About Essence of Belly Dance

Essence of Belly Dance is a premier annual belly dance festival which includes a variety of workshops by some of the most notable dancers in the industry! We tie it all together with a star-studded gala, competition and awards ceremony celebrating diversity in our beloved art form!! Countless hours of pure Belly Dance! It is truly an experience! Whether you are new to belly dance or an experienced professional, you will walk away with a solid foundation to help you improve as a dancer. We hope you can join us.

Essence of Belly Dance 13 will take place Thursday, September 25 - Sunday, September 28, 2025. All workshops will be held at Doubletree Atlanta Dunwoody 4386 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA 30341 located in the Atlanta metro area conveniently near Buckhead, Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Doraville and the I-285 Perimeter, and just a few miles away from one of the top malls in the city, Perimeter Mall which offers plenty of lodging and dining options.

Weekend Overview:

Coming soon!

A Flashback at Essence of Belly Dance Artists over the years:

2010 - Ansuya 

2011 - Suhaila Salimpour

2012 - Aziza (Montreal) and Sera Solstice

2013 - Amar Gamal, Jill Parker, Mira Betz, Sadie

2014- Jillina, Sharon Kihara,  Issam Houshan, Louchia, Heather Aued,  Lauren Boldt & Danielo! Our 2014 featured the theatrical production Belly Dance Evolution: Alice in Wonderland!

2015 - Jill Parker  (USA), Leila Farid of Cairo (Egypt), Luna of Cairo (Egypt), Kami Liddle (USA), Sorraiah Zaied (Egypt), Tjarda (Netherlands), Petite Jamilla (USA),  Aziza Nawal (USA), and Issam Houshan (USA)

2016 - Madame Raqia Hassan (Egypt), Sorraiah Zaied (Egypt), Amy Sigil, Silvia Salamanca, Ranya Renee, Ebony Qualls and Issam Houshan

2017 - Mohamed Shahin (New York & Egypt), Suhaila Salimpour, Mira Betz, Colleena Shakti, Natalie Nazario, Andrus Ramir

2018 - Sadie, Victoria Teel, Kami Liddle, Mardi Love, Abby Keyes, Rachel George, Sabriye Tekbilek, Lebanese Simon and Suhaila Salimpour.  

2019 - Aziza of Cairo, Mohamed Shahin, Amy Sigil & UNMATA, Suhaila Salimpour and Arish Lam

2020 - (Virtual Only) Aziza, Anasma, Amar Gamal, Colleena Shakti, Donna Mejia, Ebony, Zoe Jakes, Rachid, Simon, Mahaila el Helwa, Rachel George, Ryan Yangochau, Isabella Salimpour, Suhaila Salimpour

2023 - Dina, Jillina, Khadijah, Zoe Jakes! and a special presentation of Belly Dance Evolution’s The Jungle Book!

2024- Ciana Ariel, David Calderon, Diva Darina, Drake von Trapp, Jacques al Asmar, Georges Lammam Ensemble