About Us
Tais Derbasova is a multi-award winning international Bellydance instructor, performer and choreographer, based in Auckland, New Zealand. She has studied under internationally renowned teachers and choreographers of Oriental Dance. Her previous training in gymnastics and ballet help her today to incorporate the fluid motion and natural rhythm into her performances and choreographies.
Since moving to New Zealand from Russia in 2007 she started up her own Belly Dance School "ARABELLAS BELLY DANCE”.
She regularly travels around New Zealand and overseas with workshops and performances sharing her extensive knowledge and passion with Belly Dance with others.
Tais is also the artistic director of the renowned professional Bellydance Troupe Arabellas. The troupe regularly performs at festivals and other major events throughout New Zealand and internationally.
The troupe has performed in numerous major events, shows and festivals all over New Zealand as well as Australia, Egypt, Russia, Europe and Asia.
Some of the appearances include the Rugby World Cup 2011, the Coca Cola Christmas in the Park, WOMAD Festival in New Plymouth, Diwali Festival, Auckland’s International Cultural Festival, Auckland Fringe Festival, Indian Weekender’s Awards, India’s 70 Years Independence Day.
Arabellas has also appeared on popular New Zealand TV shows on TV ONE, TVNZ, Maori TV and TV3.
Arabellas' team of dancers is vibrant, enchanting, and fascinating. It captivates the audience with their style full of grace and charisma. Their performances are full of colour, energy and fun!
Arabella is multi award winning dance school, It is directed by Tais Derbasova, an internationally acclaimed Bellydance instructor, performer and choreographer, one of the top bellydancers in New Zealand.
Arabellas teach public group belly dance classes on the North Shore. They also specialize in Fusion dance in Indian Bollywood and Flamenco.
In April 2016 they won the first place at Viva Eclectika 2016 Intercultural Dance and Music Competition.
In June 2016 Arabellas troupe had an honour to perform in front of the New Zealand Prime Minister.
In 2020 they were the winners of the Award 'Cultural achievements in the Russian Community' based on the online voting, which was organized by Russia-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce.
Arabellas Troupe
Tais Derbasova
Bellydance performer/Choreographer
International bellydance instructor/Judge
Founder/Artistic director of Arabellas Bellydance
