Drum Solo – Rhythm Queen Category

Drum Solo – Rhythm Queen Category

This category celebrates musicality, precision and connection with the rhythm.

It is open to belly dancers who want to showcase their ability to interpret drum accents, rhythm changes and dynamic musical moments.

Participants will perform a drum solo choreography highlighting strong technique, musical interpretation and stage presence.

Format

The competition will take place in two stages.

1. Online Qualification Round
Participants submit a video of their drum solo choreography.

Up to 20 dancers may enter the qualification round.
The top 6–7 dancers will be selected to perform in the final.

2. Live Final at the Spa Retreat Gala Show
Finalists will perform live on stage during the Saturday Gala Show at the Belly Dance Spa Retreat.

Live Drum Solo Final with Saiidi Beats

The Drum Solo final will be performed with live percussion by Saiidi Beats, an Egyptian-style drumming group based in Nottingham.

For the final round, the musicians will prepare three different drum solo compositions. These tracks will be shared with the selected finalists in advance so they can familiarise themselves with the rhythms and prepare their choreography.

However, the dancers will not know which composition they will perform to until the moment they step on stage. One of the three tracks will be selected randomly for the final performance.

This format keeps the excitement and spontaneity of dancing with live musicians while allowing dancers time to prepare and connect with the music.

Performing with live drummers creates a powerful artistic dialogue between dancer and musician and is often one of the most memorable highlights of the entire festival.

Key Rules

• Maximum performance time: up to 3 min. for semi- finals and 2 min. for finals with Saiidi Beats
• No props allowed
• The choreography must include multiple rhythm changes (minimum three different rhythms)
• The performance should demonstrate clear musical interpretation of drum accents

Who Can Participate

This category is open level and welcomes:

• belly dance students
• semi-professional dancers
• professional dancers

All dancers who love drum solos and rhythm interpretation are encouraged to participate.

Important Notes

The organiser reserves the right to:

• merge categories if necessary
• cancel categories with insufficient participants
• move participants between categories if required

If the category is cancelled, the participation fee will be refunded.

Apply for Drum Solo

Competition registration will open soon.

Watch Last Year’s Winning Performance

Letizia Mateo – Rhythm Queen Drum Solo winner at Belly Dance Spa Retreat 2025.