Shimmying in Shanghai

In the physique: Guo Wei struts his stuff (right). Photo provided to Shanghi Star

Awaiting the great jig

Royal Ballet coming to Shanghai

"Belly dance doesn't have a strict requirement for one's body shape or ability. It's easy to start, whether you are four or 80 years old," Shao says, explaining the growing popularity of belly dance in China. An ordinary person can enjoy dancing very quickly. After a week's training, one will be able to dance to a complete song.

BDC estimates that in China alone there are more than 100,000 serious belly dancers. "Of course there are far more people taking belly dance lessons in the gym," says Shen Dao, a spokeswoman with BDC.

This will be the largest belly dance event in the world. The organizer has invested $1.5 million on the stage lighting, including some equipment never before used in China.

"We hired the production team for Madonna’s world tour and lighting designers for the internationally-touring musical Mamma Mia, in order to present a visual extravaganza," according to BDC.

The stage will be placed in the middle of the luxurious banquet hall in the five-star Kerry Hotel, where participants will enjoy the show alongside a fine dinner.

Master dancers from all over the world will host up to 85 workshops for participants.

Besides inviting dancers and dancing groups from all over the world, BDC will also present a Middle East bazaar at the event, to create an authentic cultural atmosphere.

Belly dance dates back more than 1,000 years. In the Tang Dynasty, Chinese culture made a great impact on the Middle East thanks to the Silk Road. "It's safe to say belly dance is the product of the fusion between Chinese and Middle Eastern culture," says Levitin.

Levitin is an American Israeli who has lived in China for more than a decade. "Because of his Middle Eastern background and his feelings for his homeland and China, he started to promote belly dance the world over in 2009, primarily focusing on the education of dancers in China," Shen says.