L. A. Bellydance CompetITion
Fifth Annual
Throughout the weekend, competitors will train, perform, connect, and be inspired alongside master dance artist Ahmed Hussien, LABC host Stefanya, and a community of dancers who share their passion.
The Artist Experience is an opportunity to challenge yourself, grow as a dancer, and celebrate what makes you unique on stage.
Come ready to grow, shine, and experience the joy of bellydance in an uplifting and supportive environment.
How the LABC 2026 Experience works
COMPETITION CATEGORIES
SOLO REGISTRATION
$149
Includes one solo competition category of your choice, all Saturday Artist Experience workshops, Friday Welcome Party, and eligibility for the Artist Excellence Award.
Performance Time Limits
- Solo Performances: 2:00–3:15 minutes
RAKS SHARKI
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 implements are not included.
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 dancers who wish to present traditional or theatrical folklore from the Middle East, North Africa, Hellenic, or Turkic cultures.
DRUM SOLO
Feel the rhythm. Command the stage.
Showcase your musicality, precision, and personality through the powerful rhythms of the drum.
Dancers will be judged on rhythm interpretation, technique, musicality, stage presence, and overall performance.
ENCORE
The stage is always calling.
Celebrating dancers age 60 and above who bring passion, confidence, and life experience to the stage.
Encore honors the joy of continuing to dance, perform, and grow as an artist. Dancers are encouraged to showcase their individual style, musicality, stage presence, and artistry.
FUSION DANCE
Creativity is the spice of life, and this category is for the dancer who wants to demonstrate a unique blend of movement and aesthetics.
May include Mahraghanat (electro-shaabi), ATS, Trans-National Dance or World Dance fusions, acrobatics, and props like fan veils, swords, poi, etc.
Group REGISTRATION
2–4 Dancers — $150
5+ Dancers — $200
One registration covers the entire group.
Group registration does not include Saturday workshops. Group members who are also registered as solo competitors receive workshops through their Solo Registration.
Performance Time Limits
- Group Performances: 3:00–5:45 minutes
OPEN GROUP
Shine Together.
Groups of two or more may perform any style or fusion that reflects their unique vision and artistry. Props and original choreography are welcome.
Dancers are judged as a group, with emphasis on synchrony, stage presence, creativity, and overall artistic impact.
🎻 LIVE MUSIC COMPETITION — SPECIAL ADD-ON
2026 Featured Style: Baladi Progression
Dance in the moment. Feel the music. Tell the story.
This year, the LABC Live Music Competition celebrates the artistry of Baladi Progression.
Step onto the stage with live musicians and experience the excitement of creating your performance in real time. Dancers will be challenged to listen, respond, improvise, and allow the music to guide the progression of their dance.
This special competition celebrates the connection between dancer and musician, with an emphasis on musicality, interpretation, improvisation, stage presence, and the dancer’s ability to bring the journey of Baladi to life.
There is no prerecorded music and no choreography to submit. The musicians bring the music—you bring your knowledge, instincts, personality, and artistry.
LIVE MUSIC COMPETITION ADD-ON — $65
Available exclusively to registered Solo Competition participants.
The winner will receive the 2026 Live Music Artist Award.
Specific performance guidelines and Baladi Progression details will be provided to registered participants before the competition.
Space is limited. Are you ready to dance live?
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.
Train with internationally acclaimed artist and master instructor Ahmed Hussien in this inspiring 90-minute Master Class, included with your solo competition registration.
Experience Ahmed’s signature style, dynamic combinations, musicality, and expert guidance while developing the technique and artistry you’ll bring to the competition stage.
WANT TO DANCE, BUT NOT COMPETE?
You can still be part of the LABC Artist Experience!
Join us for our Non-Competitor Workshop Package — $85 and train alongside LABC contestants during Saturday’s special workshops with Ahmed Hussien and Stefanya.
Your workshop package includes:
- All Saturday Artist Experience workshops
- Training with Ahmed Hussien and Stefanya
- Free admission to the Friday Night Opening Show
- The opportunity to learn, connect, and be part of the LABC community
No competition registration required. Come dance, learn, and enjoy the weekend with us!
🎥 Watch Past L.A. Bellydance Competitions!
Get inspired by performances from our previous L.A. Bellydance Competition contestants on the L.A. Bellydance Academy YouTube channel!
Watch the performances, cheer on our dancers, and see the artistry that has taken the LABC stage over the years.
❤️ Like the videos and subscribe to our channel! Every like, view, and subscription helps support the L.A. Bellydance Academy, our dancers, and our growing dance community.
Watch • Like • Subscribe • Support the Studio
Event Schedule
Schedule and performance times are subject to change. Registered contestants will be notified of any updates by email.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13
WELCOME TO THE ARTIST EXPERIENCE
7:00 PM — Welcome Party
Meet your hosts, Ahmed Hussien & Stefanya, our judges, instructors, and fellow contestants. Enjoy an evening of music, mingling, photos, and community as we officially kick off LABC 2026.
Food, beverages, or any other items purchased at the restaurant are not included in registration and are the responsibility of each guest.
7:10 PM — Opening Show Dancer Call
Dancers participating in the optional Opening Show Experience prepare for the evening’s performance.
8:00 PM — Opening Show at The Gate
Hosted by Ahmed Hussien & Stefanya, featuring LABC contestants and special guest performers.
Opening Show Performance Add-On: $45
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14
THE ARTIST TRAINING EXPERIENCE
A full day dedicated to learning, developing your artistry, and preparing you to take the competition stage with confidence.
10:00–11:30 AM — Master Class with Ahmed Hussien
Train with master instructor Ahmed Hussien in a class focused on technique, musicality, expression, and the artistry of Egyptian dance.
11:30 AM–12:00 PM — Break
12:00–1:30 PM — Choreography with Stefanya
Learn an exciting choreography with Stefanya, combining technique, musical interpretation, stage presence, and performance skills.
1:30–2:30 PM — Lunch Break
2:30–3:30 PM —Competition Q&A & Sunday Preparation
Final questions, competition reminders, and everything contestants need to know before taking the stage on Sunday.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15
THE COMPETITION EXPERIENCE
The weekend comes together as our artists take the stage for the L.A. Bellydance Competition 2026 at Little Light Venue.
1:00 PM — Contestant Check-In & Stage Preparation
Contestants arrive, check in, and prepare for the competition.
2:00 PM — Competition Begins
Competition categories take the stage throughout the afternoon and evening. Exact category performance times will be announced after registration closes.
Competition Breaks
Short breaks will be scheduled throughout the day for costume changes, judging, and refreshments.
8:00 PM — Awards Ceremony
Join us as we celebrate our competitors and present category placements, special awards, The Artist Award, prizes, and recognition.
8:30 PM — LABC 2026 Closing
Exact category performance times will be announced after registration closes.
Awards
🏆 CATEGORY AWARDS
Awards are presented in each competitive category:
🥇 1st Place
🥈 2nd Place
🥉 3rd Place
Category placement winners receive:
• Placement Trophy
• Official Category Placement Title
• Recognition during the Awards Ceremony
• Sponsor gifts, when applicable
🎭 Special Recognition Awards
Additional awards may include:
- Audience Choice Award
- Excellence in Cultural Presentation
L.A. Bellydance Academy Scholarships are valid toward eligible classes, workshops, memberships, or private lessons at L.A. Bellydance Academy. Non-transferable and not redeemable for cash.
⭐ 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.
- $150 L.A. Bellydance Academy Scholarship
- Artist Excellence Trophy
- Official Artist Excellence Title
- Featured recognition on the L.A. Bellydance Competition website and social media
- Professional media package (photos and video)
- Additional prizes from event sponsors
🎻 Live Music Artist Award
Presented to the competitor who demonstrates an outstanding connection with the live musicians through musical interpretation, improvisation, stage presence, communication, and artistic expression.
- $50 L.A. Bellydance Academy Scholarship
- Live Music Artist Trophy
- Official Live Music Artist Title
- Featured recognition on the L.A. Bellydance Competition website and social media
- Professional media package (photos and video)
- Additional prizes from event sponsors
This award recognizes excellence in:
- Musical interpretation
- Improvisation
- Stage presence
- Communication with the musicians
- Artistic expression
🏆 HIGH SCORE WINNER
Highest Overall Competition Score
The High Score Winner is awarded to the solo competitor who earns the highest overall competition score at LABC 2026.
- $100 L.A. Bellydance Academy Scholarship
- High Score Winner Trophy
- Official LABC 2026 High Score Winner 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 LABC
- Professional media package (photos and video)
- Additional prizes from event sponsors
HOW JUDGING & ARTIST EXCELLENCE WORK
The L.A. Bellydance Competition evaluates the complete Artist Experience—from how you train and participate to how you connect with the music and perform on
COMPETITION PERFORMANCE
Your competition performance is evaluated by our judges based on technique, musicality, artistry, stage presence, presentation, and overall performance.
Your competition score determines your placement within your category.
ARTIST EXCELLENCE POINTS
Throughout the weekend, solo competitors may earn Artist Excellence Points for participation, professionalism, growth, positivity, teamwork, and contribution to the LABC experience.
Artist Excellence Points are separate from your competition category score and contribute to the Artist Excellence Award.
CLEAR. FAIR. TRANSPARENT.
All solo competitors are judged using the same scoring criteria within their respective categories.
Throughout the weekend, dancers also have opportunities to earn recognition toward the Artist Excellence Award through their artistry, workshop participation, professionalism, and positive presence.
We don’t just celebrate a great performance. We celebrate the complete artist.
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 – 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.
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 long. Performance times will be noted on your score sheets.
To register for our 2026 competition, you must complete this form and submit your online registration payment before 11:59 p.m. on 11/1/26.
No nudity, No animals, No fire
Payments are non-transferable and non-refundable
The schedule is subject to change.
Are you ready to make the most out of your dance journey? Registration is now open for our three-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 three-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!