Welcome to the
Twelfth Annual Wiggles of the West
Belly Dance Contest
July 13-15, 2007
About the Contest
We have always worked very hard to make this a fun and rewarding experience. We have the reputation of having a laid back event and we like that and hope you will like it also. Even though we have a lot of fun, the true goal of having a contest was the same as any type of dance contest, to give dancers credentials to which the average person can relate. Know that you are only being judged on the dance you do this one day, not on your whole career. It should be a learning experience. To this end, we have a score sheet that allows the judges to really give you feedback about your dance.
We invite only Judges from the Belly Dance community, people who are experienced in our dance form and can judge equally in the varied styles of our dance. Our judges come from no one particular area to prevent an unfair advantage to one area. The Belly Dance community, like any other dance community, is small, therefore it is always possible that the judges might know the contestants. As the Coach/Judges of Ballroom Dance have stated this may act against the dancer, because they know what they are capable of doing. To eliminate prejudice in this respect, we use a large panel of judges. We also allow judges to disqualify themselves in certain categories or skip categories so they do not become fatigued. They will be replaced by an equally qualified judge.
We have always made it a practice to throw out the top and bottom scores and add the remaining scores to prevent favoritism. No one, except the Two Old Bags and the score keepers, will see your scores besides you. If you do not provide us with a SASE, we will assume you do not want your scores and they will be destroyed. Envelopes will be available for purchase at the front desk during the contest. All score sheets are mailed to you after the contest. We read every score sheet before they are sent to you. Why? Because this is our way of seeing what judges are doing. We eliminate judges who we feel are not doing a fair job of judging.
A videotape will be running during your performance. You can authorize one or more people to video tape your performance. You must fill out a video release form. Forms will be provided at the front desk and must be turned into the video manager just before you go on. If you would like a copy of your performance, you may purchase it (entertainer preliminaries and finals will be on one tape). Please fill out the video form and send it to us with a check or money order for the required amount. Video requests can also be given to us at the contest. All videos are mailed after the contest is over, and we have time to catch our breath.
NO UNAUTHORIZED VIDEO TAPING WILL BE ALLOWED.
Contest Rules
1. No Reservations. When we receive your entry fee you are entered. Notification will be sent to you, via email or US mail.
2. No Discounts.
3. Entries will be taken until June 25, 2007 (must be postmarked on or before June 25, 2007). NO entries will be taken at the door.
4. Entries will be taken on a first come first served basis until the category is full, see entry descriptions for category limits.
5. Refunds only if category is filled or category is canceled.
6. Categories must have three or more entries or they will be canceled.
7. Participants will choose where they would like to be in the line up; first part, middle, or last part. Your choice will be given according to when we receive your entry. Earliest entries get their first choice.
8. Check-in time is when the doors open and no later than 30 minutes prior to start of the contest. We would prefer you to remain on property once you have checked in. If you are not ready to go on stage when it is your turn, you will be skipped and no make-up position will be given.
9. Disqualification with no refund if participant appears overly intoxicated.
10. Zills are not required.
11. The entire dance must be performed on the stage. Dancing on the floor is an automatic disqualification. The only exception is a troupe larger than 15 people.
12. Every contestant must enter the stage via the stairs.
13. CD Belly Dance music is preferred but you can use tapes. CDs or tapes must have only the music for your performance. Name and category printed on tape or CD, not the container. Please have tapes cued and ready to go. The sound staff will not rewind your tape for you. Have back-up music available in case of emergency. Music is turned in at the front desk, not to the sound staff. Special Instructions must be on the CD or tape when it is turned in.
14. A 15-point penalty for exceeding the maximum dance time limit.
15. Photo and short Bio for the program must be received by June 11, 2007 to be included in the program. Entries received after the 11th will only appear on the line-up sheet and will not appear in the program. Photo can be color or black & white, please try to avoid dark backgrounds. Please try to make your bio around 30 words, do not send your press release and expect us to write it for you.
16. Returned checks will be assessed a $20.00 fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a dressing room?
There will be a hotel room on the same floor that is set aside for a dressing room. Because it is a real hotel room; it has mirrors, closet, running water, and furniture. Keys for the dressing room are passed out at the front desk and should be returned as soon as you are finished. We are not responsible for anything stored in the dressing room, but things should be safe. The dressing room is only used by the dancers during the contest.
What is the stage like and what size is it?
The stage is a standard convention style Riser Stage. It is 24 inches high and has 2 stairs on one side only (the entrance). The only entrance for the stage is on the left hand side facing the stage. The stage is 16' x 34' with extremely low pile carpet. Screening is place in front of the stairs for a side stage.
Must Dancers buy a ticket?
Dancers do not need a ticket for the day they are performing. But, if they choose to attend on a day they are not performing, they will need to buy a ticket.
Do attendants or escorts need to buy a ticket?
Yes. Anyone other than Contestants, judges, or demo performers must buy a ticket. Friends, family, escorts, etc. will need to purchase a ticket. Tickets are $10.00 for adults, $8.00 for children (under 12) or seniors (over 55) per day or $25.00 for adults or $20.00 for children or seniors for a three day pass. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door.
What happens to our photos and bios we send in?
All photos become the property of Two Old Bags, Ltd. Special arrangements can be made for return if need be. At no time will they be given or sold to someone else. We may use your photos to promote the contest in the future, but we never sell them.
When are the trophies and prizes awarded?
Trophies and prizes are awarded at the end of each day for the categories completed that day. Trophies are awarded for first and second place in each category. Third place will receive a plaque in each category. Cash prizes will be awarded for first and second place in all categories except Rising Star. First place for Rising Star will be awarded, but not second since that would disqualify them from entering Rising Star again (having made money dancing). Donated prizes will be awarded for all three places.
NO UNAUTHORIZED VIDEO TAPING IS ALLOWED.
"We reserve the right to refuse entry"
July 10, 2006