The First International Belly Dance Congress – (Part 2)

Performances and night entertainment at the International Belly Dance Congress

The International Belly Dance Congress included three nights full of entertainment.
Threes night of belly dance shows that started ad 8pm and finished at 11pm, put on display some big talents in the belly dance scene, which reached the top with Randa Kamel’s performance on Sunday night. Randa was great, her shimmies were like earthquakes, and her energetic dance style impressed everybody.

I was particularly impressed also with the male belly dancers, Jim Boz and Khaled Mahmoud in particular. People usually think that belly dancers are only women and the majority are. However, there is a minority of male belly dancers and some of them are great.
On Saturday night the belly dance performances were followed by live Arabic music played by a traditional band; while on Sunday night we listened to Natacha Atlas and her band in concert. After the performances, it was great having the opportunity to boogie to belly dance music. The International Belly Dance Congress had its own theatre and night club, which were precluded to all the people in resort who were not attending the belly dance congress.

The International Belly Dance Congress – the venue

Holding the International Belly Dance Congress in Butlins has been a very good idea on the organisers’ part. I chose the half board silver option, which was very good value at 134 pounds per person, which included three nights accommodation and six meals (three breakfasts and three evening meals).

The food as well was quite good, as long as you did not expect five stars Michelin quality. There was plenty of choice, with healthy options available and very good desserts (of which hungry belly dancers, including myself, devoured two portions a night after a full day of dancing).
In Butlins not everything was perfect, of course. Some people complained, with reason, about the noise at night. Out of season the resort hosts several stag and hens parties, with people getting drunk and being noisy at night. Also, the dance studios were not great. Some were too small, or had carpet on the floor, which is not ideal for dancing, or were a bit grubby.
Altogether, even with a few downsides, I was very impressed with the International Belly Dance Congress, with the venue and with the value for money. I would definitely go again andI am looking forward to the next edition of the International Belly Dance Congress, which should be held on 26th, 27th and 28th of September 2008.

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