This week I wanted to highlight three upcoming Bay Area Belly Dance Festivals for Autumn 2019. I am still so happy and inspired from my memories of Carnival of Stars the weekend before last, and I can’t help looking forward to more ways to immerse myself in belly dance for a day or two! I hope this helps students plan ahead if you’d like to go.
BABDAMA’s Fabulous Fall Belly Dance Festival on Nov. 9, 2019
First up, the 2019 Fabulous Fall Belly Dance Festival put on by the Bay Area Belly Dance and Music Association (BABDAMA). This happens annually in Los Altos and it is always a wonderful afternoon of dance, music and of course belly dance related shopping.
This festival takes place on November 9, 2019 this year. But it’s the closest on to us on the Peninsula so that’s why I am putting it first.
BABDAMA’s Fabulous Fall Belly Dance Festival 2019 in Los Altos
Coastal Belly Fest on Sep 21, 2019
Just a little under 2 months away is Coastal Belly Fest in Santa Cruz on September 21, 2019. I have never been to this one because it always falls on the birthday weekend of one of my children, but I wish I could go!! I have known the dancer who produces it, Setareh, for many years and she is a beautiful dancer, amazing artist and a nice person too and I am sure this will be a great day celebrating belly dance!
Coastal Belly Fest in Santa Cruz on Sep 21, 2019
Sirens Fest Oct 3 -6, 2019 in Sebastopol, CA
Sirens Fest is a bit further away for us to drive to, but I felt it was SO WORTH IT when I went! If there is any way that you can make a day or a weekend of it, you will not regret it. This festival is produced by TerryAnne Guitierez who is am amazing dancer, choreographer and percussionist, and she also really knows how to throw a belly dance party!
It looks like Oct 3rd and 4th are workshops and one of the teachers is Leila Farid, whose Saidi clip we looked at last week. I’ve been lucky enough to take a class with her and she is an amazing, fun teacher, and really kind and down-to-earth despite her star status. My teacher Amina is teaching as well and she is also an incredible instructor with such a wealth of information to share. So I recommend that if you’re interested and can get up there during the week!
SirensFest Belly Dance Festival in Sebastopol, CA October 3 - 6, 2019
I hope that’s helpful for any of my students interested in attending a belly dance festival. I will share information about upcoming live music belly dance events in a future posts, because that is another great way to experience belly dance!
Happy Dancing,
Alisa