BELLY DANCE NATIONALS COMPETITION
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I have to be a Professional Dancer?
Dancers of all levels are eligible to compete. We are firm believers that all the technical prowess in the world cannot take the place of showmanship, stage presence, AND technique put together! There are many exquisitely talented dancers out there that need to be seen, just as much as the "well marketed" professional dancers. Come and compete - you will be judged on the complete package, not just your class lessons and performance schedule!
Is there a Fee to enter the Pageant?
Yes, there is a non-refundable/non-transferable registration fee that is required to hold your division slot(s). This fee covers the cost of the competition's organizational production, to include venue rental, advertising, printing costs, lighting and sound equipment, awards, judges and all other costs associated with the event. The Registration Fee is used to help defray those costs. It is very expensive to host such an event and registration fees are necessary to make sure that we deliver the level of service you have come to expect of us. We also recommend Sponsorship to help defray the costs of fees associated with the competition. Ask your local restaurant, office, work, friends, dance group, teacher, etc., to assist in the cost of your registration fee.
The Registration Fee also helps prevent frivolous applications. We take our event seriously and we hope that you do as well. The excitement around the Belly Dance Nationals Competition has generated a large amount of interest and everyone who works with the BDNC event are working artists themselves and dedicate time. Your application is much more than just an application - it is designed to provide professional and timely services to each contestant.
Who are the Judges? What is the Judging Process?
Judging panels will be selected from an array of experienced judges, previous compeition winners, and professional dancers.
The official category judging system is on a point scale of 1-10. Judges will have the freedom to evaluate the overall performance of the dancers, based upon criteria for each category. In all categories, special emphasis will be placed on the entertainment and marketing value. This in no way takes away from the technical aspect of the performances. Judges are looking for that special charisma and stage presence that top entertainers exhibit. Keep in mind: as important as it is to have your performance technically correct, it is even more important to keep it entertaining.
Scores. A scanned copy will be sent to the e-mail address provided on your Registration Form. You MUST elect in advance (checked on your registration form) to receive your scores or they will not be forwarded to you. If you request, they can also be mailed to you.
Is there a limit to the number of categories in which I may compete?
You may compete in all categories for which you qualify. You may only, however, enter once per category.
What sort of music media do you accept?
All music must be on a "compact disc" CD-R (no CD-RWs). Each file must have a label with contestant's (or group's) name and division. Example: Jane Doe, National Champion Category. Please bring at least two (2) back-up CDs for each performance. CDs must contain only the music being used for the category performance.
What forms of Payment do you accept?
You may pay by personal check, credit card, business check, or money order. Make all fees payable to: Elmishaal Dance. Upon receipt you will receive an email confirmation. We also accept most major credit cards online. A $30.00 ‘returned’ check fee is charged for each dishonored check.
What if I want to cancel my registration(s)? What is your Cancellation Policy?
All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If a participant cancels her registration in a division (regardless of the reason), payments cannot apply to another person nor to a different category.
Where is the venue? Is the competition event in the BWI Hilton hotel?
Yes. The competition will be held in the BWI (Baltimore Washington International) Hilton Hotel. This is the official hotel. For the contestants' convenience, rooms are offered at a discounted rate if they choose to stay in the official hotel.
Do I have to stay at the hotel?
For 2010, we are asking that all competitors stay at the host hotel (BWI Hilton). Registration fees vary based upon a hotel confirmation number. In our experience, staying in the host hotel helps make the weekend more enjoyable for you. Also, it helps the contestant liason do his job without having to find contestants in other hotels. In 2009, we experienced a few contestants having to leave the event venue because an important accessory of their performance was left behind! As a courtesy, we make special arrangments to provide a great hotel rate for you with our block of rooms. A special discount room rate is available for the contestants, families and guests. If this block is not utilized, it increases our costs, which unfortunately increases your costs.
Why are the competitiors' pictures and bios not available on your website?
We will be unable to provide a list of your fellow contestants. We want to maintain privacy among the contestants and ensure that everyone has a level playing field. We are doing everything we can to maintain the integrity of the process. We look forward to seeing you in November!
How do I know which judges are judging my category?
You won't! Even the judges do not know which categories they are judging until the day of the event. In order to keep judging as unbiased as possible, we will only be providing the official Judging Score Sheets in a sealed envelope at the Official Judges Meeting. In addition, judges are kept in a different area of the hotel to further assure that there will be minimal mingling between judges and contestants. Even at the Meet and Greet, judges are kept in a separate area and any dancers that evening will not be allowed to compete.
I'm excited! When will winners be announced and prizes given?
Winners will be announced and trophies and crowns will be given during our evening Gala Show and after the conclusion of Sunday's categories! Since some of our awarded prizes are custom (costumes, makeup, jewelry, clothing), all winners will be required to fill out a prize claim form to make sure that we have the correct sizing and makeup pallette information.
SOLD! Where do I register?
