating workshops in the community, and spending time with her two teenagers and their two dogs.

She holds the position of Producer, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and was recently named winner of the prestigious University of Wollongong’s Arts and Culture Award for 2023.

Virginia is committed to building strong communities in both art and dance spaces.