Performing Arts Theater
El Cerrito High School
540 Ashbury Avenue
El Cerrito, California
Contact us!
General Questions - Leea Aziz
info@bellydanceroftheyear.net
Judges/Scorekeeping & Program Ads - Jennifer Cooper
jennifer@bellydanceroftheyear.net
Publicity - Naiya del Prado
naiya@bellydanceroftheyear.net
Connect with us!
About Belly Dancer of the Year
The Belly Dancer of the Year Pageant was founded by Sula Frick. When Sula passed away in 1978, her son asked Leea Aziz to continue producing BDOY, as it was Sula's proudest accomplishment. Now in it's 38th year, Leea has produced BDOY in Sula's honor since 1979.
At first, there was only one category for soloist and the event was held in very small venues. In 1979, the Troupe category was added at the request of Kattoura/Ginny. Later, the Grand Dancer category was added at the request of Halame, and, finally, the Duet Category was added. Several years ago, the Duet of the Year category was changed to Duo/Trio. In 2010, the BDOY Pageant Committee added Tribal Soloist and Tribal Ensemble categories, beginning in 2011, to represent the American Tribal and Tribal Fusion styles in the belly dance community.
BDOY is now an international event, and "Belly Dancer of the Year" is recognized as the premier title in belly dancing. It opens the door to teaching workshops, starring in performances, and DVD appearances. Previous winners include Aziza (2002), Judeen (1993), and Alexandra King (1988). The goal of BDOY is to give qualified dancers a fair and equal opportunity to exhibit their skills, as well as promote and elevate the art of belly dance and support its amazing community.