Belly dancing evokes exotic locations and ancient cultures, but the beauty of the tradition will be on display right here in Wollongong from September 18 to 20.

Local belly dance school Cinnamon Twist is hosting the Wollongong Belly Dance Festival, featuring Ukrainian international guest artist Marta Korzun.

Festival organiser Virginia Keft-Kennedy, who runs Cinnamon Twist Belly Dance, said the festival would bring together dance communities from around Australia to celebrate the diverse traditions of belly dance, folkloric Middle Eastern dance and its modern fusions.

"We have belly dance aficionados travelling from far and wide to learn from belly dance mega-star Marta Korzun," Keft-Kennedy said.

"We are confident that our international guests will love Wollongong as much as we do."

On Saturday, September 19, a market bazaar and festival showcase, featuring a variety of stalls and all-day dance performances, will be held at The Builders Club, Wollongong, from 11am-3pm. Entry is $2, under 5s free.

Then on Sunday, September 20, belly dance fans will experience the old-world glamour of belly dance with Yalla Habibi: Golden Nights! at The Builders Club, featuring Korzun and Australia's best belly dancers. Tickets cost $60, including meal.

The festival will feature traditional and modern belly dance with over 32 hours of workshops led by talented teachers and choreographers.

Keft-Kennedy wants to encourage people to have a go at belly dancing, an art form embraced by women of all shapes and sizes.

"To anyone who has seen belly dancing and thought 'I've always wanted to try that, it looks like fun" well now here's your chance."

The festival also marks the 10th anniversary of Cinnamon Twist. Keft-Kennedy began the school with two classes a week. It now boasts 20.

Tickets, information: bellydancefestival.com.au