Performer FAQ
Updated 11/20/19
Belly Dance Off honors and showcases belly dance in a professional entertainment environment, and participation in Belly Dance Off is an unprecedented opportunity to make a commitment to oneself as a professional artist. Belly Dance Off takes place in two events per year -- one open round in the spring followed by an end-of-the-year championship. The open round consists of six competitors, from which, three dancers advance to the championship. As a baseline, dancers are expected to respond to emails in a timely manner, arrive on time, train hard, wear a professional costume, and other standard protocols. In addition, the open round application requires two professional promo shots and describing one's professional and publicity goals. Winning and prizes are a small part of Belly Dance Off compared to the professional growth opportunities available to all dancers. High quality performance video and photos are provided along with lots of publicity and incisive expert feedback for rapid development. And by participating, you're also supporting audience education and the public elevation of the belly dance art form!
Read below for details on music, performance requirements, judging, the competition process, and more.
Read below for details on music, performance requirements, judging, the competition process, and more.
MUSIC
1. What kind of music and set do the dancers perform?
The music style is Arabic, played by a live band. Feel free to express your dance to this music however you like. All dancers perform a set consisting of their song randomly drawn from a hat plus an improvised drum solo. In some sets there may also be a 1-2 minute taqsim between the song and drum solo. Check the song list for your particular show. Total set length is 9-11 minutes.
The music style is Arabic, played by a live band. Feel free to express your dance to this music however you like. All dancers perform a set consisting of their song randomly drawn from a hat plus an improvised drum solo. In some sets there may also be a 1-2 minute taqsim between the song and drum solo. Check the song list for your particular show. Total set length is 9-11 minutes.
2. The song I perform to is randomly drawn from a hat? So I don't know what I'm dancing to until moments beforehand?
Yes, basically. This event is focused on the art of improvisation in performance. However, all possible songs that will be drawn from the hat are listed here so you can study them in order to prepare. This is an excellent training aspect that comes with participation in Belly Dance Off! Becoming familiar with these popular classics fortifies your future performance material and is a great asset when working with live musicians in the future.
Yes, basically. This event is focused on the art of improvisation in performance. However, all possible songs that will be drawn from the hat are listed here so you can study them in order to prepare. This is an excellent training aspect that comes with participation in Belly Dance Off! Becoming familiar with these popular classics fortifies your future performance material and is a great asset when working with live musicians in the future.
3. How do I find the songs to study them?
Most of the songs listed can be found on YouTube or music distributing platforms such as iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, etc. And you'll likely find more versions available on Arabic music platforms (accessible to those who read Arabic). These songs have been recorded by various musicians over time, so you may encounter multiple versions that sound very different according to the instrumentation, tempo, and style of different recording artists. There may even be slight variations in composition (i.e. repeating or not repeating certain phrases, or omitting sections to shorten). Thus, it is not recommended to prepare to one of these recordings with the expectation that it will sound the same as the live band you'll perform with; but it will be a good approximation, and you'll likely find some new music for your collection in the meanwhile. Teachers are a great resource for music, and arranging private training with them as part of your preparation will simplify your research and of course boost your talent. In addition, the bands that perform in Belly Dance Off have 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 and hear how they'll play the listed songs. 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 art of improvisation is what Belly Dance Off is all about, so listen well and respond to whatever you hear.
Most of the songs listed can be found on YouTube or music distributing platforms such as iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, etc. And you'll likely find more versions available on Arabic music platforms (accessible to those who read Arabic). These songs have been recorded by various musicians over time, so you may encounter multiple versions that sound very different according to the instrumentation, tempo, and style of different recording artists. There may even be slight variations in composition (i.e. repeating or not repeating certain phrases, or omitting sections to shorten). Thus, it is not recommended to prepare to one of these recordings with the expectation that it will sound the same as the live band you'll perform with; but it will be a good approximation, and you'll likely find some new music for your collection in the meanwhile. Teachers are a great resource for music, and arranging private training with them as part of your preparation will simplify your research and of course boost your talent. In addition, the bands that perform in Belly Dance Off have 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 and hear how they'll play the listed songs. 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 art of improvisation is what Belly Dance Off is all about, so listen well and respond to whatever you hear.
4. When and how is the song drawn from the hat?
After opening announcements are complete, each dancer will be introduced in the order determined backstage prior to the show. Moments before you perform, as you wait in the backstage wings, we ask a member of the band or audience to randomly draw a song out of the hat for you, and announce it clearly over the mic. The emcee will then repeat your name and song title again clearly over the mic, and your performance begins.
After opening announcements are complete, each dancer will be introduced in the order determined backstage prior to the show. Moments before you perform, as you wait in the backstage wings, we ask a member of the band or audience to randomly draw a song out of the hat for you, and announce it clearly over the mic. The emcee will then repeat your name and song title again clearly over the mic, and your performance begins.
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
5. Are there categories according to different levels of experience?
Between 2012 and 2016, Belly Dance Off ran two categories, Rising Star and Pro. But we are now back to our original format of no categories, and participation now requires a minimum of at least 30 public performances as a soloist, paid or unpaid.
Between 2012 and 2016, Belly Dance Off ran two categories, Rising Star and Pro. But we are now back to our original format of no categories, and participation now requires a minimum of at least 30 public performances as a soloist, paid or unpaid.
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?
No props are required and Belly Dance Off formerly limited props to just zills and veil. However, you may now incorporate whatever props you wish, except no props with fire please.
No props are required and Belly Dance Off formerly limited props to just zills and veil. However, you may now incorporate whatever props you wish, except no props with fire please.
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. But be prepared to be in costume at the end of the show for your bio appearance after all dancers have performed, and again for the final awards ceremony. At all times, be easily findable inside the venue and follow whatever rules are established by your stage manager.
You're welcome to watch any and all parts of the show when you're not onstage. But be prepared to be in costume at the end of the show for your bio appearance after all dancers have performed, and again for the final awards ceremony. At all times, be easily findable inside the venue and follow whatever rules are established by your stage manager.
9. How does this live judge feedback work?
Immediately after you finish your performance, please don't exit. The emcee will enter and join you onstage for the live judge feedback. If you entered with a veil (or any other props), the emcee will secure it for you and hand it to you at this point. Each of the three judges will provide approximately two minutes of verbal feedback over the mic, noting strengths as well as suggested areas to work on. In receiving this feedback, we commend you on your commitment to your dance and determination to grow artistically. Once this feedback has completed, the emcee will cue you to exit.
Immediately after you finish your performance, please don't exit. The emcee will enter and join you onstage for the live judge feedback. If you entered with a veil (or any other props), the emcee will secure it for you and hand it to you at this point. Each of the three judges will provide approximately two minutes of verbal feedback over the mic, noting strengths as well as suggested areas to work on. In receiving this feedback, we commend you on your commitment to your dance and determination to grow artistically. Once this feedback has completed, the emcee will cue you to exit.
10. The live judge feedback sounds scary.
Yes, this 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. Also bear in mind that an important purpose of our live feedback is audience education -- by relating the performance with the judge analysis, they develop better understanding and appreciation of the art. Your participation is what makes this possible, and we thank you.
Yes, this 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. Also bear in mind that an important purpose of our live feedback is audience education -- by relating the performance with the judge analysis, they develop better understanding and appreciation of the art. Your participation is what makes this possible, and we thank you.
11. When are finalists or winners announced?
In the awards ceremony at the end of the show.
In the awards ceremony at the end of the show.
12. Can I get access to my scores?
Yes, just email Suzanna after the show.
Yes, just email Suzanna after the show.
13. Is my participation announced publicly?
Absolutely! Upon registering, you will provide photos and a bio which will be used in event promo. Celebrate this moment to promote yourself as an artist!
Absolutely! Upon registering, you will provide photos and a bio which will be used in event promo. Celebrate this moment to promote yourself as an artist!
14. 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
15. How are winners determined and declared, and what are the prizes?
Three of the six competing dancers in the open round are declared finalists, and advance to the championship. This is determined based on the three highest total average scores. Thus, no winner is declared in this open round. These three finalists compete in the championship, and the dancer with the highest total average score is declared the "Belly Dance Off Champion" for that year. With this title, she receives a trophy, sash, gorgeous tiara, and cash! Additional prizes may also be awarded as sponsorships allow.
Three of the six competing dancers in the open round are declared finalists, and advance to the championship. This is determined based on the three highest total average scores. Thus, no winner is declared in this open round. These three finalists compete in the championship, and the dancer with the highest total average score is declared the "Belly Dance Off Champion" for that year. With this title, she receives a trophy, sash, gorgeous tiara, and cash! Additional prizes may also be awarded as sponsorships allow.
16. What are the benefits even if I don't win?
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. We ensure this is a rewarding experience for all, regardless of who wins. 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.
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. We ensure this is a rewarding experience for all, regardless of who wins. 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.
17. Who votes and how are scores determined?
Each audience member (age 8 and over) receives a scorecard with a sequence of scores, 1 (lowest) - 5 (highest), printed next to each performer. After each performance, audience members circle a score next to the performer's name. Judges also score the dancers anonymously using the same scorecard, but printed on a different color from those of the audience. After all dancers have performed, our "data divas" sweep the room and collect all scorecards. Scores are carefully entered and tallied by them, and audited for accuracy. For each dancer, a total mean average is generated from all scores entered. Therefore, variations in the number of audience members scoring your performance have no effect on your outcome. Whether 50 votes or 500 votes, your final score is the mean average of all scores given. Judge scores count for 15% of your total average score, and audience scores count for 85%.
Each audience member (age 8 and over) receives a scorecard with a sequence of scores, 1 (lowest) - 5 (highest), printed next to each performer. After each performance, audience members circle a score next to the performer's name. Judges also score the dancers anonymously using the same scorecard, but printed on a different color from those of the audience. After all dancers have performed, our "data divas" sweep the room and collect all scorecards. Scores are carefully entered and tallied by them, and audited for accuracy. For each dancer, a total mean average is generated from all scores entered. Therefore, variations in the number of audience members scoring your performance have no effect on your outcome. Whether 50 votes or 500 votes, your final score is the mean average of all scores given. Judge scores count for 15% of your total average score, and audience scores count for 85%.
18. Since audience votes count for 85%, does this mean a dancer can improve her total average score by bringing a bunch of friends and family?
Certainly this might improve her chances, but historically we've observed that many other factors also influence how audience members vote. Belly Dance Off audiences tend to take their voting rights seriously. Some competitors have even reported their husbands not giving them top scores! And audience members can also choose to abstain and not provide a score. 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, build their fan base, and promote the art of belly dance.
Certainly this might improve her chances, but historically we've observed that many other factors also influence how audience members vote. Belly Dance Off audiences tend to take their voting rights seriously. Some competitors have even reported their husbands not giving them top scores! And audience members can also choose to abstain and not provide a score. 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, build their fan base, and promote the art of belly dance.
19. Who is on the judge panel?
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 with each event, 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 with each event, thus each judge panel is unique.
PARTICIPATION OPTIONS
20. I've registered for the open round, but now realize I can no longer participate. 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 I 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. And there are many benefits of repeated participation. You become stronger -- at least seven Belly Dance Off winners so far have competed in the event more than once. Also, the audience, judges, and community experience much inspiration by witnessing your growth and journey.
You may participate in Belly Dance Off as often as you like. There are only a few restrictions for finalists and champions. And there are many benefits of repeated participation. You become stronger -- at least seven Belly Dance Off winners so far have competed in the event more than once. Also, the audience, judges, and community experience much inspiration by witnessing your growth and journey.
22. I've participated in Belly Dance Off and become a finalist! Now what?
Congratulations! Now prepare to compete in the Championship event at the end of the year. If you win the Championship, congratulations again, and see #23 below if you'd like to participate again in the future. If you don't win the Championship, feel free to return next year and knock our socks off!
Congratulations! Now prepare to compete in the Championship event at the end of the year. If you win the Championship, congratulations again, and see #23 below if you'd like to participate again in the future. If you don't win the Championship, feel free to return next year and knock our socks off!
23. I've participated in Belly Dance Off and won the championship! Can I come do it again?
Congratulations, and yes you may compete in Belly Dance Off again, after at least three years from your championship year.
Congratulations, and yes you may compete in Belly Dance Off again, after at least three years from your championship year.
Good luck! 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.