2008 Belly Dancer USA™ Rules and Information

NOTES:

Please take note of possible music penalties. 

A veil is NOT considered a prop.

Zills are not required, but suggested.

Bollywood music is NOT Middle Eastern music.  India is in Asia, not the Middle East.

If you question your music, please contact Mezdulene@jareeda.com

Competition Categories:

Apprentice-2 yrs or less exp. and has not performed for money or taught. 5 min. Middle Eastern music only. NOTE! There is a 50 point penalty if you use non-Middle Eastern Music in this category. $30 Entry.

Hobbyist-2 or more yrs. exp. Does not perform for money on a regular basis and does not teach. Non-professionals. Middle Eastern music only. NOTE! There is a 50 point penalty if you use non-Middle Eastern Music in this category. 6 min. $30 Entry (Props OK)

Goddess-45 years or older, any exp. 7 min. Middle Eastern music only. NOTE! There is a 50 point penalty if you use non-Middle Eastern Music in this category. $30 Entry (Props OK)

Alternative Music Non-Professional- Open to all dancers from beginner to hobbyist to use music other than Middle Eastern.  NOTE! There is a 50 point penalty if you use Middle Eastern Music in this category.  Dance should consist of mostly Middle Eastern dance movements, but movements from other dance forms can also be used. Props allowed. 6 min. $30 Entry

Alternative Music Professional- For teachers and professionals to use music other than Middle Eastern. NOTE! There is a 50 point penalty if you use Middle Eastern Music in this category. Dance should consist of mostly Middle Eastern movements, but movements from other dance forms can also be used. Props allowed. 7 min $35 Entry

Seven Veils- any experience. Open to all dancers. Any style of music allowed. 7 veils must be used during performance. Veils must be 2.5-3 yds long and at least 36” wide. 7 min. $30 Entry

2008 Bellydance Duet USA- 8 min. For all levels of dancers performing as a duet. Both dancers must be dancing through entire performance except for short transitions. Middle Eastern Music w/some “alternative music ” allowed. $40.00 entry

2008 Bellydance Troupe USA- 10 min. For all levels of dancers performing as a troupe/group (three or more performers). All dancers must be dancing through entire performance except for short transitions. Middle Eastern Music with short “alternative” music allowed. Middle Eastern Music w/some “alternative” allowed. $35.00 1st member and $10 each additional member.

2008 Belly Dancer USA™- Professional Category (male or female) 10 min. Middle Eastern music only. Promotes or advertises self as a teacher or professional performer. NOTE! There is a 50 point penalty if you use non-Middle Eastern Music in this category. $50.00 Entry

2008 Belly Dancer USA
Rules and information

ENTRIES
1. Deadline is June1, 2008.
2. Entries accepted on first come first serve basis until category is full.
3. Dancers may enter more than one category.
4. Categories without 3 or more entries, may be canceled.
5. There will be no refunds after the deadline.
6. All applications, forms, contracts, releases, monies, etc. must be signed by competitor and received by The Belly Dancer U.S.A. Competition or its staff, before being accepted into any category in the Competition.

7. You can register on-line, but a hard copy of registration must also be mailed.

MUSIC
1. Two CDs or cassette tapes needed with only competition music on them, labeled with name and category. Tapes need to be cued!
2. There will be no live music except for troupe members who are actually dancing while playing an instrument.
3. Time limits for each category are the maximum allowed. A 10 second grace period will be given, after which the contestant’s music will be faded out.
4. If a contestant exceeds the time limit and grace period, she/he will be fined 20 points.
5. Music must be Middle Eastern except in Alternative music categories & some of Troupe/Duet or 50 point penalty will be fined.

DANCE POSITIONS
1. Dancers must check in with contest staff at least one hour prior to their category. A confirmation letter will give the approximate times.  (Remember times are approximate.)
2. Dancers will draw numbers for their dance position prior to their category.
3. If a dancer is not present at the time of the drawing, she/he will go first.
4. If a dancer is not ready to perform in his/her designated time slot, they will be fined 50 pts.

COMPETING
1. Dancer may start on or off the stage.
2. Dance will be performed entirely on stage. If a dancer leaves the stage, he/she will be fined 50 points.
3. Sponsors will disqualify with no refund any contestant who appears intoxicated or is behaving in a manner that may be harmful to other contestants or contest staff.
4. Sponsors will disqualify with no refund any contestant who mistreats staff or others involved in the competition. Bad behavior will not be tolerated.
5. All participants of the Belly Dancer U.S.A. 2008 Competition authorize the use of photos and video for educational and promotional purposes.
6. Winning competitors agree to use the title of their category correctly for publicity purposes.
7. Competitors assume all responsibility and liability for themselves and all personal property.

JUDGING
1. Contestants will be given their scoresheets after awards have been presented in their category.

2. Scoresheets are available for review before competition.

VENDORS
1. 10x12 space $125. One table $75.
2. Deadline for vendors is May 25, 2008. (Space is limited).

PRIZES
Over $2,500 in prizes will be awarded. Prizes will be a variety of belly dance supplies, including costuming, music, gift certificates, etc.

VIDEOS: No recording of dancers is allowed by private parties.  People caught recording/videotaping will be asked to either surrender camera or to leave.  This is the rule, and it will be enforced.

LODGING: The Mill Casino in Coos Bay/North Bend, Oregon.  Special rates are available for our group.  For more information, go to www.themillcasino.com

AIRPORT and transportation: The nearest airport is North Bend, Oregon.  There is free shuttle service provided by The Mill Casino. 

DIRECTIONS: Please see www.themillcasino.com for complete driving directions.