Gothla Is Ten!

We've made it through to ten Gothlas, a gothic (nominally, but really more alternative) bellydancing festival held annually in Leicester since 2007. Planning started in the summer of 2006. We really didn't know if we would get any punters.

There was absolutely no startup funding and has been run on something of a shoestring ever since. The organisers do it for love rather than remuneration. This year, two other organisers left the team as well as me. It will be interesting to see how, or if, the event survives.

Gothla runs on an immense amount of goodwill and sense of community. In the early days, we struggled to find venues, especially for the souk. One year, the place which we were going to use, had simply closed down. Since I was the one who lived locally, it fell to me to find somewhere else. I am eternally grateful to Hemant Parekh (Hems), who offered us the floor above his restaurant, Brazillia, on Belgrave Gate. 

As the festival has become more popular and better known, we were able to move into other premises. The Y Theatre near the railway station has hosted us for six years now. Workshops are held there and at dance studio 79 down the road. We use the theatre for the Friday showcase performance. A small, but beautifully formed souk operates in the bar.

Many people look forward to Gothla as an opportunity not only to attend workshops with attested practitioners of the art of alternative bellydance, but also to meet up with old friends from year to year and to enjoy like minded people. Open Stage has been a major attraction and pulls in many amateur performers. Dancers can get used to performing in front of a large supportive and non-judgemental audience.

And then there's the cookies. Carrie N of Brutal Bellydance, has made us gluten free cookies and brownies for the last three years which she share freely with the Gothla-goers. This year, she made a gluten-free vegan birthday cake, pictured. Yes, in the shape of a skull. Never mind that. It was flavoured with fruit and fruit juice and tasted absolutely delicious. All gone in a day.