Hips Don't Lie - Belly Dance Festival,

About the event

The Hips Don’t Lie Belly Dance Festival (HDL) is an international celebration of belly dance, culture, and community, held annually every March in Nottingham, UK.

What began in 2022 as a small local dance showcase has rapidly grown into one of the UK’s most exciting and diverse cultural dance festivals. Today, HDL attracts over 100 dancers and performers from across the UK and around the world, bringing together audiences who share a passion for movement, artistry, and cultural exchange.

The 2026 edition (13th–15th March) will feature a 3-day program of:

• Workshops led by world-renowned belly dance stars, including Jinhee Kim (South Korea), Julia Farid (Italy/Ukraine), and Ariel Khalih (Brazil).

• A thrilling competition that gives rising stars the chance to shine on an international stage.

• A spectacular gala show featuring breathtaking performances from global artists.

• Unforgettable after-parties where dancers and audiences connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories.

HDL is more than just a festival — it’s a vibrant platform for creativity, cultural diversity, and empowerment. It celebrates the artistry of belly dance while building bridges between communities, inspiring dancers of all levels, and offering audiences an immersive cultural experience filled with energy, beauty, and joy.

Why should you sponsor?

Sponsoring the Hips Don’t Lie Belly Dance Festival (HDL) is more than just a marketing opportunity — it’s a chance to align your brand with creativity, cultural diversity, and a passionate, growing international community.

1. Connect with a Targeted, Engaged Audience

• Over 100 international performers and hundreds of attendees from across the UK and the world.

• Audience demographic: 18–40, culturally engaged, creative, and socially active. Mostly women

• Strong digital reach across Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and dance networks worldwide.

2. Be Part of a Growing Success Story

• Started in 2022 as a small Nottingham showcase, now expanded into a 3-day international festival.

• Annual growth in attendance, recognition, and media reach.

• Sponsors can join at a key moment in the festival’s expansion and grow alongside the brand.

3. Showcase Your Brand in a High-Energy, Positive Space

• Unique opportunities for on-site product activation, sampling, and direct engagement.

• Prominent brand visibility through stage banners, workshops, competition, and gala shows.

• Association with an uplifting, empowering, and artistic experience that leaves lasting impressions.

4. International & Local Impact

• Global performers from South Korea, Italy/Ukraine, Brazil, and beyond.

• Strong local ties to Nottingham with community workshops, partnerships, and local business engagement.

• Sponsors benefit from both international recognition and local cultural goodwill.

5. Flexible Sponsorship Options

• From headline sponsorships to in-kind contributions, HDL offers customizable packages that fit brand goals and budgets.

• Opportunities include naming rights, product placement, social media campaigns, branded awards, and exclusive partnerships.

Marija Zinkevica

Marija Z is a passionate belly dance artist, teacher, and event producer based in Nottingham. With years of experience in the dance world, she has dedicated her career to celebrating movement, cultural diversity, and artistic expression.

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