L. A. Bellydance CompetITion
Fourth Annual
🌟 Are you ready to elevate your dance journey to new heights? ✨ Early-bird registration is NOW OPEN for our transformative two-day event featuring the incredible Stefanya and the esteemed master instructor Ahmed Hussien. This is your golden opportunity to refine your skills, unleash your true potential, and dance like never before! Embrace the chance to receive invaluable feedback, inspiring mentorship, and a shot at winning BIG! So, what are you waiting for? Join us, and together, let’s dance into greatness!
Register and win big at this year’s Los Angeles Bellydance Competition.
Join your hosts, Egyptian dance master Ahmed Hussien and bellydance superstar Stefanya, for an uplifting event.
Early-Bird RegistRation is open until May 15, 2025 11:59pm.
Ahmed Hussien
Ahmed Hussien is an undeniably iconic figure and a source of inspiration for dancers and teachers alike in the world of Classic Oriental and Egyptian Folkloric Dance. Ahmed’s masterful and dynamic teaching method is the result of his absolute dedication to dance combined with his comprehensive experience in the area of performance and choreography. Ahmed is the ONLY Egyptian Dance Master to have Ballet, Belly Dance, Ballroom, and Broadway experience in his repertoire.
Master Class
Ready for the ultimate dance experience? Kick off your Competition weekend with Master Ahmed Hussien’s 90-minute class! Enjoy his signature warm-up, motivating combos, and mentorship that will keep you focused throughout the competitive process. Participating contestants are encouraged to attend the class; however, it is not mandatory for competition participation. Don’t miss out – sign up today and join us on the dance floor!
Awards
Cash, Prizes, and Dance Scholarships
Competitive Categories
- $125 Winner / $75 1st runner up / $50 2nd Runner up
Overall Competition – Highest Score
- $500 PRIZE Scholarship to L. A. Bellydance Academy
Corps d’elite – the audience choice winner, selected from the final event
- Prize TBA
Non-Competitive Categories
- Scholarship awards will be given and presented to 4 chosen participants.
Celebrity Judges
Daytime Television Star
Lydia Look
Lydia Look is a multi-lingual and award-winning Hollywood actor. She is well known for her current leading role on ABC’s General Hospital as Selina Wu.
Egyptian Dance Master
Ahmed Hussien
Ahmed Hussien is an undeniably iconic figure and a source of inspiration for dancers and teachers alike in the world of Classic Oriental and Egyptian Folkloric Dance. Ahmed’s masterful and dynamic teaching method is the result of his absolute dedication to dance combined with his comprehensive experience in the area of performance and choreography.
American Dance Legend
Chester A. Whitmore
Legendary dancer and Los Angeles native Chester A. Whitmore was mentored by MGM dancer and choreographer Fayard Nicholas (of the Nicholas Brothers) and studied with famed performers John Bubbles, Clarence Landry, Norma Miller, and Leonard Reed (co-creator of the“Shim-Sham.”) Mr. Whitmore performs all over the world and has worked with everyone from Michael Jackson to Madonna. He has toured as a tap dancer and historian with the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra of Washington DC. Most recently, he choreographed scenes in the Oscar-winning film La La Land.
Master Percussionist
Issam Houshan
From Damascus, Syria, Issam Houshan is world-renowned for his role in the Bellydance Superstar show and for working with artists like Sting and Che Mami.
Shifan Ozseza – Prelim Judge
Originally from the United Kingdom Shifan is a dance instructor & choreographer now residing in The Woodlands, Texas, with her family. She continues to teach dance and perform around the USA. Shifan is a counselor in Anxiety & depression she provides guided meditation for therapy and is currently at Blissful Waters in The Woodlands.
Shifan has combined her knowledge in dance and psychology to teach dance therapy and meditation in rehabilitation Clinics in Europe, one being Cheshire homes; she also worked as a patient coordinator/counselor for IVF hospitals for two years in between her dance teaching and Middle Eastern dance studies to The American universities dance faculties students, where she taught for 5 years.
Shifan has performed on stage with famous artists from around the world and has earned an extraordinary ability visa to teach in the USA where she continues to perform, teach, and guide online as well as in the studio studies.
Round One
Saturday, November 15th
Preliminary Evaluations and Elimination
Activities are held at the L. A. Bellydance Academy at 1644 S. La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90035.
– 1:00 pm Mater Class with Ahmed Hussien. Mandatory Attendance by all contestants. $65 for all other dancers. Order online here.
– 3:30 Private performance prelims will begin. A schedule for preliminary performance times will be provided by November 10th. This is the dancer’s opportunity to have a technical rehearsal and prepare for the live finale event. We will be filming the performance. This portion of the event ensures that we have your performance details in order, including music, costumes, etc. There will be evaluation forms associated with the prelim. However, the scores from this portion will not be carried over to the final event. Videos of your performance from our prelims will be available for $25.
Round Two
Sunday, November 16th
Finale Event
Illusion Magic Lounge
1418 4th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
– 3:00 Call time for dancers
– 4:00 Doors Open to the public
– 5:00 pm Competition Begins – All dancers perform one final time for their final scores in front of our judges and live audience members.
– 8:30 pm Award Ceremony
Category Winners
Corps d’elite – audience choice
Overall PRIZE winner’s circle
Rules
Thank you in advance for respecting yourself and others.
Solo performance time should be at least two minutes and no more than three minutes and fifteen seconds.
Group performances must not exceed five minutes and forty-five seconds and should be at least three minutes and forty-five seconds long. Performance times will be noted on your score sheets.
To register for our 2025 competition, you must complete this form and submit your online registration payment before 11:59 pm 10/1/25.
No nudity, No animals, No fire
Payments are non-transferable and non-refundable
The schedule is subject to change.
Competitive Categories
- Raks Sharki Spectacle – Bring your show to the stage! Our Raks Sharki category is lifting up dancers who embody the grace, poise, and personality of true Oriental Dance. Routines may include the use of finger cymbals and props such as veil, cane, melaya leff or shamadan, however no points are deducted if these impilments are not included. Time allowance: no longer than 3:15, no shorter than 2 minutes. Register here. Registration Fee: $85
- Drumsolo Royale – Dynamic physical movements with precise musical interpretation, the drumsolo showcases the dancers’ dedication to the details. Time allowance: no longer than 3:15, no shorter than 2 minutes. Register here. Registration Fee: $85
- Fusion – Creativity is the spice of life, and this category is for the dancer who wants to demonstrate a unique blend of moment and aesthetics. May include Mahraghanat (electro-shaabi), ATS, Trans-National Dance or World Dance fusions, Acrobatics, and props like fan veils, swords, poi, etc. Time allowance: no longer than 3:15, no shorter than 2 minutes. Register here. Registration Fee: $85
- MENAHT Folklore – Traditional and historical dances provide a valuable connection to the past and allow us to celebrate the vibrancy of the cultures they come from. This category is for the dancers who wish to present traditional or theatrical folklore from the Middle East, North Africa, Hellenic or Turkic cultures. Time allowance: no longer than 3:15, no shorter than 2 minutes. Register here. Registration Fee: $85
- Révérence – This category is for distinguished dancers aged 60 and above. It is an open category, so contestants can perform in their chosen style. Time allowance: no longer than 2:45, no shorter than 2 minutes. Register here. Registration Fee: $85
- Open Groups (2+ members) – Performance is better together! Duets, trios, and groups of four or more dancers are welcome to present in this open-style category. Time allowance: no longer than 5:45, no shorter than 3:45 minutes. Register here. Registration Fee: $35 per dancer for groups of 7 + dancers and $50 per dancer for groups between 2-6 dancers.
Non-Competitive Categories
- Rising Stars (14-19yrs, open style) A teen open style category for the dancing youth to share their emerging skills. Time allowance: no longer than 3:15, no shorter than 2 minutes. Register here. Registration Fee: $125 Includes contestant’s seat reservation at the finale event.
- Initiates (non-competitive evaluation form, 3yr experience max) New dancers can take advantage of the rare opportunity to receive professional feedback on their live performance within this non-competitive category. Time allowance: no longer than 3:15, no shorter than 2 minutes. Register here. Registration Fee: $125 Includes contestant’s seat reservation at the finale event.
Registration closes 11/1/25
- Step 1. Fill out our registration form online
- Step 2. Pay your registration fees online by clicking the proper link below.
- Step 3. Please Submit your entries’ music selection. If you require assistance, please email Stefanya@labellydanceacademy.com
- Step 4. Invite your friends and family to the show. General admission is available to the public and can be purchased here.
$10,000 in cash, scholarships, and prizes
Competition registration is now open
November 2nd & 3rd 2024
Are you ready to make the most out of your dance journey? Registration is now open for our two-day event with Stefanya and master instructor Ahmed Hussien. This is your chance to take your dancing skills to the next level and unleash your full potential. Experience feedback, mentorship, and the opportunity to win BIG! So, what are you waiting for? Join us, and let’s dance!
Join Stefanya and master instructor Ahmed Hussien in the heart of the world’s entertainment capital for an exciting two-day event. This event is designed for you to grow as a dancer and to build the bonds of our beautiful dance community. Dancers from around the world will come together to receive feedback and mentorship.
See the show!
NOVEMBER 3, 2024
Illusion Magic Lounge
1418 4th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
General admission Tickets and VIP seating tickets can now be purchased online. Seating is limited.
Priority seating
Pricing
General Admission Tickets $45 (door price) $40 online pre-purchase
VIP Seating $85 (door price) $70 online pre-purchase