Welcome to Celebrating Dance!  

Based in the beautiful seaside town of Torquay, Celebrating Dance is one of the UK's longest running and biggest Bellydance Festivals! 

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What to expect in 2023!

Get ready! We have announced Khaled Mahmoud and Khadijah but we have sooooo many more surprises to announce! We are set to have another amazing time ... as it isi the festival's 21st birthday ;)

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History 

Anna & Zara took over Celebrating dance festival in 2022 but both have been part of the Celebrating Dance family for many years, both as students and teachers. 

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As the new hosts, we would like to say that it is such a privilege to be asked to host the Celebrating Dance Festival and we are so grateful to the hosts and dancers who preceded us and appreciate all their dedication to Celebrating Dance Festival.

 

Afra al Kahira started the festival in 2001 shortly after she and her husband, John, moved to North Devon. Afra soon realized that there was a growing dance community which had very little access to quality workshops from top teachers. So, she decided to rectify the matter and Celebrating Dance was born! 

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In 2016, after 16 wonderful years, Afra and John handed over the running of the festival to Nikki Livermore.  Nikki brought her passion for live Egyptian music and drumming and grew the variety of teachers and workshops on offer.

Live drumming is something we hope to continue. We now plan to always have great drumming at our shows.  

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A little more about the hosts

Anna and Zara created ‘Online Zoom Hafla’ to support Cairo Artists during the pandemic.  They have produced 16 events so far and supported over 75 Source artists!  They are so excited to bring the energy & ethos from Cairo live and in person to Celebrating Dance Festival.

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