About Essence of Belly Dance
Join us for an unforgettable celebration of belly dance at Essence of Belly Dance 13, taking place Thursday, September 25 – Sunday, September 28, 2025! This premier annual festival brings together world-renowned instructors for a diverse lineup of workshops, empowering dancers of all levels to grow and refine their craft.
Experience the magic with a star-studded gala, thrilling competition, and prestigious awards ceremony, all honoring the beauty and diversity of belly dance. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned performer, you'll leave with invaluable skills, inspiration, and lasting connections.
All workshops will be held at the DoubleTree Atlanta Dunwoody (4386 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA 30341), conveniently located near Buckhead, Brookhaven, Dunwoody, and Doraville. Enjoy easy access to top-tier shopping and dining at Perimeter Mall, Phipps Plaza and Lenox Mall just a few miles away.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the Essence of Belly Dance—we can’t wait to welcome you!
Weekend Overview:
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! Plus 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
