Belly Dance Competition 2026
BELLY DANCE COMPETITION
Belly Dance Spa Retreat 2026
The Belly Dance Competition is one of the highlights of our Spa Retreat weekend.
It is a beautiful opportunity for dancers to step on stage, challenge themselves, share their passion and celebrate their growth as performers.
Whether you are a student taking your first competition steps or an experienced dancer looking for inspiration, this competition is designed to support your artistic journey in a friendly and encouraging environment.
Our goal is not only to award winners, but to create a space where dancers can shine, learn and connect with others who share the same love for Raqs Sharqi (Belly dance).
The competition takes place during the retreat weekend and the finalists will perform on stage during our Gala Show on Friday and Saturday.
We welcome dancers from across the UK and beyond to join this celebration of dance, artistry and dedication.
Why Join the Competition
Participating in a competition is not only about winning.
It is about setting a goal, preparing with intention and celebrating your growth as a dancer.
The stage can become a powerful moment in your dance journey — a moment where you share your passion, your hard work and your unique artistic voice.
Many dancers say that preparing for a competition helps them grow faster, gain confidence and discover new layers in their dance.
At Belly Dance Spa Retreat we aim to create a supportive and inspiring atmosphere, where every dancer feels encouraged to step on stage and shine.
Whether this is your first competition or one of many, we would love to welcome you to be part of this experience.
Competition Format
This year we are introducing a clearer structure and more categories.
However, as we still have limited time during the event, the semi-finals will take place online. Only 6–7 finalists from each category will perform live on stage in the finals.
In short, the competition consists of two stages:
- Online Qualification Round
Participants submit a video performance in their chosen category (up to 20 participants per category, up to 4 min. performance video). - Live Final at the Retreat
Selected finalists will perform live on stage during the Spa Retreat weekend (only 6-7 finalists, up to 3 min. performance).
Competition Categories
We have listened to feedback from previous years and are introducing a clearer structure with different styles and levels.
Categories may include:
• Drum Solo (open level)
• Oriental/Mejance/ Classical Song – Beginners
• Oriental/Mejance/ Classical Song – Intermediate / Continuing dancers
• Show Belly Dance (open level)
• Folklore/Traditional dance (open level)
• Belly Dance Diva 45+ (open level)
IMPORTANT! The final list of categories will depend on the number of registrations.
If a category receives insufficient registrations it may be merged with another category or cancelled.
Click here to apply:
Fill this form for Competition & Open Stage
Who Can Participate
This competition is open to:
• Belly dance students
• Professional dancers
• Teachers presenting their choreography or their students
• Dancers who simply wish to challenge themselves and perform
Participants must perform a choreography related to Belly Dance.
Judging
Participants will be evaluated by an experienced panel of judges based on:
• Technique
• Musicality
• Choreography
• Stage presence
• Overall artistic impression
The jury’s decision is final.
Important Notes
The organiser reserves the right to:
• merge categories if necessary
• cancel categories with insufficient participants
• move participants between categories if required
If a category is cancelled, the participation fee will be refunded.
Competition Entry Fees
The competition is divided into two stages:
1. Online Qualification Round
All participants start with a video submission.
This stage allows the judges to fairly evaluate all dancers and select finalists.
Participation fee:
• £10 – for Full Event Package holders (per category)
• £20 – for external participants / Saturday pass holders (per category)
2. Final Round (Live Performance)
Selected finalists will be invited to perform live on stage during the Gala Show.
An additional fee applies for finalists, as performances will be judged again live and detailed feedback will be provided.
Final round fee:
• £20 – for Full Event Package holders (additional £10 to pay)
• £40 – for external participants (additional £20 to pay)
All participants (online & final) receive:
• Scores from each judge
• Personalised feedback to improve their dance
• Opportunity to perform on stage (for finalists)
Ready to Perform?
Join us and take the stage at the Belly Dance Spa Retreat 2026.
✨ Step into the spotlight
✨ Celebrate your progress
✨ Share your passion with the community
Click here to apply:
Fill this form for Competition & Open Stage
FAQ
Applications will open soon via an online form.
To apply, please fill in the registration form and answer all required questions. The form will be hosted on Google Forms.
Please make sure to:
• provide your correct phone number (with WhatsApp) so we can contact you if needed
• include your email address
• answer all questions in the form
• submit the music you plan to perform to
Please also describe your costume and performance concept in the form if requested.
Once your application is submitted, you will receive further instructions.
Yes, absolutely.
Our competition is open to dancers of different levels, including students and beginners who would like to challenge themselves and gain stage experience.
Some categories are designed specifically for beginners and intermediate dancers.
Yes, you can still participate in the competition.
However, participants who have purchased a Full Event Package or Day Package for the retreat receive a 50% discount on the competition entry fee.
External participants are welcome but will pay the standard competition fee.
You can find the full pricing details on the Competition Entry Fees section of this page.
Performances will be evaluated by an experienced panel of invited judges who are teaching and performing at the festival.
The judging will take place during the online qualification round.
Judges will review all submitted videos and provide scores and written feedback for your performance.
This feedback will later be shared with participants via Google Drive.
The main prize of the festival is a free Full Event Package for the next year's Belly Dance Spa Retreat.
Additional prizes may include:
• gifts from our festival sponsors
• special awards from the organisers
• other surprises that will be announced closer to the event.
All participants will receive an official competition certificate.
If your video is selected by the judges, you will be invited to perform live on stage during the retreat weekend.
Only 6–7 finalists per category will perform in the live final.
This is a wonderful opportunity to perform in front of an audience and our professional judging panel.
