Cara Griffin is an award-winning dancer, teacher and choreographer based in Townsville, North Queensland. Cara is our 2020 AusMumpreneur QLD-NT Creative Arts Business Silver Award winner.

Since 1998 Cara has delved deeply into the studies of dances from Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, India, Brazil, Cuba and Spain.

Cara is one of only a handful of full time professional dancers in Queensland. With over 20 years of teaching experience, she has a teaching style that is warm and inclusive focusing on technique, strength and flexibility while learning to remain in the moment.

Her choreographic works are both traditional and contemporary in nature. Honouring the roots of each dance while not being afraid to push the boundaries to create works of art in the true spirit of fusion. She has trained and performed alongside prominent dance and music artists throughout Australia, having choreographed for both stage and screen in various projects. Each choreography she creates is lush, delves deeply into the connection in ones self and with other dancers and has a spiritual essence behind the movements. She champions people to love the wonderful bodies they were given and embrace the joy of dance. Her dance company ‘Belly Dance Collective’ has been established since 2004. She is regarded as one of Australia’s leading Belly dance artists and champions body inclusive dance productions and classes. She recently expanded her world dance company to include Latin Dance after taking over directorship of ‘Movimiento’ and endeavours to bring the same successful programs she has facilitated predominately for Women, into a space for Men also. Her work focuses on the development of students on their dance journey, helping them achieve both their dance and personal wellbeing goals. She is also dedicated to the training of her teachers, elevating the art form, her work in the community and to inspire as many people as she can to embrace the joy of dance.

When did you start your business?

February 2004.

What was the inspiration behind starting this business?

Creating a space that is inclusive for everybody to dance, create and share.

What are you most excited about in your business?

Changing people’s lives by getting them back into their body.

What has been the most challenging thing about starting your business?

Having no previous model to compare to. It took me a long time to find mentors from around Australia to help me develop my business.

What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a business?

Ask for help!! Don’t be afraid to reach out and seek as much advice as possible.

Why did you enter the AusMumpreneur Awards?

To allow for greater awareness of Arts based businesses in regional Queensland.

What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?

The connection I made with the women from my local area.

What surprised you most about the awards?

The authentic connection and communication from the participants.

How did the awards help you in your business?

The awards created greater awareness of my business.

What advice would you give to others mums thinking about entering the awards?

Just do it!!

What’s happening next in your business? Any big plans for the future?

I’m currently working on a Cabaret show that will tour across Australia with the Fringe Festival circuit.

To learn more about Belly Dance Collective, please visit the website, Instagram or Facebook.

All images featured here are from Cara Griffin.


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