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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
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.
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
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
SHANNON
Shannon
Coming all the way from USA we have beautiful dancer Shannon
USA
Rikki
Rikki
Excited to be back for a third year, Rikki's seated classes are a Festival Favourite, offering creative movement and exercise sessions for all mobilities.
Fresh from leading a live, seated dance taster as part of World Parkinson's Day she has some new ideas and props for dancers to enjoy.
UK
RACHAEL
Shannon
Coming all the way from USA we have beautiful dancer Shannon
UK
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
