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Welcome to Celebrating Dance Festival
UK, TORQUAY
Dance, Learn & Laugh
Celebrating Dance brings you International Dance Artists and home grown talent for a weekend of pure Belly Dance Indulgence! Workshops, shows, parties, shopping and community all in a lovely hotel & Spa Resort!
Join us for 2026 with INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTAR Melissa Gamal from Canada and Rachid from the Neverlands!
AND LIVE MUSIC FROM CAIRO BAND - lead by keyboardist Mohamed Reda
We also have some of the BEST from UK
Find out more and book now for an UNMISSIBLE WEEKEND
PLUS THIS YEAR WILL MARK OUR 25th ANNIVERSARY
Let our hosts look after you
Full of energy and ready to make sure you have a great time,
meet your hosts for the weekend, click on their names to find out more:
ARABELLA
Anna, aka Arabella Belly Dance, is one of CD's much loved Co-hosts since 2022.
She performs and teaches a variety of Belly Dance styles plus some very fun Burlesque. Based in Bristol she is a pillar of the dance community with regular classes and showcases.
Arabella has under taken training in Cairo and is a qualified JWAAD teacher. She is a fun & loving teacher!
CO-HOST , UK
ZARA
Zara Dance is a much loved internationally renowned Egyptian belly dancer, based in Cairo! Though a star in Egypt, she is half British and every year flies into the UK for CD, which she has attended for years and been a co-host of since 2022.
She is a loved teacher always bringing fresh inspiration straight from Cairo!
CO-HOST, EGYPT
SANDRA
The very much loved Sandra, (also Zara's Mum) plays a pivotal roll in Co-hosting CD.
She helps with the over running of the event plus manages the souk and shopping area.
You can find her in the Souk with Zara's Zouk and the other stalls. She is always there for a natter and a cup of tea, PLUS she is always there to help!
CO-HOST, UK
Train with Amazing Teachers
We have an unbeatable line up of amazing teachers giving you workshops throughout the weekend.
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MELISSA
Melissa
Melissa is an award-winning dancer based in Toronto, Canada. Her fluid movement style and refined musical interpretation have made her an internationally admired Raqs Sharqi (bellydance) artist.
She is renown for her attention to technique as well as her knowledge of historical and cultural contexts.
CANADA
AHMED
Ahmed Henkesh is an amazing Egyptian Tabla palyer based in Spain
EGYPT/SPAIN
SHANNON
Shannon Bishop is a professional Egyptian-style bellydancer based in State College, Pennsylvania and the Artistic Director of Black Cat Belly Dance, the region’s only dance school devoted to Egyptian dance. Since 2006 she has been teaching Egyptian raqs sharqi as well as folkloric dances from Egypt and the Middle East. Shannon continues to study with leading dancers from around the world and regularly performs and teaches while sharing her love of Egyptian dance and culture with her students.
USA
RACHAEL
Rachael Borek is an Egyptian-style bellydancer and teacher based in Manchester, UK. She has been studying, performing and teaching Egyptian dance since 2008, and is known for her attention to detail and dedication to high-quality performances. Rachael teaches regular classes in Manchester and online, and continues to deepen her knowledge by studying with leading dancers and musicians from Egypt and the UK.
UK
RIKKI
Rikki
Thrilled to be offering innovative seated movement and exercise workshops for all levels of mobility in the anniversary year.
Rikki has been busy creating some fab new sessions for this year's Festival. Rikki's seated classes are a firm festival favourite bringing accessible exercise for everyone.
UK
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RACHID
Rachid Sashdi
is an internationally recognised male bellydancer known for his powerful stage presence and expressive Oriental dance style. Originally from Curaçao and now based in the Netherlands, he performs and teaches at festivals around the world, inspiring dancers with his musicality, energy and passion for the dance.
NETHERLANDS
MAGDY
Magdy Manga
a great musican from Egypt now based in Germany!
EGYPT/GERMANY
AMAL
Instagram superstar Amal from the Gul will be coming to tach at Celebrating dance festival. Bringing her beautiful vibes and fantastic Khalijee style dance classes
Come and learn Gulf dances from someone from the GULF!!
GULF / UK
TEE
Tee is a wonderful dancer based in London, known for her beautiful bellydance style and warm presence in the community. She is a familiar face at many events and festivals, often supporting and performing as part of the team. Tee is also a valued member of the Celebrating Dance team, making her an especially special guest teacher at the festival this year.
UK
MOHAMED
Mohumed Reda is a renowned keyboard player from a family deeply rooted in music. His father, Reda Saad, is a respected accordionist who performed with the legendary dancer Samia Gamal. Growing up surrounded by music, Mohumed developed his skills from an early age and has gone on to perform at festivals around the world. He is based in Cairo, where he also runs his own recording studio.
EGYPT
GHANEM
Singer Ghenam is originall from Sirya is an amazing singer who worksh around the world at bellydance festivals
He is ready to wow us with old to new hits from across the arab world!
ALGERIA/GERMANY
SUNNY
SUNNY
Back for another year due to popular demand
everyone at CD loves him and his fun and spicy dance routines and emotional stretch sessions
plus book yourself a massage with him
UK
SUHANA
Suhana is a bellydance performer and choreographer based in Oxfordshire, UK. She is known for organising the popular Cashbar Café haflas and dance weekends in Oxford, supporting dancers across the UK community. Suhana also performs with her troupe and has been teaching bellydance for many years.
UK
Guest Performers:
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Rebekah
Rebekah began her bellydance journey eight years ago and quickly discovered a deep connection to the art form. Guided by teachers including Nadia, Eleanor Gaywood-Allott, Charlotte DeSorgher and Aziza, she has developed a thoughtful and expressive dance style. Known for her musicality and growing stage presence, Rebekah was awarded 1st place at the Celebrating Dance Festival competition, where her performance and audience connection impressed the judges.
UK
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KIM
Kim Maria discovered bellydance after taking her first class in her mid-30s and has been passionate about the dance ever since. Influenced by teachers including Lea Smith, Charlotte Desorgher, Aziza of Canada, Lebanese Simon and Florence LeClerc, she is known for her expressive style and love of musical interpretation. Kim was awarded 3rd place at the Celebrating Dance Festival competition, where her performance and improvisation showcased her unique style and proved her to be a top UK Dancer!
UK
Join our Competiton!
Our competition is designed to challenge, inspire and celebrate dancers at every stage of their journey. From beautifully crafted choreography to the excitement of live improvisation - WITH THE LIVE BAND, it’s an opportunity to grow, perform and connect with a supportive community of dancers.
“I wanted to push myself to new levels — and it worked.”
— Moselle, 2nd Place Winner
Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself, gain valuable feedback from respected judges, or simply experience the thrill of performing on the Celebrating Dance stage, our competition is an unforgettable part of the festival.
“Winning helped me realise I am enough.”
— Kim Maria, 3rd Place Winner
Stay in the 3* TLH Toorak Hotel
With Breakfast and Dinner Included
Our venue is the beautiful 3-star TLH Toorak Hotel, in Torquay!
Enjoy accommodation and Aztec Leisure,
so don't forget your bikini as well as your belly dance belt!
Not only that,
accommodation packages, which start at £375,
include: Breakfast and a 3 course Evening Meal, and the Festival!
Perform in our evening shows
Once you have booked you can apply to dance in our haflas! Either as a solo or as a troupe!
APPLICATIONS FOR 2026 OPEN on 20th July
Become Part
of the Celebrating Dance
FAMILY
When you come to Celebrating Dance you become Part of the Family.
We are welcoming to EVERYONE no matter your age, ability, how long your have been into dance, where you are from and how you identify
KNOW WE WELCOME YOU and want you to be part of our family!
Our Values and Goals
Inclusion
We want you to know we Welcome EVERYONE at Celebrating Dance
Diversity
We are dedicated to ensuring diversity at our festival
Support Source
We aim to support and host source dancers as much as possible
Value For money
We aim to give you an all round amazing bellydace weekend at a price affordable to all
