- Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition
Tonya and Atlantis
PO Box 5040
Playa Del Rey, CA 90296 USA
for info phone: 310-301-1568
or fax 310-305-8001
- In it's sixth year, in 1996 and held President's Day Weekend, 17-18 February at the Long Beach Elks Lodge, Long Beach CA. Limited entry in all categories; professionals, teachers, students, other contest winners, male or female. Contestants in all categories must provide good quality cassettes. Costuming is contestants' choice, but should be in keeping with professional standards. NO LIVE FLAME PERMITTED IN ANY PERFORMANCE. Entry fees: all categories, $60 (in 1996). Group category, $15 per person, $60 minimum. Categories and Requirements:
- Universal Category - One who is capable of performing in any situation regardless of staging, music and lighting or clientele. Enter 7 minute tape to include 4-4, 6-8, 9-8 rhythms. Cymbals must be played in at least part of the routine (not necessarily to the 6-8 or 9-8). Finalists will perform spontaneously to the live music of Al carabu (The Beatles). Winner gets $400 and a trophy.
- Egyptian Category - Enter 7 minute tape. Finalists perform to music direct from Egypt, composed by Mahmoud Abdou Zeit, with a spontaneous taped Drum Solo. Entrants will receive finals tape about one month prior to contest. Winner gets $300 and a trophy.
- Group Category - Two or more people with emphasis on creativity and choreography. No restriction on music or rhythm, but must be in keeping with the standards of La Danse Orientale. Enter 9 minute tape. Finalists will perform in the evening finals competition. Winner gets $300 and a trophy.
Preliminary and final rounds both open to the public. Vendors and workshops, evening celebrity shows; videos available of the contest. All cash prizes, trophies and titles.
- Belly Dancer of the Year Pageant
contact: Leea Azia of Bellydance!
1235 Boulevard Way
Walnut Creek, CA 94595
510-937-7852
Web site: http://users.aimnet.com/~bellydc/index.html
- Held for over 20 years, the pageant generally occurs the last weekend of May. The following four categories are filled first come, first served until allotted time for show is filled:
- Belly Dancer of the Year - Provided to give the well-qualified, professional dancer a title and credentials. 12 minute routine maximum, no minimum. $60 entry fee (in 1994); no age or gender restriction. Winner receives $500 cash and a trophy and presents awards the next year. First runner-up gets $200 and a trophy; third runner-up gets $100 and a trophy.
- Belly Dance Troupe of the Year - Provided to give a troupe of three or more contestants performing at all times, a title and the opportunity to perform on a full stage and in a well-equipped theater. 12 minute routine maximum, no minimum. $15 (in 1994) per person entry fee with no charge to a wardrobe attendant; no age or gender restriction. Winner receives $200 cash, a trophy and medals for each member; presents the awards the next year. First runner-up troupe receives $100 and a trophy; second runner-up troupe receives a trophy.
- Grand Dancer of Belly Dancing - Provided to give the mature dancer the opportunity to dance in a professional surrounding. 8 minute routine maximum, no minimum. $50 (in 1994) entry fee; no gender restriction but must be 45 years or older. Winner receives $200 and a trophy, stars in the Saturday night performance and presents the award the next year. First and second runners-up each receive a trophy.
- Belly Dance Duet of the Year - Provided to give the duet perfermers the recognition they deserve. 9 minute routine maximum, no minimum. $30 (in 1994) per person entry fee; no age or gender restriction. Winner duet receives $200 and a trophy and present the award the next year. First and second runners-up receive a trophy.
- Congeniality - Winner in each of the above categories receives a trophy.
Contestants may choose their own costuming and casette recorded music (no live music is used). No special effects are permitted in the interest of fairness except basic curtain, lighting and sound done according to the contestant's written instructions. Judging criteria: there are no compulsories; contestants may include floor work, zills, cane, sword, single/double veil and/or candelabrum etc. in their dance. The theater does not allow fire of any kind. Judges base their scoring on: appearance, poise (stage presence: posture, facial expression, etc.), dancing ability, originality, music interpretation, personality (this is based on gut reaction). Vendors and contest videos available.
- Belly Dancer USA Competition
Presented by: Jareeda and Oasis Dreams
For info contact: Mezdulene
PO Box 680
Sutherlin, OR 97479USA
503-459-3115
- (1995 Flyer) Competition Categories:
- Children - 3 min. Ages 12 or younger; $5 entry.
- Beginner - 5 min. 1.5 years or less experience. $15 Entry.
- Intermediate/Advanced - 5 min. 3.5 years or less experience. $15 Entry.
- Semi-Professional - 5 min. 3.5 years or more experience. $15 Entry.
- Goddess - 7 min. Open to dancers 45 years or older. $20 Entry.
- Specialty - 5 min. Soloists utilizing props throughout dance. $15 Entry.
- Alternative Music - 5 min. Soloists using Non-Middle Eastern Music. $15 Entry.
- !996 Belly Dancer USA: 10 min. Promotes or advertises self as a teacher or professional performer. $30 Entry.
- 1996 Belly Dance Troupe USA: 2 or more dancers 12 min. $10 per person.
Over $2,000.00 in prizes and trophies. Entries received on first come, first served basis until categories are full; dancers may enter more than one category; categories with less than 3 contestants will be canceled. There are no elimination rounds. All music must be on a cassette tape; there will be no live music except for troupe members who are actually dancing. Score sheets will be given to contestants after their competition to help dancers learn of areas in which they can improve. Vendors will be present and videos of contest available for sale.
- Corvallis Classic Belly Dance Competition
Sponsored by the Corvallis Belly Dance Performance Guild
write: Corvallis Classic
CBDPG
PO Box 1926
Corvallis, OR 97339
or phone 1996
Advertising: Maria Cavanaugh, 541-758-3365
Dancer Registration: Nancy Roehrich, 541-926-8418
Vending: Cheryll Mayer, 541-757-7937
- "This Belly Dance Classic is the oldest continuing contest in Oregon.
It was originally founded by the Albany Creative Arts Guild as "La
Danse Oriental" and has had various sponsors over the years. The
Corvallis Belly Dance Performance Guild became the sponsor in 1992 and
renamed it the "Corvallis Classic".
Dancers from all over the Western United States have participated in
past contests. We've even had participants from as far away as Texas
and Canada!
The CBDPG is a non-profit organization of dancers dedicated to the
preservation and artful presentation of this beautiful dance."(1994 info) In its 8th year in 1993, the contest is typically held in June. Categories:
- Children - 3 min. Ages 12 and under. $10 entry.
- Beginner - 5 min. 1.5 years or less experience. $10 entry.
- Intermediate - 5 min. 2.5 years or less experience. $10 entry.
- Advanced - 5 min. 3.5 years or less experience. $10 entry.
- Semi-Professional - 5 min. 3.5 years or less experience. $10 entry.
- Professional - 7 min. 3.5 years or more experience. Does not promote or advertise his/herself as a professional performer or teacher. $10 entry.
- Specialty I - 5 min. Open to nonprofessionals (performer may or may not have earned money through performances) and has no limit on dance experience. For use of props other than veil, or any unusual routine such as comic, sword, cane, tray, etc. Must utilize prop throughout dance. $10 per person entry.
- Specialty II - 5 min. Open to semi-professionals and professionals; no limit on dance experience. May or may not have earned money through performances. Prop type and usage, as above. $10 per person entry.
- Troupe - 10 min. 2 or more performers; at least 2 of the members must be performing at all times, except during short transition periods. $10 each for the first 2 troupe members, $5 for each additional member.
- Alternative Music I - 5 min. Open for Beginning to Advanced contestants performing to non-Middle Eastern music. $10 per person entry.
- Alternative Music II - 5 min. Open to semi-professional and professional contestants performing to non-Middle Eastern music. $10 per person entry.
All music must be on cassette tape; there will be no live music. Troupe members are allowed to have musicians as long as the musicians are dancing while playing their instrument. There are no compulsories; there are no elimination rounds. Score sheets are available for the contestants after their competition in order to help improve their performances. All prizes are in the form of gift certificates and gifts donated by local businesses. Along with these, first place winners receive a trophy; second and third place winners a ribbon. Vendors will be present; videos will be made and sold of the contest performances.
- Mr. and Miss America of the Belly Dance
Sponsored by Magana Baptiste
of the San Francisco Royal Academy of Belly Dance
730 Euclid Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94118 USA
415-387-68333
- Started in 1983, the contest typically takes place in the first part of August. Categories are filled first come, first served until allotted time is filled. Past winners may re-enter. Contestants may enter both categories but must pay the fee for each. Contestants must begin their routine within 10 seconds of the start of their music. Categories:
- Male and Female Solo - Provided to give the well-qualified professional dancer a title, exposure, and credentials. 5 minute maximum, no minimum. $60 entry fee. Both Mr. and Miss America of the Belly Dance winners receive $200 cash, $100 gift certificate at Magana's Bazaar Boutique, an appearance at the Gala Dinner, a Winner's Crown, a trophy, the title, and other awards announced later. First runners-up receives a $50 gift certificate at Magana's Bazaar Boutique and a trophy. Second runners-up receives a trophy and Magana's personal gift.
- Duo - Provided to give two contestants performing at all times, a title, exposure, and credentials. 6 min maximum, no minimum. $50 per person entry fee; no age or gender restrictions. Winning team receives $200 cash, an appearance at the Gala Dinner and a trophy. First runner-up gets a $50 gift certificate at Magana's Bazaar Boutique and second runner-up gets a trophy.
- Congeniality - wimmer receives a trophy.
The contestant's costuming is her own personal preference; and he/she may choose his/her own cassette recorded music; no live music is allowed for performances. No special effects are permitted in the interest of fairness except basic curtain, lighting, and sound done according to the contestant's written instructions. Contestants are judged on: dancing ability, musical ability and rhythm, personality and stage presence, creativity and originality, costuming and appearance, and entrance, exits and choreography. Vendors will be present; a week-long intensive series of master dance workshops are held with instructors such as; Dr.
o Geddawi, Ibrahim Farrah, Amaya, Delilah, Yasmena, and Aziz. All workshops are open to students at nominal charges. Contest videos will be for sale to contestants.
- Olympics Orientale
Sponsored by the Middle East Dance and Culture Association (MEDCA)
Contact: Carol Love
7210 NE 13th St.
Portland, OR 97211 USA
503-286-7679
- Started in 1978, the contest is typically held in late summer. Anyone who has placed first in a category in a previous Olympics is ineligible to compete in that category except the Specialty, alternative, Troupe and Masters categories. Categories are filled first come, first serve until allotted time is filled. An additional $7.50 is required for participation in each additional category if one is competing in more than one. Previous dance experience in other forms should be taken into consideration in determining 'equivalent experience'. Categories:
- Children's - 3 min. 12 years or younger. $15 entry.
- Teens - 4 min. 13-17 years old. $15 entry.
- Novice - 4 min. 1 year or less continuous dance instruction and regular practice. $15 entry.
- Intermediate - 4 min. 1--2 years of continuous dance instruction and regular practice. $15 entry.
- Advanced - 5 min. 2 or more years of continuous dance instruction and regular practice. $15 entry.
- Semi-Professional - 6 min. For the dancer who has advanced beyond the novice level and is performing for audiences. This category also includes anyone who has taught Belly Dance, even though they may not be performing. $15 entry.
- Professional - 7 min. For the dancer with extensive experience in performing for audiences and/or teaching and who has actively sought opportunities to perform for pay. $15 entry.
- Masters - 7 min. For the dancer who has previously placed first in the Professional category. $15 entry.
- Specialty - Level I - 4 min. For the dancer with experience less than the Semi-Professional level who makes use of a prop other than a veil. $15 entry per person.
- Specialty - Level II - 4 min. For the Semi-Professional or Professional level dancer who makes use of a prop other than a veil. $15 per person entry.
- Alternative Music I - 4 min. For the dancer with experience less than the Semi-Professional level who wishes to make creative use and adaptation of Middle East/Belly Dance movements to other types of music.
- Alternative Music II - 4 min. For the dancer with Semi-Professional to Professional level experience who wishes to make creative use and adaptation of Middle East/Belly Dance movements to other types of music.
- Troupe - 10 min. For two or more dancers. $25 per person entry.
The costuming is the contestant's choice. No special effects are permitted in the interest of fairness. The judges are made up of past Olympics winners and local Belly Dance teachers. The Mayors of Portland and Vancouver are asked to judge as guests. All first and second place winners receive trophies and all first, second and third place winners receive gift certificates from local businesses. Vendors are present. The entire show is *not* video-taped, but individual performance videos are available to the contestant for $5.
- Pacific Northwest Belly Dancing Contest
Sponsored by: Ruby Sowder and the Al Gawazee Dance Troupe
Contact: Ruby Sowder
10206 NE 50th Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98686 USA
206-573-2170
- Started in 1982, it occurs around the end of April/first of May. Categories are filled first come, first serve. The maximum number of contestants in Beginning to Alternative categories is 10. The Professional category will be no more than 15 and if there are less than 3 it will be canceled. Categories:
- Beginning - 4 min. 1.5 years or less of continuous dance instruction and regular practice. $10 entry.
- Intermediate - 5 min. Up to 3 years of continuous dance instruction and regular practice. $10 entry.
- Advanced - 5 min. 3--4 years of continuous dance instruction and regular practice. $12 entry.
- Alternative Music - 10 min. For the dancer who wished to make creative use and adaptation of Middle East/Belly Dance movements to other types of music. $20 entry fee.
- Semi-Professional - ? min. For the dancer with enough experience to be considered for a paid dance position but who has not built enough confidence in herself. $12 entry fee.
- Troupe - 12 min. $25 per person entry fee; fees may be less after 3rd member (contact Ruby Sowder for further info).
- Specialty - 7 min. Solos only. For dancers using a prop such as a veil, cane, sword, snake, etc. Contact Ruby Sowder for specific use of a veil allowed in this category. $10 entry fee.
- Professional - 10 min. For the dancer with extensive experience in performing for audiences. Rhythms such as 4/4, 6/8, 9/8 and polished drum solos must be part of her repertoire. $20 per person entry fee.
Costuming is up to the contestant. The contestant may choose his/her own music which must be on cassette tape. No live music may be used. No special effects are permitted, in the interest of fairness, except basic curtain, lighting, and sound done according to the contestant's written instructions. The Professional category has preliminary and finals rounds (the other categories have just the one round). Judging criteria: there are compulsories in performance; contestants must know certain movements at each level (contact Ruby Sowder for specifics). Zills are optional. Categories judged are: appearance, poise (stage presence), dance technique, dancing ability, originality, music interpretation, zills, personality, entertainment. Prizes: Beginning and Advanced winners are recognized with a certificate of Achievement.
Professional first place winner receives $100 cash and is requested to perform in the next year's contest. Second place winner receives $50 cash, third place receives a trophy. Specialty winners receive $50 cash; troupe winners receive $50 cash and Sesmi-Pro winner receives $25 cash. Vendors will be present; a workshop will be held the morning after the contest. Videos of the contest will be made available to contestants who supply their own video tapes.
- Wiggles of the West
Sponsored by Wiggle Hips Newsletter
Wiggle Hips-BDC
PO Box 20366
Sun Valley, NV 89433 USA
- The first contest will be held 13-14 July 1996 in the Reno, NV area. Judges have been selected from across the country, and some will be teaching associated workshops before the competition. There are 5 categories:
- Entertainer of the Year - For solists of advanced or professional status. $25 entry fee.
- Rising Star - For solists with 5 years of less of experience and who have not earned money dancing. $20 entry fee.
- Headliner of the Year - For dancers 45 years and older. $20 entry fee.
- Ensemble of the Year - For troupes of 2 or more dancers. $10 for first and second dancers each, $5 for each additional dancer entry fees.
- Wiggles and Giggles - For dancers doing a comedy routine with Belly Dancing. Soloists $20 entry fee; troupes $10 for first and second dancer each plus $5 for each additional dancer.
The competition is open to a public audience. Vendors will be present. For further contestant, vendor or advertising info, write to the address above.
