L. A. Bellydance CompetITion
Fifth Annual
Throughout the weekend, competitors will train with internationally acclaimed artist Ahmed Hussien, participate in workshops, perform in the Preliminary Competition, and have the opportunity to advance to the Grand Finale at The Gate. Unlike traditional competitions, your overall score is earned through a combination of workshop participation, artistry, professionalism, musicality, and stage performance.
Dance Beyond Choreography
Selected finalists will have the opportunity to perform with live musicians, demonstrating not only technique but true musical communication, improvisation, and artistry.
This signature experience is what sets the L.A. Bellydance Competition apart from traditional competitions.
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.
L LoungeEVENT SCHEDULE
Friday, November 13, 2026
Venue: L. A. Bellydance Academy, 1644 S. La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90035
7:00 to 8:30 pm – Master Class with Ahmed Hussien
8:30 to 10:30 pm – Welcoming event at the studio
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Venue: L. A. Bellydance Academy, 1644 S. La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90035
10:00 – 11:30 am Stefanya’s Dance Training
12:00 to 2:00 pm Ahmed Hussine Choreography Class
6:00 – 10:00 pm Preliminary Event: Contestants will have a scheduled preliminary performance time. Performance times will be provided by November 10, 2026, to your email account on file. The preliminary performance will be public. Each contestant will receive verbal feedback and a score from preliminary judges. Winners for each tier and runner ups will have the opportunity to move to the finale round, performing at the Gala for the first place.
Video submissions are allowed in the preliminary round. Please submit your video to Stefanya@labellydanceacademy.com by November 1, 2025.
We will provide you with a video of your preliminary performance for a fee of $25.
Sunday, November 15, 2026
Venue: The Gate Lounge, 16925 Ventura Blvd. Encino CA 91316
3:30 pm Call time for contestants
4:30 pm Doors open to the public
5:00 pm Gala will begin
8:30 pm Awards Ceremony
The schedule is subject to change.
TIERS
Competitive Registration Tiers. Choose the experience that best fits your goals.
🌟 Rising Star
Perfect for dancers entering the competition scene for the first time.
The Rising Star division is designed for emerging artists who want to build confidence, gain valuable stage experience, and receive constructive feedback from respected professionals. Competitors will participate in workshops throughout the weekend before presenting their choreography during the Preliminary Competition.
Registration Includes:
- Friday & Saturday workshops series with Hosts Ahmed Hussien and Stefanya
- Competition entry – Performance piece ( 3 mintues and 45 sec time limit)
- Preliminary Competition performance
- Judges’ score sheets and feedback
- Awards eligibility within the Rising Star Division
- Award eligibility for the Grand Chaption Price
- Gala Admission
- Official competitor gift bag
- Weekend competitor credential
Registration Fee: early-bird $295 / $345
⭐ Elite Artist
Designed for experienced competitors seeking greater artistic growth and recognition.
Elite Artist is intended for dancers with previous performance or competition experience who are ready to challenge themselves at a higher level. In addition to the full competition experience, participants receive enhanced feedback and exclusive competitor benefits while competing for Overall Champion honors.
Registration Includes:
- Everything included in Rising Star
- Professional voice recordes critiques from judges
- Professional competitor headshot
- VIP competitor check-in
- Reserved seating during the Gala
- Eligibility for Grand Champion
- Additional Elite Artist recognition
Registration Fee: early-bird $445 / $495
👑 Elite Premier Artist
The ultimate L.A. Bellydance Competition experience.
Premier Artist is our highest level of competition. Altough the dancers will still compete agaisnt Elite members, this tier is created for dancers who are ready to take their artistry beyond choreography and onto the stage with live music. In addition to the complete competition experience, Premier Artists will perform during the Sunday Grand Finale Gala accompanied by live musicians, demonstrating their musicality, improvisation, stage presence, and artistic connection.
Premier Artists compete not only for their tier title but also for the prestigious Live Music Artist Award, recognizing exceptional communication between dancer and musician.
Registration Includes:
- Everything included in the Elite Artist Registration
- Performance in the Sunday Grand Finale Gala with live musicians
- Eligibility for the Live Music Artist Award
- Professional performance photos
- Professional performance video
- VIP Meet & Greet with Ahmed Hussien
- Exclusive Live Music coaching session
- Priority stage rehearsal
- Official Competition T-shirt
- VIP welcome gift
- Invitation to the Closing Reception
Registration Fee:
- Early Bird: $695
- Regular: $795
Early-Bird Registration ends on 9/15/25 at 11:59 pm.
Registration closes 11/1/25 at 11:59 pm.
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
AWARDS
👑 Grand Champion
Highest Overall Score of the Weekend
The Grand Champion is awarded to the competitor who earns the highest cumulative score across all judging categories, workshops, performances, and Artist Excellence Points throughout the weekend.
The Grand Champion receives:
- Grand Champion Trophy
- Official Grand Champion Title
- Featured recognition on the L.A. Bellydance Competition website and social media
- Invitation to perform as a Featured Guest Artist at the following year’s Gala
- Complimentary Premier Artist Registration for the next competition
- Professional media package (photos and video)
- Additional prizes from event sponsors
🌟 Tier Champions
Awards are presented in each competitive tier:
- Rising Star Champion
- Elite Artist Champion
- Premier Artist Champion
Each Tier Champion receives:
- Championship Trophy
- Tier Champion Title
- Recognition during the Awards Ceremony
- Sponsor gifts (if applicable)
🎻 Live Music People’s Choice Award
(Premier Elite Artist Tier Only)
Presented to the Premier Artist who demonstrates the strongest connection, interpretation, improvisation, and communication with the live musicians during the Sunday Grand Finale. Viewers will get the opportunity to vote for their favorite performances.
⭐ Artist Excellence Award
Presented to the competitor who best embodies the spirit of the L.A. Bellydance Competition by demonstrating professionalism, positivity, teamwork, and outstanding character throughout the weekend.
This award is based on Artist Excellence Points awarded by the LABA faculty and event staff.
🎭 Special Recognition Awards
Additional awards may include:
- Best Musicality
- Best Stage Presence
- Most Expressive Performance
- Audience Choice Award
- Director’s Choice Award
- Excellence in Cultural Presentation
- Most Inspiring Artist
Non-Competitive Categories
- Scholarship awards will be given and presented to 4 chosen participants.
Celebrity Judges
Daytime Television Star
Cindera Che
Cindera Che is an Asian American actor and dancer best known for her iconic role as The Madame in Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal (1988). With a career spanning over 30 years, she has appeared in Fresh Off the Boat, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, Lethal Weapon, and Alan Yang’s Tigertail on Netflix.
Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Cindera began performing at twelve before moving to the U.S., where she landed her first role on Fantasy Island. Her dance credits include Out to Sea, Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo, La La Land, and Penny Dreadful: City of Angels.
A dedicated educator, Cindera has taught for over 35 years, founding the Movement for Actors program at The Edge Performing Arts Center. She also coached Kristi Yamaguchi to her winning performance on Dancing with the Stars and choreographed the acclaimed inmate finale in the Philippine film Dance of the Steel Bars.
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. His masterful and dynamic teaching method reflects a lifetime of dedication to the art of movement, combining a deep understanding of Egyptian cultural heritage with the precision of classical dance training.
A graduate of the Cairo Institute of Ballet, Ahmed’s early career began with the Cairo Opera Ballet, where he performed and choreographed extensively before bringing his artistry to international stages.
For decades, Ahmed has been a leading educator, teaching workshops and master classes around the world. His teaching philosophy emphasizes authenticity, musicality, and emotional connection, inspiring generations of dancers to embody the essence of Egyptian dance with both discipline and soul.
American Dance Legend
Chester A. Whitmore
Legendary dancer and Los Angeles native Chester A. Whitmore was mentored by MGM legend Fayard Nicholas of the Nicholas Brothers and trained with renowned performers including John Bubbles, Clarence Landry, Norma Miller, and Leonard Reed (co-creator of the “Shim-Sham”).
Chester has performed around the world and worked with icons such as Michael Jackson and Madonna. He has toured internationally as a tap dancer and historian with the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and, most recently, choreographed scenes in the Oscar-winning film La La Land.
His choreography can be seen in music videos for Weird Al Yankovic, Teena Marie, Boyz II Men, and Sugar Ray, as well as in televised productions including the NAACP Image Awards, Soul of American Music, and the Stellar Gospel Music Awards. His work spans genres—choreographing for the Nicholas Brothers with Savion Glover, M.C. Hammer, LeVert, BeBe and CeCe Winans, and tributes to Dick Clark and Prince—showcasing his extraordinary versatility and artistic legacy.
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. $75 for all 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 11/1/25.
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.
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 16, 2025
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
The Artist Experience
More than a competition-an immersive weekend where education, live music, performance, and artistry determine the next generation of exceptional dancers.
NOVEMBER 13-15, 2026