The French can have May, but April now belongs to the seductive dances of the Middle East. For the entire month of April Hong Kong will play host to the first Raqs Hong Kong Belly Dance Festival, bringing in some of the most famous names in the Oriental dance form.

Hong Kong's own belly dancing princess and Chairman of the HK Belly Dance Association, Liina Cheung, has put together an exotic and bustling belly-baring festival. Under the instruction of world-renowned belly dance instructor and Eyptian dance legend, Mahmoud Reda, Liina has shimmied and shaked her way to becoming Hong Kong's best, and only, certified belly dance instructor personally trained by Reda. The Egyptian master arrives to judge the 1st Hong Kong Belly Dance Competition on Sun 11 (2pm-5pm, Dance Culture Association, Richmond Plaza, 20/F, 496 Jaffe Rd, Causeway Bay).

Mahmoud Reda, named "Egypt's answer to Fred Astaire" by CNN this January, will also conduct master workshops in his signature choreographies. For those looking to get certified, the dance master will even be offering a post-workshop assessment where participants can try for certification.

Also performing is Mario Kirlis and his troupe of legendary musicians and dancers from Argentina; they will be offering workshops in mixed Spanish-Oriental dancing, which adds a somewhat more sensual twist to the art of hip-shaking. Big name local dance artists will also take to the stage, specialising in hip-hop, tap, flamenco, musical theatre, and jazz dance. In addition to this introductory trial workshops will be offered for all, in collaboration with Liina Cheung's belly dance introductory lessons.

The highlight of the event for wallflowers and those of us with two left feet will be two nights of shows at the Jockey Club Auditorium (Sat 24-Sun 25, $580-$180; www.urbtix.hk) when the famed Arabic music master from Argentina, Mario Kirlis, takes to the stage with his musicians and dance troupe of belly dancing superstars. With this marriage of Egyptian and Spanish dance, the time is now to warm up you midriff and get gyrating.

Andrew James

The Raqs Hong Kong International Belly Dance Festival runs from April 8-May 2. For more information visit www.hkbellydancefestival.com. Tickets for all events can be purchased through Urbtix.hk, 3128 8288.