VALLEY OF THE QUEENS
Improvisational Bellydance Competition
COMPETITION IS FULL!
The evening of Saturday July 7, 2018 will start off with a fabulous dinner provided by Giovanni's Restaurant, followed by the Judges' Showcase and the "Valley of the Queens" Improvisational Bellydance Competition. And then the second act of the show will be the Gala Event showcasing talented local and regional belly dancers, soloists and troupes!
The "Valley of the Queens" Improvisational Bellydance Competition will feature our brave competitors who will be taking the challenge of dancing improvisationaly to music they won't know until they hit the stage! The competition is open to any style of belly dance.
And for dancers who don't want to compete but would also like to receive valuable feedback about their improvised performances, evaluations will be available to dancers who preregister for them.
See more information below about the competition guidelines, judging criteria, prizes and more!
The "Valley of the Queens" Improvisational Bellydance Competition will feature our brave competitors who will be taking the challenge of dancing improvisationaly to music they won't know until they hit the stage! The competition is open to any style of belly dance.
And for dancers who don't want to compete but would also like to receive valuable feedback about their improvised performances, evaluations will be available to dancers who preregister for them.
See more information below about the competition guidelines, judging criteria, prizes and more!
Show Details
VALLEY OF THE QUEENS
Improvisational Dance Competition & Gala Bellydance Showcase
Saturday July 7, 2018
Giovanni's Restaurant
18484 Preston Rd #119
Dallas, TX 75252
RESERVATIONS: 972.596.8610
Seating Will Be Limited - Reserve Your Spot By Calling Before It Sells Out!
Door 6:30 pm, Show 7:30 pm
*$35 Persian/Italian Set Menu
$15 Kids 10 & Under*
*Ticket price includes dinner & show
Alcohol, Tax & gratuity are not included
Food, fun & an amazing show are included!*
PLEASE NOTE: The prices above are for the audience. Gala Show performers do not pay to perform & competitors pay a registration fee to either compete or receive an evaluation.
Improvisational Dance Competition & Gala Bellydance Showcase
Saturday July 7, 2018
Giovanni's Restaurant
18484 Preston Rd #119
Dallas, TX 75252
RESERVATIONS: 972.596.8610
Seating Will Be Limited - Reserve Your Spot By Calling Before It Sells Out!
Door 6:30 pm, Show 7:30 pm
*$35 Persian/Italian Set Menu
$15 Kids 10 & Under*
*Ticket price includes dinner & show
Alcohol, Tax & gratuity are not included
Food, fun & an amazing show are included!*
PLEASE NOTE: The prices above are for the audience. Gala Show performers do not pay to perform & competitors pay a registration fee to either compete or receive an evaluation.
Registration
FOR COMPETITORS: Improv Competition Registration Fee - SOLD OUT!
$0.00
SOLD OUT!
Saturday July 7, 2018 at Giovanni's Restaurant!
Top prize is $300 and MORE!
Receive valuable feedback from Cassandra Fox, Sa'diyya, Vashti & Isis!
$75
(Final price includes online service fee)
To pay with cash or check, contact Sa'diyya.
FOR PERFORMERS WHO WANT EVALUATIONS: Improv Evaluation Registration Fee: SOLD OUT!
$0.00
SOLD OUT!
Saturday July 7, 2018 at Giovanni's Restaurant!
Receive valuable feedback from Cassandra Fox, Sa'diyya, Vashti & Isis!
$55
(Final price includes online service fee)
To pay with cash or check, contact Sa'diyya.
Along with the valuable feedback, winners of the Valley of the Queens Competition will receive titles and the prizes listed below:
VALLEY OF THE QUEENS IMPROV CHAMPION:
-$300
-Trophy
-Mini Online Class Hosted By "Sa'diyya ONLINE"
-One FREE Day of Yaa Halla Y'all - A Gathering of the Stars in Texas, for either 2018 or 2019 sponsored by Isis & Del Bartlett ($165.00) value)
-Full Weekend Package for 2019 Austin Belly Dance Convention + Gala Show Performance Spot ($450.00 value)
-Full Weekend Package for Dare to Dream 2018 Featuring Ansuya sponsored by Miabella + Gala Show Performance Spot ($270.00 value)
-Professional Dance Photo Shoot with Easy Street Images ($100.00 value)
-4 Free Classes with Vashti of Texas ($100.00 value)
-One Custom Music Edit by Sa'diyya ($75.00 value)
-Free Four-Week Class Session With Sa'diyya ($75.00 value)
-1/2 off one hour private lesson with Sa'diyya ($42.50 value)
VALLEY OF THE QUEENS CROWD FAVORITE:
-Trophy
-Full Weekend Package for 2019 Austin Belly Dance Convention + Gala Show Performance Spot ($450.00 value)
-One Full Day at Dare to Dream 2018 Featuring Ansuya sponsored by Miabella + Gala Show Performance Spot ($125.00 value)
-Professional Dance Photo Shoot with Easy Street Images ($100.00 value)
-3 Free Classes with Vashti of Texas ($75.00 value)
-One Custom Music Edit by Sa'diyya ($75.00 value)
-Free Four-Week Class Session With Sa'diyya ($75.00 value)
-1/2 off one hour private lesson with Sa'diyya ($42.50 value)
VALLEY OF THE QUEENS 1ST RUNNER UP:
-Trophy
-3 Free Classes at the 2019 Austin Belly Dance Convention ($240.00 value)
-2 Show Tickets to 2018 Dare to Dream Featuring Ansuya + Gala Show Performance Spot ($40.00 value)
-Professional Dance Photo Shoot with Easy Street Images ($100.00 value)
-2 Free Classes with Vashti of Texas ($50.00 value)
-Free Four-Week Class Session With Sa'diyya ($75.00 value)
-1/2 off one hour private lesson with Sa'diyya ($42.50 value)
VALLEY OF THE QUEENS 2ND RUNNER UP:
-Trophy
-3 Free Classes at the 2019 Austin Belly Dance Convention ($240.00 value)
-Professional Dance Photo Shoot with Easy Street Images ($100.00 value)
-1 Free Class with Vashti of Texas $25.00 value)
-1/2 off one hour private lesson with Sa'diyya ($42.50 value)
VALLEY OF THE QUEENS IMPROV CHAMPION:
-$300
-Trophy
-Mini Online Class Hosted By "Sa'diyya ONLINE"
-One FREE Day of Yaa Halla Y'all - A Gathering of the Stars in Texas, for either 2018 or 2019 sponsored by Isis & Del Bartlett ($165.00) value)
-Full Weekend Package for 2019 Austin Belly Dance Convention + Gala Show Performance Spot ($450.00 value)
-Full Weekend Package for Dare to Dream 2018 Featuring Ansuya sponsored by Miabella + Gala Show Performance Spot ($270.00 value)
-Professional Dance Photo Shoot with Easy Street Images ($100.00 value)
-4 Free Classes with Vashti of Texas ($100.00 value)
-One Custom Music Edit by Sa'diyya ($75.00 value)
-Free Four-Week Class Session With Sa'diyya ($75.00 value)
-1/2 off one hour private lesson with Sa'diyya ($42.50 value)
VALLEY OF THE QUEENS CROWD FAVORITE:
-Trophy
-Full Weekend Package for 2019 Austin Belly Dance Convention + Gala Show Performance Spot ($450.00 value)
-One Full Day at Dare to Dream 2018 Featuring Ansuya sponsored by Miabella + Gala Show Performance Spot ($125.00 value)
-Professional Dance Photo Shoot with Easy Street Images ($100.00 value)
-3 Free Classes with Vashti of Texas ($75.00 value)
-One Custom Music Edit by Sa'diyya ($75.00 value)
-Free Four-Week Class Session With Sa'diyya ($75.00 value)
-1/2 off one hour private lesson with Sa'diyya ($42.50 value)
VALLEY OF THE QUEENS 1ST RUNNER UP:
-Trophy
-3 Free Classes at the 2019 Austin Belly Dance Convention ($240.00 value)
-2 Show Tickets to 2018 Dare to Dream Featuring Ansuya + Gala Show Performance Spot ($40.00 value)
-Professional Dance Photo Shoot with Easy Street Images ($100.00 value)
-2 Free Classes with Vashti of Texas ($50.00 value)
-Free Four-Week Class Session With Sa'diyya ($75.00 value)
-1/2 off one hour private lesson with Sa'diyya ($42.50 value)
VALLEY OF THE QUEENS 2ND RUNNER UP:
-Trophy
-3 Free Classes at the 2019 Austin Belly Dance Convention ($240.00 value)
-Professional Dance Photo Shoot with Easy Street Images ($100.00 value)
-1 Free Class with Vashti of Texas $25.00 value)
-1/2 off one hour private lesson with Sa'diyya ($42.50 value)
General Information & Guidelines
This is a unique Bellydance competition and was the first of its kind in Dallas! Sa'diyya, a multiple award winning belly dancer, is the producer of this competition that is meant to be a fun, supportive and nurturing environment for dancers looking to challenge themselves and grow from the experience. Contestants will receive constructive written feedback that they can apply to their dance training. This contest is meant for any advanced/professional dancer of any Bellydance style.
And for dancers who don't want to compete but would like to receive valuable feedback about their improvised performances, evaluations will be available to dancers who preregister for them.
Dancers will know the song list ahead of time (see below), but the actual songs won't be revealed until the dancers step on stage, making it a true improv challenge.
Improvisational dancing is at the heart of belly dance, and all belly dancers should have this ability.
The only way to get it is to DO IT! Become the NEXT "Valley of the Queens Improv Champion!"
-Any style of bellydance is accepted, although the music selections are more classical in nature.
-This contest is for soloists.
-All performances and costuming must be family-friendly.
-Props may be used.
-All contestants must be 16 years of age or older.
-Contestants do not have to buy a show ticket but if they would like to purchase dinner, they may at a discounted rate of $15.
-Contestants are not required to take any workshops, although it is encouraged, especially the "Improving Improvisation" workshop with Cassandra Fox!
-All participants authorize the use of photos and video for promotional purposes.
-Contestants will receive more detailed information in an electronic packet after registration. This will include things like the stage dimensions, arrival time, etc.
And for dancers who don't want to compete but would like to receive valuable feedback about their improvised performances, evaluations will be available to dancers who preregister for them.
Dancers will know the song list ahead of time (see below), but the actual songs won't be revealed until the dancers step on stage, making it a true improv challenge.
Improvisational dancing is at the heart of belly dance, and all belly dancers should have this ability.
The only way to get it is to DO IT! Become the NEXT "Valley of the Queens Improv Champion!"
-Any style of bellydance is accepted, although the music selections are more classical in nature.
-This contest is for soloists.
-All performances and costuming must be family-friendly.
-Props may be used.
-All contestants must be 16 years of age or older.
-Contestants do not have to buy a show ticket but if they would like to purchase dinner, they may at a discounted rate of $15.
-Contestants are not required to take any workshops, although it is encouraged, especially the "Improving Improvisation" workshop with Cassandra Fox!
-All participants authorize the use of photos and video for promotional purposes.
-Contestants will receive more detailed information in an electronic packet after registration. This will include things like the stage dimensions, arrival time, etc.
How It Works:
1) Pre-register to be a contestant. There is a $75 registration fee that must be prepaid in order to reserve a spot in the competition lineup. Register HERE.
2) Review the list of possible songs below and be familiar with all of them. Contestants will not know the song she/he will be performing to until they step on stage!
3) Invite your family and friends so they can vote for their CROWD FAVORITE contestant!
4) On the night of the competition, contestants will draw numbers to determine the order of the performances.
5) Each contestant will perform to some of the songs listed below.
6) The awards will be announced at the end after the Gala Show portion of the evening.
7) Contestants will be given the score sheets and written feedback immediately following the conclusion of the contest on the same evening.
2) Review the list of possible songs below and be familiar with all of them. Contestants will not know the song she/he will be performing to until they step on stage!
3) Invite your family and friends so they can vote for their CROWD FAVORITE contestant!
4) On the night of the competition, contestants will draw numbers to determine the order of the performances.
5) Each contestant will perform to some of the songs listed below.
6) The awards will be announced at the end after the Gala Show portion of the evening.
7) Contestants will be given the score sheets and written feedback immediately following the conclusion of the contest on the same evening.
Don't want to compete? But want to still receive valuable feedback from the judges? Register to receive an evaluation instead!
*Contestants Also Receive Evaluations*
*Contestants Also Receive Evaluations*
Song List
Each set of music will be 5 minutes long. Each routine will include an entrance, taxim, drum solo and a finale. See the example below for approximate times:
1) Entrance Song (2:30-3:30)
2) Taxim - Various accordion, nay, kanoun, oud or violin solos (20-40 seconds)
3) Drum Solo (1:00-1:30)
4) Finale - Recap of Entrance Song (10-15 seconds)
TOTALING 5 MINUTES
Possible songs include excerpts of the following:
1) Entrance Song (2:30-3:30)
2) Taxim - Various accordion, nay, kanoun, oud or violin solos (20-40 seconds)
3) Drum Solo (1:00-1:30)
4) Finale - Recap of Entrance Song (10-15 seconds)
TOTALING 5 MINUTES
Possible songs include excerpts of the following:
Entrance Songs:
-Alf Leyla Wa Leyla -Aziza -Fakarouni -Gana El Howa -Leylet Hob -Mashaal -Nagwa -Set El Hosen -Zay El Howa |
Drum Solos:
-Hagala Drums by many musicians (traditional tabla solo) -Hamada by Sayed Balaha -Khatwet Serena (aka Serena's Step) by Hossam Ramzy -Rannet Al Tabla (aka Tabla Plus) by Sami Nossair Orchestra -Tabla Bassem by Bassem Yazbek -Wassan Pharoun by Issam Houshan |
Judging Criteria
Contestants are going to be judged for their individual performance rather than compared to each other.
Using a scale from 1-5 (5=Spectacular!, 4=Above Average, 3=Average, 2=Needs Improvement, 1=Focus A Lot In This Area), contestants will be judged on the following technical and artistic concepts listed below:
-Entertainment/Performance Skills
-Is there a proper entrance and exit?
-Does the performer engage the audience?
-Can the performer convey different emotions/moods?
-Does the performer keep "character" while performing?
-Musical Interpretation
-Does the performer acknowledge changes in the music?
-Does the performer use a variety of tempos and moods?
-Does the performer show knowledge of rhythms?
-Technical Execution of Movement
-Are the movements clear and isolated?
-Are hands,arms, feet and posture polished-looking?
-Does the performer appear to be fluid and "dancerly"?
-Costuming/Presentation
-Is the costume flattering and appropriate for the style of dance performed?
-Is the costume well-accessorized?
-Does the performer make use of glamorous, stage makeup and hair styling?
Remember, in addition to the number scores, contestants will receive detailed written feedback in each of these areas!
Using a scale from 1-5 (5=Spectacular!, 4=Above Average, 3=Average, 2=Needs Improvement, 1=Focus A Lot In This Area), contestants will be judged on the following technical and artistic concepts listed below:
-Entertainment/Performance Skills
-Is there a proper entrance and exit?
-Does the performer engage the audience?
-Can the performer convey different emotions/moods?
-Does the performer keep "character" while performing?
-Musical Interpretation
-Does the performer acknowledge changes in the music?
-Does the performer use a variety of tempos and moods?
-Does the performer show knowledge of rhythms?
-Technical Execution of Movement
-Are the movements clear and isolated?
-Are hands,arms, feet and posture polished-looking?
-Does the performer appear to be fluid and "dancerly"?
-Costuming/Presentation
-Is the costume flattering and appropriate for the style of dance performed?
-Is the costume well-accessorized?
-Does the performer make use of glamorous, stage makeup and hair styling?
Remember, in addition to the number scores, contestants will receive detailed written feedback in each of these areas!
Professional Esteemed Judges
CASSANDRA FOX
Cassandra Fox is a belly dance and Caribbean fusion dance instructor and performer from Coldwater, Ontario, Canada. She started dancing in 2008 and since then has been committed to developing her skills and art, and has had the privilege to learn from various workshop instructors . Largely known for her powerful shimmies, free spirited performances, strong technique, and the emotion and personality that she exudes while performing and teaching she has become a sought after performer and instructor both locally and in the international dance community. Cassandra has considerable competition experience, having competed from 2010 until 2014 in various competitions, highlights include multiple top 4 finishes at Belly Dancer of the Universe in Long Beach California including winning Champion in the fusion category in 2012, and the People's Choice Award from Drum Solo in 2014. She has also helped to keep the stereotype of the "Nice Canadian" alive having won multiple congeniality awards. She is perhaps most well known for her Caribbean Fusion style which pulls on her Caribbean heritage (Her family is originally from Jamaica) which fuses Caribbean music and movement with elements of belly dance movement and musicality. She has been fortunate to have a strong social media following and presence, with over 75,000 subscribers on YouTube, over 196,000 followers on Instagram and over 500,000 followers on Facebook, and multiple viral videos, the most notable of which has over 19 million views on Facebook. Having such a presence online has helped to develop helpful techniques for dealing with "hate", how to determine hate from criticism, and how to tune out "the noise" and focus on your art and work. This presence has also allowed her to connect with many people and has presented multiple opportunities to perform and teach throughout the US since 2011. Her experience has motivated her to share the love of dance, music, and culture with others and inspire them to want to have fun while, working hard and learning. Cassandra strives for a fun and focused learning environment while teaching, and an engaging and genuine experience while performing.
VASHTI
Vashti's great love of Oriental Dance began in the early 1970s, and continues to grow as each year passes.
Vashti has been teaching in Dallas since 1976, and currently teaches at You Can Dance Dallas. Over the years, she has also taught numerous workshops ans seminars locally, in numerous other cities in Texas and around the country including Houston, Austin, Lubbock, Oklahoma City, St. Louis, South Bend IN, Chicago, Las Vegas, Peducha KY and San Francisco. Vashti's performance credits include restaurants, clubs and private events locally, throughout Texas and the U.S. She was the featured dancer at the Lebanese Food Festival at Our Lady of Lebanon Catholic Church from its inception through 2012. Other venues include the Dallas Museum of Arts, the Dallas Opera, South Dallas Cultural Center, El Centro College, Brookhaven College, Richland College, The University of Dallas, UT Southwestern Medical School and The University Texas Austin, just to name a few. During her 40 plus years of study and training, Vashti has been influenced by a myriad of wonderful teachers and dancers. Those influences, combined with hours of practice and performance, have helped create her unique style of artistry and excitement. |
SA'DIYYA
Sa'diyya is an internationally recognized belly dancer based in Dallas, TX. She has been involved in belly dance since 1996 and is an accomplished performer, instructor, choreographer, costume designer and event producer.
She works as a full time, professional dancer who teaches group and private classes during the week and performs at special events on the weekends. Sa'diyya also travels nationally and internationally to teach and perform at belly dance events and festivals. She is well known for her savvy ability to choreograph in many different styles of belly dance. Sa'diyya's style of belly dance is dominated by the jazzy American Cabaret style with a heavy influence of Egyptian Raks Sharqi. Her solo and troupe performances have won more than 20 awards in national and international belly dance competitions, including Season 2 of "Project Belly Dance, America's Next Top Belly Dancer." Sa'diyya now has her own line of downloadable instructional videos that have sold all over the world! Find out more about "Sa'diyya ONLINE" HERE. Sa'diyya has been on a semi-hiatus for almost 2 years because of a long and wonderful journey of trying to become pregnant, getting pregnant and then having a sweet baby girl! ISIS
Isis Bartlett recognizes the breadth of the cultural community—the importance of arts, folk-life, heritage, historic preservation, and the humanities. She helps makes culture accessible and enhances the lives of those who otherwise would not have the opportunity to participate in cultural activities. She understands that culture offers its communities several intangible benefits. It helps to create a community spirit and develop a comforting “feel of home,” to result in better, more livable communities. A thriving cultural scene is more likely to attract the highly desirable, knowledge-based families that use their intellectual side more than their physical side. Isis places a high value on quality of life to the cultural sector and has become a champion for cultural goals. Isis Bartlett is known around Texas and the Belly Dancing Community as ‘Isis’ or ‘Isis of Texas.’ She is the owner of several community-based companies that work along side of each other in concert to promote diversity and cultural education. As one of Texas’ most accomplished women in business and in the performing arts arena, Isis proudly holds the following positions:
-Owner of The Isis Academy of Performing Arts Studio in Bedford, Texas, offering group belly dance and cultural dance and drum classes, private lessons, and instructor certifications. -President of The Isis Foundation, Inc., a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to the preservation of Middle Eastern dance and music. Their latest addition to achieve this goal is the creation and support of The Cultural Dance Team. (with support from Texas Commission on the Arts) -Executive Editor and Publisher of The Belly Dance Chronicles International Magazine, which she and her husband Del Bartlett started in 2003. -Owner of Belly Dance Treasures, a flourishing dance and music boutique featuring belly dance and cultural dance costumes, music CDs, belly dance DVDs, musical instruments, and other dance theatre props. -Owner of Isis Productions, this branch edits and produces the audio/video for the Isis Academy of Performing Arts including the individual dance performance DVDs for students and instructors, The Isis Foundation-sponsored dance event DVDs, and music CDs for studio choreographies. Her instructional videos and belly dance music CDs are top sellers in the marketplace. -All of the Isis Performing Companies, including The Wings of Isis Professional Performing Company, have won numerous awards for technique and entertainment, both as companies and individuals. A large number of Middle Eastern Dance Teachers in the Metroplex have received their training at the Isis Studios. Isis has performed for many celebrities. She is a master choreographer whose ideas are energetic and splendidly creative. Her creative style is spontaneous and sensual. Passionate about her work, her life and her dreams, she radiates a bold enthusiasm to everyone she meets. Her natural instinct comes into play when she hears a unique musical composition and begins to create the choreography in her mind then transfers that choreography through dance to her students. Using her entertaining expressions, innovative moves, and brilliant costume designs, her students and audiences are awestruck by her unparalleled skill as an entertainer and master instructor. Isis celebrates two Lifetime Achievement Awards for Artistic Dance Excellence. Her strong leadership and loving direction is instantly recognized as seen by the unparalleled support of her students, peers, artisans and artisan communities that share her vision. An internationally renowned entertainer, master instructor, choreographer, and dance visionary who has given selflessly for many years to provide a venue for dancers, musicians and performing artists across the United States. |