Stories
Festival announcements and line-ups, competition results, new schools and projects, music and costume releases, and important developments across the community.
Stories · 21 September 2026
Puerto Rico Bellydance Fusion Fest 2026: San Juan Sets the Stage for a Three-Day Dance Weekend
San Juan is preparing for three days of belly dance, fusion, workshops and performance this autumn. Here is what has been officially announced for Puerto Rico Bellydance Fusion Fest 2026 - including the competition deadline, workshop line-up and the details dancers should know before making plans.
By Raqs Atlas team
Stories · 19 September 2026
Zaghrouta Explained: The Joyful Arab Ululation Heard at Weddings and Celebrations
You may hear it before you see the bride, in the middle of a dance, or at the exact moment a room erupts in celebration: that unmistakable high, trilling cry of joy. Meet the zaghrouta - one of the Arab world’s most instantly recognizable sounds of celebration.
By Raqs Atlas team
Stories · 18 September 2026
Tahtib: Egypt’s Living Art of the Stick
Is it a dance, a game, or a martial art? Tahtib is a little of all three - and that is exactly what makes this Upper Egyptian tradition so fascinating. Here is how to recognize it, understand its cultural roots, and see the difference between community Tahtib and the staged stick dances belly dancers often encounter.
By Raqs Atlas team
Stories · 17 September 2026
Baladi: How to Hear, Feel and Dance an Egyptian Progression
Baladi is one of those words you meet everywhere in Egyptian culture - and in dance, it opens the door to a wonderfully grounded, musical conversation.
By Raqs Atlas team
Stories · 16 September 2026
Best Belly Dance Veils for Beginners: How to Choose the Right Veil + Recommended Options
A good veil should feel like an extension of your movement, not something you have to fight. This beginner-friendly guide explains the most important differences between silk, chiffon and other lightweight fabrics, how to choose the right size, and what to look for before buying your first belly dance veil.
By Raqs Atlas team
Stories · 5 August 2026
Welcome to Raqs Atlas: The Global Home of Belly Dance
Discover Raqs Atlas, the global belly dance platform for history, dancers, music, festivals, community and professional booking.
By Raqs Atlas Team