CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS
Share Your Knowledge and Join the Al Raqs Conference 2026!
What is the contribution about?
Do you have unique insights, research, or experiences to share within the world of belly dance? The Al Raqs Conference is calling for contributions! Whether you’ve worked on a fascinating project, conducted research, or have expertise to offer, we want to hear from you. Submit your video (max 7 minutes) and join a global conversation.
This is your chance to showcase your work, connect with a wider audience, and be part of an exciting event. Don’t miss out—submit your contribution by 16th January 2026.
What topic can you submit?
We accept any contribution that fits within one of the following categories:
- History & research
- Culture & Heritage
- Growth & Resilience
- Teaching & Training
- Marketing & Business
Your contribution should discuss a topic related to one of the categories; it can be your own experience, your own research, a project you have worked on and got interesting results, something you have studied, or something related to your expertise.
We do not accept contributions that are promoting/advertising your business. We take a right not to publish contributions that aim to attract new customers (such as advertisements for classes, workshops, or festivals).
Important! Only registered participants can submit their contribution.
Contributions from conference participants of 2026
Looking Beyond Little Egypt: Feminist Book Recommendations
Find the early wave of proto-feminist bellydancers with Juniper’s book recommendations. While most dance research and received wisdom supposes that second wave feminists led the first widespread bellydance craze, we should look deeper into the past. How much have audiences and dancer’s views of bellydance changed since the Columbian Exposition of 1893?
About Juniper Nichols
Juniper Nichols teaches and performs raqs sharqi in Aotearoa New Zealand. Originally from California, she initially learned Bay Area cabaret style bellydance from Sahar of Santa Cruz, moving on to fusion forms with Crystal Silmi, and so many more wonderful tutors over the past 20 years and more. Juniper has always been a bibliophile, and considers reading to be one of the greatest contributing factors to her own personal growth and understanding. Visual art is another of her professions and pastimes, lately turned to the purpose of illustrating dancers to fundraise for Gaza.
On counting in oriental dance
Linear counting 1-2-3-4 does not help in our dance and buries it under a shallow understanding of rhythm. Further reading: https://www.fanoosmagazine.com/post/on-counting-and-other-musical-mathematics-in-oriental-dance
About Walladah
Walladah is a dancer, singer, musician, teacher, researcher, improviser, choreographer, photographer, film maker and an eternal student of art. From a family of traditional artists, she has also studied European traditions of music and been member of various Western European music choirs and of music and dance collectives exploring Mediterranean folk arts. She originates in both Greece and Turkey and learned the dance since early childhood. Walladah has been systematically studying the traditions of oriental dance since October 2005 and has a degree in Turkish and Contemporary Asian Studies.
Ready, Set, Rates!
The Question:
How do we elevate the client’s perspective of the performing artist for the outcome of more respect, better opportunities and higher compensation? How do we help instill these practices in our arts communities and hold each other accountable?
About Gloria
Gloria Lanuza is a performance artist, educator, and producer dedicated to advancing global arts as a unifying medium for peace and understanding. Empowered by dynamic arts experiences from an early age, Gloria is committed to excellence in craft, authentic representation, and engaging creative aesthetics. She believes that thoughtfully crafted performing arts experiences can open minds, touch hearts, and spark meaningful dialogue. And that honest creative expression has the power to change the world. Through her production company, GLO Unlimited, Gloria focuses on event and concert bookings while continuing to collaborate with a wide range of local and international dance and performance artists.
SUBMISSION FORM
Submit until 16th January 2026.