INFO FOR CONTESTANTS:

SEE LINEUP

Click HERE for rules and judging criteria.

Click HERE to register via U.S. Mail.
Click here http://www.ecclassic.eventbrite.com to register online.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

When is the deadline to register?
Acceptance into the contest is first come, first served. Check the Eventbrite registration page for available slots at www.ecclassic.eventbrite.com. Your payment must be received by May 1, 2008 OR before the slots run out, whichever comes first. NO EXCEPTIONS. Most categories will be entirely full by early to mid-April. The web page www.ecclassic.eventbrite.com will be manually updated by Zuleika as quickly as possible and will display how many slots are open.

What’s so different about the Classic?
The audio feedback (competitor’s pack) allows you to hear your feedback on a digitally recorded CD for just $10 extra. Competitors come from all over the United States to compete and the past winners are very prestigious in the field of bellydance. The judging criteria is objective and based on scoring points you can see ahead of time. Our venue has state of the art lighting and sound. Our gala show (for just $10 extra if pre-purchased) features many talented local and national bellydancers who show their love for the Classic and its values, an event that was originally founded by Taaj fi Qalbi.

Is a video of the event available?
Participants in the 2008 event may have the opportunity to obtain their category. Videotaping information (i.e. vendor name) will be announced here when the decision is made. No outside videotaping of any kind is permitted. The sponsor will eject, with no refund, anyone who attempts to videotape the event. A written statement regarding the use of competitors’ video image is required with your registration (see above on U.S. Mail registration link). The written statement will become final and may not be changed after signing. Any participant who does not want to waive the use of their video image will not be filmed as long as the notice was timely. Please e-mail Zuleika if you do not wish to be videotaped. Sponsor reserves the right to eject with no refund any participant who refuses to sign the statement regarding the use of their video image. Any doubtful situations will be resolved in favor of not filming the participant.

Who are the judges?
Our esteemed judges are Taaj fi Qalbi of Virginia (founder of the East Coast Classic) , Khaleela of Pennsylvania, Donna Sahlah of Delaware, Joan Gavaler of Virginia, and Shakira al Fanninah of Ohio.

Who are the vendors?
Confirmed vendors are Angeletta of Virginia www.angeletta.com, Arundel Armory of Virginia, The Bellydance Shop www.thebellydanceshop.com, Eye Kandy and Michelle Joyce www.arabicdance.net. Please support our vendors as they contribute to making this event possible.

Can I enter more than one category (ie Fusion and Troupe)?
Yes, as long as you qualify for the categories, but you must pay for each category.

What is the schedule?
The schedule for 2008 will be posted after the deadline for registrations. The awards ceremonies will be around 4:00- 4:30 each day, if not earlier. The Evening Celebration will start at 7:00 on Saturday.

How should I prepare my music CD for competition?
Your music should be labelled on the CD and on its case with your category, stage name and registration name, if different. Your music should be the first and only track on the CD. Please bring a backup in the event your first CD doesn’t work. I don’t recommend using CD-RW format. Please ask the stage manager where to turn in your music on arrival. Please turn this in in a timely fashion. Use separate CD’s if you compete in multiple categories.

How is the line-up decided?
The line-up will be randomly decided after the deadline for registration. Once the program is printed, no changes will be made to the lineup.

What are the prizes for 2008?
Each place will receive a trophy. We also have a People's Choice award where the audience can vote for their favorites. This place will also win a trophy. Prizes from various donors will also be awarded in each category. Some prizes in the past were DVDs, magazine subscriptions, books, CDs, and hip scarves.

Can I get a copy of my judge's comments?
Judge's comments will be digitally recorded and kept until after the contest. To get copies, you must purchase a Contestant's Pack ($10 per contestant) when you register at this link: www.ecclassic.eventbrite.com. If you register by U.S. Mail, add $10 per category with the note “Contestant’s Pack”. If you don’t pay for a Contestant’s Pack, you will only receive pieces of paper with scores and no comments.

Are men allowed to compete?
Yes! Please indicate this on your registration (or send me an e-mail) so that I can make sure to have a separate dressing room for you.

What is the People's Choice award?
The audience is given ballots so that they can vote for their favorites. The person with the most votes in each category wins the People's Choice award. It has been feared that this would be a popularity contest, but it hasn't been that way in the past.

What is the stage area like?
The stage is raised. You can enter from either side. The backdrop will be black or blue. For more information, go to www.brtfac.org and click on Theater and Theater Specifications. Almost every question you could ever have is answered here.

Can I get dressed backstage?
Yes, but space is limited. If you need to bring someone to help with makeup, hair, or moral support, this is fine, but space will be limited for them as well. Please be conservative in who you ask to accompany backstage so as not to disturb others who are preparing. The sponsor and her volunteer staff reserve the right to limit the number of non-competitors backstage. There are two dressing rooms, each with a mirror and a private bathroom.

Can I use glitter, fire, or a live blade?
No glitter is allowed (or any other items that may litter the stage such as confetti), no fire is allowed and I am checking on live blades. Information will be posted here about blades when it becomes available.

Description of the categories:

• Rising Star- has been dancing less than 2 years as of May 17, 2008 and has not taught or performed for money. Time music limit 5 minutes.
• Headliner- has been dancing more than 2 years or has taught or performed for money. Time limit 7 minutes.
• Fantasy Artist- costuming, music, and dance steps must be a blend of 2+ styles, one of which must be Middle Eastern. Time limit 7 minutes.
• Troupe- 2+ people performing together. One point added for each additional person over 2. Time limit 7 minutes.
• Grand Champion- has performed or taught more than 2 years. Time limit 9 minutes

I am still not sure which category I should register for. Can you explain further?
(Note: Please do not skip any of the questions; all of them are important.)
Q1. Have you been dancing less than two years?
Yes - go to question #2.
No - go to question #3.
Q2. Have you ever danced as a soloist for money or taught for money?
Yes - you are a Headliner.
No - you are a Rising Star.
Q3. When did you first dance or teach for pay?
Never - you are a Headliner (because you’ve danced more than two years).
Less than 2 years ago- you are a Headliner.
More than 2 years ago- you are a Grand Champion.

FACTS
I do not mind questions. Ask me 1, 10, or 50, but after May 3rd is when I get busy with so many last minute details. Please research the web page before contacting me after May 3rd. Most of the answers to the questions I was asked was posted on the web, in the flyer, in the dressing room, and in your registration confirmation material. I want you to have all the information you need, but it is difficult to attend to those types of things at the last minute when there is so much else going on. I appreciate your cooperation on this.

Many people are not paying attention the rules and FAQS. This makes things run less smoothly and can influence your score. Please do yourself a favor and know what the rules and scoring guidelines are. No exceptions will be made for you not complying.