2025 Belly dancer USA rules and information

ENTRIES
  1. Deadline is May 15, 2025.
  2. Entries accepted on first come first serve basis until category is full.
  3. Dancers may enter more than one category.
  4. Categories with less than 3 entries, may be canceled or combined.
  5. All entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, no exceptions.  Contestants are not considered fully registered and entered until all fees are paid in full.
MUSIC
  1. All music must be received by May 15th, 2025.  All music must be on 1 track in MP3 format.  Please send music to [email protected].
  2. Title track must be dancer name and category (Example:  CassandraRose-BellyDancerUSA)
  3. ​Maximum time limits for each category are listed below
    1. ​Hobbyist - 5 Minutes
    2. Goddess - 5 Minutes
    3. Fusion NON-PRO - 5 Minutes
    4. Duet - 5 Minutes
    5. Troupe - 6 Minutes
    6. Seven Veils - 5 Minutes
    7. Fusion PRO - 6 Minutes
    8. Belly Dancer USA - 6 Minutes
    9. Music must be Middle Eastern except for in the following categories.  Seven Veils, Fusion (both Pro and Non Pro), Troupe and Duet. 
​​For questions about music requirements, please email [email protected]
DANCE POSITIONS
  1. Dance positions are assigned on a first come first served basis at the time of registration.  Dancers may select to go in the beginning, middle, end of the category.  Lineup is determined by contest staff based on number of entries in the category. You are not guaranteed to dance in the order you requested, but staff will try to schedule according to the requested time slot. 
  2. Dancers must check in with contest staff at least one hour prior to their category. 
  3. Dancers must be "on deck" for the performance before them.
  4. If a dancer is not ready to perform in their designated time slot, they will be disqualified from the category.
COMPETING
  1. Dancer may start on or off stage.  All dancing must be done on stage.  No entering or exiting through the audience.   
  2. Staff will disqualify,  with no refund,  any contestant who appears intoxicated or mistreats anyone involved in the competition, including contestants, audience or volunteers. 
  3. All participants of the Belly Dancer USA 2025 Competition authorize the use of photos and video for educational and promotional purposes.
  4. Winning competitors agree to use the title of their category correctly for publicity purposes.  They also agree to uphold the image of Belly Dancer USA to the best of their ability.
  5. Points will be deducted for any competitor that does not follow the rules associated with the category they have entered.  
  6. Competitors assume all responsibility and liability for themselves and all personal property.
JUDGING
  1. Contestants will be given their scoresheets after awards have been presented in their category.
  2. Scoresheets are available for review before competing.
  3. We believe in the ability and integrity of all of our judges.  If you have concerns, please direct all questions to [email protected].
Videography and photography is allowed, however no use of lights is permitted.  No Flash photography