Performer FAQ
Updated 2/23/17
What are the elements of being a professional, in any field? Belly Dance Off honors, showcases, and supports professional bellydancing, bringing dancers and audiences together to learn what this means. Participation in Belly Dance Off is an unprecedented opportunity for those who are making a commitment to themselves as artists and professionals. It is a collaborative investment between all involved. For example, dancers are featured on the poster and all media, and a professional video of the performance is included with registration, giving them powerful assets to reach new opportunities. Reciprocally, all dancers are expected to invest time and energy in promoting early and often, and mobilize supporters to be at the show, and cheer them on! They are also expected to respond to emails in a timely manner, arrive on time, wear a professional costume, train hard, and other general protocols of professionalism. If you're committed to rapid professional development in all areas, from talent to media assets to audience building and fan growth, this is a perfect opportunity for you!
Read below for details on music, performance requirements, judging, competition process, and more.
Read below for details on music, performance requirements, judging, competition process, and more.
Music
1. What kind of music/set will I perform?
The music style is Arabic and all music is played live. Feel free to express your dance to this music however you like. All dancers perform one set consisting of their song randomly drawn from a hat, plus an improvised drum solo. Sometimes there is also a separate 1-2 minute taqsim before the drum solo. Check the guidelines of your particular show. Total set length is 7-11 minutes.
The music style is Arabic and all music is played live. Feel free to express your dance to this music however you like. All dancers perform one set consisting of their song randomly drawn from a hat, plus an improvised drum solo. Sometimes there is also a separate 1-2 minute taqsim before the drum solo. Check the guidelines of your particular show. Total set length is 7-11 minutes.
2. So I have no idea at all what song I will dance to until I perform?
This event is centered on education and discovery for both dancers and audiences. Depending on the event you participate in, all possible songs that will be drawn from the hat may be listed here so you can study them in order to prepare. These songs are classics played by many Arabic bands worldwide. Through your preparation you will likely become very familiarity with these songs -- a great asset when working with live musicians in the future!
This event is centered on education and discovery for both dancers and audiences. Depending on the event you participate in, all possible songs that will be drawn from the hat may be listed here so you can study them in order to prepare. These songs are classics played by many Arabic bands worldwide. Through your preparation you will likely become very familiarity with these songs -- a great asset when working with live musicians in the future!
3. How can I prepare for how the band will play my song?
The bands that perform in Belly Dance Off have many other shows and events you can attend. If you're in their area, going to their shows is the best way to get to know their music. Additionally, you can search for various recordings of the listed songs. Often, each has variations in structure and instrumentation. The band that you'll perform with will also have its own variation (i.e. repeating or not repeating certain phrases, or omitting sections to shorten). Therefore, it is not suggested to prepare specific choreography. The art of improvisation, the magic of making it appear as a polished performance, is what Belly Dance Off is all about! Be prepared to respond to whatever you hear. Belly Dance Off organizer(s) and affiliates are not responsible for variations in the way your song or set is played by the band.
The bands that perform in Belly Dance Off have many other shows and events you can attend. If you're in their area, going to their shows is the best way to get to know their music. Additionally, you can search for various recordings of the listed songs. Often, each has variations in structure and instrumentation. The band that you'll perform with will also have its own variation (i.e. repeating or not repeating certain phrases, or omitting sections to shorten). Therefore, it is not suggested to prepare specific choreography. The art of improvisation, the magic of making it appear as a polished performance, is what Belly Dance Off is all about! Be prepared to respond to whatever you hear. Belly Dance Off organizer(s) and affiliates are not responsible for variations in the way your song or set is played by the band.
4. How is the song drawn from the hat?
When your category opens and opening announcements/activities are completed, your performance will be announced in the order determined backstage. We then ask a member of the band or audience to randomly draw a song out of the hat for you and announce clearly on the mic. Your name is then re-announced and your performance begins.
When your category opens and opening announcements/activities are completed, your performance will be announced in the order determined backstage. We then ask a member of the band or audience to randomly draw a song out of the hat for you and announce clearly on the mic. Your name is then re-announced and your performance begins.
Performance Requirements
5. Are there categories relating to different levels of experience?
Between 2012 and 2016 we ran two categories, Rising Star and Pro. We've since reverted back to our original format with no categories. Participation now requires a minimum of at least 30 public performances as a soloist, paid or unpaid. In the application you'll be asked to list the events or venues you've performed and their cities, number of times performed in each, and date of first performance (month/year). Your list may reflect more than 30 performances, but only 30 are required. Consider this list a useful exercise – it can be posted on your website and/or resume (if not already).
Between 2012 and 2016 we ran two categories, Rising Star and Pro. We've since reverted back to our original format with no categories. Participation now requires a minimum of at least 30 public performances as a soloist, paid or unpaid. In the application you'll be asked to list the events or venues you've performed and their cities, number of times performed in each, and date of first performance (month/year). Your list may reflect more than 30 performances, but only 30 are required. Consider this list a useful exercise – it can be posted on your website and/or resume (if not already).
6. Are there age requirements? Are only women allowed?
There are no age or gender requirements except that a participant under age 18 must obtain permission from a parent or legal guardian (form provided upon registration).
There are no age or gender requirements except that a participant under age 18 must obtain permission from a parent or legal guardian (form provided upon registration).
7. Are props allowed, or required?
Zills and/or veil in your performance are completely optional. No other props are permitted.
Zills and/or veil in your performance are completely optional. No other props are permitted.
Performance Logistics
8. When I'm not onstage do I stay in the back, or can I watch the show?
You're welcome to watch any and all parts of the show when you're not onstage. There are several places where you'll need to be prepared to be onstage, so please always be findable inside the venue. Onstage appearances take place:
You're welcome to watch any and all parts of the show when you're not onstage. There are several places where you'll need to be prepared to be onstage, so please always be findable inside the venue. Onstage appearances take place:
- When you perform
- One-by-one at the end of your category, entering as your bio is read
- All together at the end of the show for award announcements
9. Do I need to be in costume for all appearances?
Yes please, though you may secure your veil if you wish during judge feedback. Immediately after you complete your performance, the emcee will join you onstage for judge feedback. You're welcome to pick up your veil at this point, and wrap yourself with it. If you leave it behind, we'll bring it to you.
Yes please, though you may secure your veil if you wish during judge feedback. Immediately after you complete your performance, the emcee will join you onstage for judge feedback. You're welcome to pick up your veil at this point, and wrap yourself with it. If you leave it behind, we'll bring it to you.
10. How does this live judge feedback work?
Immediately after you finish your set with the band, please don't exit. The emcee will join you onstage for judge feedback. Simply find your spot and receive the helpful feedback. In receiving this feedback, we commend you on your commitment to your dance and determination to grow artistically. Once feedback has completed, the emcee will cue you to exit.
Immediately after you finish your set with the band, please don't exit. The emcee will join you onstage for judge feedback. Simply find your spot and receive the helpful feedback. In receiving this feedback, we commend you on your commitment to your dance and determination to grow artistically. Once feedback has completed, the emcee will cue you to exit.
11. The live judge feedback sounds really scary for me. I'm not sure this is good for me?
Yes, this process deviates significantly from traditional competitions, and anything new can seem scary. However, unlike the judges on TV reality shows, Belly Dance Off judges are dedicated to providing helpful feedback and insights that you can immediately begin implementing to improve your next performance. Participating dancers report that this interactive feedback is far more useful than trying to read and interpret written judge comments on a score sheet.
Yes, this process deviates significantly from traditional competitions, and anything new can seem scary. However, unlike the judges on TV reality shows, Belly Dance Off judges are dedicated to providing helpful feedback and insights that you can immediately begin implementing to improve your next performance. Participating dancers report that this interactive feedback is far more useful than trying to read and interpret written judge comments on a score sheet.
12. When are winners announced?
All winners are announced at the end of the show.
All winners are announced at the end of the show.
13. Can I get access to my scores?
Absolutely. Just email Suzanna after the show. Your column of scores will be copied and pasted as an image directly from the file. Ranking among other performers is also available, only by request.
Absolutely. Just email Suzanna after the show. Your column of scores will be copied and pasted as an image directly from the file. Ranking among other performers is also available, only by request.
14. Is my participation announced publicly?
Yes. Upon registering, you will provide photos and bios which will be used on event advertising. Celebrate this moment and use these materials to promote yourself as an artist!
Yes. Upon registering, you will provide photos and bios which will be used on event advertising. Celebrate this moment and use these materials to promote yourself as an artist!
15. Do I need a ticket for myself, a family member, a friend?
You do not need a ticket to enter the event (of course!). However, ALL accompanying guests will need to have tickets.
You do not need a ticket to enter the event (of course!). However, ALL accompanying guests will need to have tickets.
Winning
16. What do I get if I win?
Belly Dance Off ensures this is a rewarding experience for all participants, regardless of who wins the title and prizes. We celebrate the journey of dancers on a quest for their personal best, and we assert that every dancer who participates is already a winner. All dancers are showcased in a full scale show with professional lighting and a live band, and on all advertising beforehand. They are also provided professional photos and video. Three of the six competing dancers in the Open round will advance to the Championship, based on the three highest total average scores. No winner is declared in this Open round. In the Championship round, the dancer with the highest total average score becomes the champion for that year, and receives the title, trophy, award sash, gorgeous tiara, and cash! Additional prizes may also be awarded as sponsorships permit.
Belly Dance Off ensures this is a rewarding experience for all participants, regardless of who wins the title and prizes. We celebrate the journey of dancers on a quest for their personal best, and we assert that every dancer who participates is already a winner. All dancers are showcased in a full scale show with professional lighting and a live band, and on all advertising beforehand. They are also provided professional photos and video. Three of the six competing dancers in the Open round will advance to the Championship, based on the three highest total average scores. No winner is declared in this Open round. In the Championship round, the dancer with the highest total average score becomes the champion for that year, and receives the title, trophy, award sash, gorgeous tiara, and cash! Additional prizes may also be awarded as sponsorships permit.
17. Who votes and how are scores determined?
Each individual audience member (age 8 and over) receives a scorecard with a sequence of scores, 1 (lowest) - 5 (highest), printed next to each performer. Audience members circle one score next to each performer name. Judges also score the dancers anonymously using the same scorecard, printed on a different colored card from those for audience members. After all performers have danced, our data divas sweep the room, collecting all scorecards. Scores are carefully entered and tallied by our data divas, and cross-examined for accuracy. For each dancer, a total mean average is generated from all scores entered. This means that variations in the number of people in the audience during your performance (or those choosing to participate in scoring at all) have no effect on your outcome either way. Whether 50 votes or 500 votes, your final score is the mean average of all scores given. Judge scores count for 15% of each dancer's total average score; audience scores count for 85%. All finalists/winners are announced and awarded at the end of the show.
Each individual audience member (age 8 and over) receives a scorecard with a sequence of scores, 1 (lowest) - 5 (highest), printed next to each performer. Audience members circle one score next to each performer name. Judges also score the dancers anonymously using the same scorecard, printed on a different colored card from those for audience members. After all performers have danced, our data divas sweep the room, collecting all scorecards. Scores are carefully entered and tallied by our data divas, and cross-examined for accuracy. For each dancer, a total mean average is generated from all scores entered. This means that variations in the number of people in the audience during your performance (or those choosing to participate in scoring at all) have no effect on your outcome either way. Whether 50 votes or 500 votes, your final score is the mean average of all scores given. Judge scores count for 15% of each dancer's total average score; audience scores count for 85%. All finalists/winners are announced and awarded at the end of the show.
18. Since audience votes count for 85% of the outcome, does that mean a dancer can improve her chances by just bringing a bunch of friends and family?
Certainly this can improve her chances, but many other factors also influence how an audience member votes. Historically, we've observed that significant attendance among friends and family is just one of many variables. Audiences at Belly Dance Off have been known to take their voting responsibilities seriously, carefully considering judge feedback and multiple factors. Thus, dancers are expected to bring support to their show not only to improve chances of winning, but to embrace the opportunity to be seen in a prestigious environment and build their fan base in the long run. Promoting is an essential component of being a professional artist in any field.
Certainly this can improve her chances, but many other factors also influence how an audience member votes. Historically, we've observed that significant attendance among friends and family is just one of many variables. Audiences at Belly Dance Off have been known to take their voting responsibilities seriously, carefully considering judge feedback and multiple factors. Thus, dancers are expected to bring support to their show not only to improve chances of winning, but to embrace the opportunity to be seen in a prestigious environment and build their fan base in the long run. Promoting is an essential component of being a professional artist in any field.
19. How are judges selected?
Each event consists of three judges, of which two are established leaders and seasoned experts of belly dance with live music, and one is an expert in performance from another field. This third judge gives us a fuller perspective and illuminates universal principles of an entertaining performance. Judges are rotated throughout the years, thus each judge panel is unique!
Each event consists of three judges, of which two are established leaders and seasoned experts of belly dance with live music, and one is an expert in performance from another field. This third judge gives us a fuller perspective and illuminates universal principles of an entertaining performance. Judges are rotated throughout the years, thus each judge panel is unique!
Participation Options
20. I've registered for the Open, but now discover that I cannot go through with my participation. Can I get a refund on my registration fee?
The registration fee is non-refundable unless the event is cancelled.
The registration fee is non-refundable unless the event is cancelled.
21. I've participated in Belly Dance Off before, but didn't win (yet). Can I participate again?
You may participate in Belly Dance Off as often as you like. There are only a few restrictions for finalists and champions. There is much to be gained by repeat participation. You become stronger – at least seven Belly Dance Off winners so far are returning performers! And the audience, judges, and community experience much inspiration by witnessing your journey and growth.
You may participate in Belly Dance Off as often as you like. There are only a few restrictions for finalists and champions. There is much to be gained by repeat participation. You become stronger – at least seven Belly Dance Off winners so far are returning performers! And the audience, judges, and community experience much inspiration by witnessing your journey and growth.
22. I've participated in Belly Dance Off, and became a finalist! Now what?
If you win a round and become a finalist, you're only restricted from participating in the other rounds held that same year. Currently, with just one Open round per year, there is no opportunity to do this anyhow. Just standby and prepare to compete in the Championship of that year. If you win the championship title of that year, congratulations and see the guidelines in #21 below if you'd like to participate again in the future. If you don't win the championship, feel free to return next year or anytime, and knock their socks off!
If you win a round and become a finalist, you're only restricted from participating in the other rounds held that same year. Currently, with just one Open round per year, there is no opportunity to do this anyhow. Just standby and prepare to compete in the Championship of that year. If you win the championship title of that year, congratulations and see the guidelines in #21 below if you'd like to participate again in the future. If you don't win the championship, feel free to return next year or anytime, and knock their socks off!
23. I've participated in Belly Dance Off and won the championship! Can I come do it again?
Congratulations, and sure! Rising Star Champions of previous years may return to compete anytime. Pro Champions may return only after three or more years from their year of championship.
Congratulations, and sure! Rising Star Champions of previous years may return to compete anytime. Pro Champions may return only after three or more years from their year of championship.
24. Which event can I participate in?
The Open round. Currently, Belly Dance Off runs just one Open round each year, with six dancer spots available. From this Open round, three dancers advance to the Championship.
The Open round. Currently, Belly Dance Off runs just one Open round each year, with six dancer spots available. From this Open round, three dancers advance to the Championship.
Good luck! Please remember that regardless of the outcome, your greatest reward is the personal best you achieve by preparing for this, and the opportunity to expand, learn, and increase your visibility in the broader arts scene.