L. A. Bellydance CompetITion
Are you ready to make the most out of your dance journey? Early-bird 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.
Early Bird Registration
Early Bird ends May 31, 2024
Early Bird discounts include:
* One solo category entry of your choice,
* Ahmed Hussien’s Master class,
* Gold Photo Package, which includes prelims video, live competition video, and live event photos.
Total Value $225 for only $149.99
Register and win big at this year’s Los Angeles Bellydance Competition. Join your hosts, Egyptian dance master Ahmed Hussien, bellydance superstar Stefanya, celebrity judges, and guest star dancers.
LABC Performance Registration Early Bird Package
$149.00
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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
Are you ready to sign up for the ultimate dance experience? Get your Competition weekend started off right with Master Ahmed Hussien’s 90-minute class! From his signature warm-up to motivating combos and mentorship that will keep you focused throughout the competitive process. Participating contestants are encouraged to attend class; however, it is not mandatory for participation in the competition. Don’t miss out – sign up today and join us on the dance floor!
Awards
Grand Total of $10,000 in Cash, Prizes and
Dance Scholarships
Competitive Categories
- $125 Winner / $75 1st runner up / $50 2nd Runner up
Overall Competition
- $1,000 CASH PRIZE for Overall Top Score
- $750 Overall 1st runner up
- $500 Overal 2nd runner up
Corps d’elite – the audience choice winner, selected from final event
- Prize TBA
Non-Competitive Categories
- Scholarships awards will be given 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 2nd
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. $45 admission for 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 October 25th. 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 3rd
Finale at the Gate to the Mediterranean is located at 16925 Ventura Blvd. Encino CA
– 4:30 Call time for dancers
– 5:30 Doors Open to the public
– 6:00 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
Catagory Winners
Corps d’elite – audience choice
Overall CASH PRIZE winners circle
– 9:00 pm Live Music by Issam Houshan and Performance from Mosaique Dance Company
Rules
Thank you in advance for respecting yourself and others.
Registration payments are non-transferable and non-refundable
Your solo performance time should be no less than two minutes and no longer than three minutes and fifteen seconds in length. Group performance time must be no less than five minutes and forty-five seconds and no longer than three minutes and forty-five seconds in length. Performance times will be noted on your score sheets.
To register for our 2023 competition, you must complete this form and submit your online registration payment before 11:59 pm 10/15/23.
No nudity, No animals, No fire
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. Routine may include the use of finger cymbals and props such as veil, cane, melaya leff or shamadan, but will not deduct points if these 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
- 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 dinner 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 dinner reservation at the finale event.
Registration closes 10/14/23
- 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 4th and 5th 2023
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 5, 2023
The Gate to the Mediterranean
16925 Ventura Blvd. Encino, CA 91316
General admission Tickets and VIP seating tickets are now viable for you to purchase online. Drinks, hooka, and a la carte menu items will be available for an additional purchase.
Priority seating
Pricing
General Admission Tickets $40 (door price)
VIP Seating $65 (door price)
Drinks, hooka, and a la carte menu items will be available for an additional purchase.