Newcastle Bellydance Festival: Neo Drum Solo Performance and Workshop
Marta Hackett on stage at the Luminous Show
My first year attending the Newcastle Bellydance Festival was an exhilarating experience that I’ll cherish forever. The atmosphere was electric, filled with dancers and enthusiasts who shared a passion for this beautiful art form.
I opened my performance with a taqsim, allowing myself to connect deeply with the music. The audience’s silence spoke volumes as together, we absorbed every note, and in that moment, I felt completely in tune with my surroundings. Transitioning into the drum solo was pure joy; the vibrant rhythms ignited my spirit, and I couldn’t help but lose myself in the dance. It was a powerful reminder of why I love this art so much—the ability to express emotions and connect with others through movement.
The feedback from my fellow dancers was heartwarming. One dancer came up to me after the show and said:
"You are the Shahrazad of Australia.”
While at the festival I also led a workshop focused on my fresh perspective of the classic drum solo. It was wonderful to see so many enthusiastic dancers eager to learn and explore new techniques. The energy in the room was infectious, and I loved sharing insights that helped each participant find their unique voice. We laughed, we danced, and together we embraced the spirit of creativity.
The Newcastle Bellydance Festival was an incredible celebration of our community, and being part of it was a true highlight of my journey as a dancer. I left feeling inspired and grateful for the connections we forged through our shared love of bellydance.