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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