2018 Panel
The 2019 Judging Panel will be announced soon!
Judging Criteria & Guidelines
Number Scores
Competitors are judged based on six different criteria on a scale of 1-10. There are seven different criteria for the Belly Dancer of the Year Finals. Please only score in whole points. All half points (i.e., 9.5) will be rounded down to the next whole number.
Comments
Please provide comments for each performance. This is a judge's most important job. Comments help the dancers grow artistically and professionally. At a minimum, list something positive and then list a constructive criticism. Comments should be as clear, concise, and kind. If you give a low score for a particular criteria, please suggest how the dancer may improve in this area.
Example: "Good movement quality, although I would like to see a little more crisp technique and more fluidity on the softer sections."
Judging Criteria by Category:
Belly Dancer of the Year Preliminaries
APPEARANCE & COSTUMING
Consider artistry in terms of makeup and costume. How he/she feels about his/her dance should be reflected in their attire. Make up and costuming should be appropriate to the style of performance and the venue. In the Belly Dancer of the Year category, costuming runs the gamut from Bedouin styling and antique coins to rhinestones and high heels. Costume should fit well and flatter the dancer.
PROFESSIONALISM
Consider stage presence and poise, as well as posture, facial expression, entrances and exits. Is the dancer in control and confident. Also consider how the dancer handles any mishaps.
TECHNIQUE & ABILITY
The dancer’s ease, gracefulness, transitions, variety of movements, and, most importantly, the quality of technique and movement fall within this category.
ORIGINALITY
The dancer should have his/her own distinct style of dancing. He/she should use authentic movements with a style of his/her own. Use of props falls into this category.
MUSIC INTERPRETATION
Competitors choose their own music. Their choices are important in terms of how the music is used and how it is recorded to show off the dancing. Music should be relevant to dance style and overall performance. The dancer should move to the rhythm of the music and use the music effectively in terms of setting a mood. If used, finger cymbals fall into this category: Are finger cymbals to the music? Do they augment or distract from the performance?
PERSONALITY & OVERALL PERFORMANCE
What is your gut reaction to the performance. How does this dancer appeal to you emotionally. Did you really enjoy watching the performance or was it technically very good, but boring to you as far as entertainment value was concerned? Consider personality, mood changes, and how the dancer connects with the audience.
Belly Dancer of the Year Live Music Finals
Placement will be based on scores from both the Preliminaries and Finals rounds. Finalists must perform in the Finals in order to place in the category. Finalists are required to play finger cymbals during their performances.
APPEARANCE & COSTUMING
Consider artistry in terms of makeup and costume. How the dancer feels about his/her dance should be reflected in their attire. Make up and costuming should be appropriate to the style of performance and the venue. Costume should fit well and flatter the dancer.
PROFESSIONALISM
Consider stage presence and poise, as well as posture, facial expression, entrances and exits. Also consider how the dancer handles any mishaps.
TECHNIQUE & ABILITY
The dancer’s ease, gracefulness, transitions, variety of movements, and, most importantly, the quality of technique and movement fall within this category.
ORIGINALITY
The dancer should have his/her own distinct style of dancing. He/she should use authentic movements with a style of his/her own.
MUSICALITY & FINGER CYMBALS
Finalists do not know in advance what music will be played for them. Finger cymbals are required. The dancer should move to the rhythm of the music and use the music effectively in terms of setting a mood. Consider music interpretation in terms of steps and finger cymbals. Does the dancer seem to know the music? Is the dancer listening to the music? Are finger cymbals to the music/beat and played well? Are the rhythms acknowledged? Is there good balance in playing cymbals to the back beat, rhythms, and melody? Are the cymbals played enough or too much? Does the dancer use of different finger cymbal sounds - tek, clap/clack, ringing, etc. - creatively? Do the cymbals augment or distract from the performance? Does the dancer demonstrate and advanced/professional level skill at playing finger cymbals?
PERSONALITY & INTERACTION
Does the dancer's personality and style shine through in this intimate setting? Is the dancer interacting with the audience and musicians? Does the dancer know how to work with a band? Does the dancer form a relationship with the musicians and with the audience? Or is the performance similar to a stage routine to recorded music?
OVERALL PERFORMANCE
Consider the dancer's overall performance and execution of club/cabaret style improvisational belly dancing with a live band. What is your gut reaction to the performance? Did you really enjoy watching the performance or was it technically very good, but boring to you as far as entertainment value? Is the performance appropriate for the setting? Keep in mind that this is improvisation in an intimate setting, not a rehearsed stage show, so it's not supposed to be perfect.
Duet of the Year
APPEARANCE & COSTUMING
Costuming should be individually attractive, and attractive as a whole. Costumes need to reflect the choreography and style. Makeup should add to the staging.
CHOREOGRAPHY & MUSIC
Music should be relevant to dance style and overall performance. Good use should be made of breaks and rhythm changes. A simple piece of music, well choreographed, can be more interesting than a difficult piece of music that is poorly choreographed. Dancers need to move to the rhythm of the music and use the music effectively in terms of setting a mood. If used, finger cymbals fall into this category -- do they augment or distract from the performance? Consider staging, formations, and music interpretation.
ORIGINALITY & VERSATILITY
The dancers as a pair should have their own style. Variety of dance interpretation and pacing should be considered. Use of props falls into this category.
PRECISION & INTERACTION
Duet is a unique dynamic. Do the dancers interact with each other effectively? Are they well-rehearsed and together? Do they have a strong relationship during the performance? Do they compliment each other? Or do they look like two soloists executing the same movements?
PROFESSIONALISM
Stage presence, posture, facial expressions, entrances and exits should be considered. Do the dancers conduct themselves professionally? Is there a feeling of group support?
TOTAL DUET PERFORMANCE
What is your gut reaction to the performance? This has nothing to do with how good the dancers were technically, but has everything to do with the enjoyment factor and entertainment value. Consider personality, mood changes, and how the duet connects with the audience.
Fusion Dancer of the Year
APPEARANCE & COSTUMING
Consider artistry in terms of makeup and costume. How he/she feels about his/her dance should be reflected in their attire. Make up and costuming should be appropriate to the style of performance and the venue. Costumes should reflect and/or augment the choreography, music, and style. Consider how costuming works with or represents the dance genres fused. Makeup should add to the staging. Costume should fit well and flatter the dancer.
PROFESSIONALISM
Consider stage presence and poise, as well as posture, facial expression, entrances and exits. Also consider how the dancer handles any mishaps or technical difficulties.
TECHNIQUE & ABILITY
The dancer’s ease, gracefulness, transitions, variety of movements, and, most importantly, the quality of technique and movement fall within this category. How well does the dancer execute the dance genres being fused?
ORIGINALITY
The dancer should have his/her own distinct style of dancing. Movements should be authentic and style should be unique. Use of props falls into this category. Also consider the dancer's innovation in this category. Does the dancer represent well the different genres fused?
MUSIC INTERPRETATION
Competitors choose their own music. Their choices are important in terms of how the music is used and how it is recorded to show off the dancing. Music should be relevant to dance style and overall performance. The dancer should move to the rhythm of the music and use the music effectively in terms of setting a mood. If used, finger cymbals fall into this category -- do they augment or distract from the performance?
PERSONALITY & OVERALL PERFORMANCE
What is your gut reaction to the performance. How does this dancer appeal to you emotionally. Did you really enjoy watching the performance or was it technically very good, but boring to you as far as entertainment value was concerned? Consider personality, mood changes, and how the dancer connects with the audience.
Fusion Troupe of the Year
APPEARANCE & COSTUMING
Costuming should be individually attractive, and attractive as a whole. Costumes should reflect the choreography, music, and style. Costumes should reflect and/or augment the choreography, music, and style. Consider how costuming works with or represents the dance genres fused. Makeup should add to the staging. Makeup should add to the staging.
CHOREOGRAPHY & MUSIC
Music should be relevant to dance style and overall performance. Good use should be made of breaks and rhythm changes. A simple piece of music, well choreographed, can be more interesting than a difficult piece of music that is poorly choreographed. Dancers need to move to the rhythm of the music and use the music effectively in terms of setting a mood. If used, finger cymbals fall into this category -- do they augment or distract from the performance? Consider staging, formations, and music interpretation.
ORIGINALITY & VERSATILITY
The dancers, as a group, should have their own distinct style. Variety of dance interpretation and pacing should be considered. Use of props falls into this category. Also consider the troupe's innovation in this category. Do the troupe represent well the different genres fused?
PRECISION DANCING
Do the dancers work as a group or are they performing more as individuals? Are they well rehearsed and together?
PROFESSIONALISM
Stage presence, posture, facial expressions, entrances and exits should be considered. Do the dancers conduct themselves professionally? Is there a feeling of group support?
TOTAL TROUPE PERFORMANCE
What is your gut reaction to the performance? This has nothing to do with how good the dancers were technically, but has everything to do with the enjoyment factor and entertainment value. Consider personality, mood changes, and how the troupe connects with the audience.
Grand Dancer of the Year
APPEARANCE & COSTUMING
Consider artistry in terms of makeup and costume. How he/she feels about his/her dance should be reflected in their attire. Make up and costuming should be appropriate to the style of performance and the venue. Costuming must be appropriate to the style performed. Costume should fit well and flatter the dancer.
PROFESSIONALISM
Consider stage presence and poise, as well as posture, facial expression, entrances and exits. Also consider how the dancer handles any mishaps.
TECHNIQUE & ABILITY
The dancer’s ease, gracefulness, transitions, variety of movements, and, most importantly, the quality of technique and movement fall within this category.
ORIGINALITY
The dancer should have his/her own distinct style of dancing. He/she should use authentic movements with a style of his/her own. Use of props falls into this category.
MUSIC INTERPRETATION
Competitors choose their own music. Their choices are important in terms of how the music is used and how it is recorded to show off the dancing. Music should be relevant to dance style and overall performance. The dancer should move to the rhythm of the music and use the music effectively in terms of setting a mood. If used, finger cymbals fall into this category: Are finger cymbals to the music? Do they augment or distract from the performance?
PERSONALITY & OVERALL PERFORMANCE
What is your gut reaction to the performance. How does this dancer appeal to you emotionally. Did you really enjoy watching the performance or was it technically very good, but boring to you as far as entertainment value was concerned? Consider personality, mood changes, etc.
Troupe of the Year
APPEARANCE & COSTUMING
Costuming should be individually attractive, and attractive as a whole. Costumes need to reflect the choreography, music and style. Makeup should add to the staging.
CHOREOGRAPHY & MUSIC
Music should be relevant to dance style and overall performance. Good use should be made of breaks and rhythm changes. A simple piece of music, well choreographed, can be more interesting than a difficult piece of music that is poorly choreographed. Dancers need to move to the rhythm of the music and use the music effectively in terms of setting a mood. If used, finger cymbals fall into this category -- do they augment or distract from the performance? Consider staging, formations, and music interpretation.
ORIGINALITY & VERSATILITY
The dancers, as a group, should have their own style. Variety of dance interpretation and pacing should be considered. Use of props falls into this category.
PRECISION DANCING
Do the dancers work as a group or are they performing more as individuals? Are they well rehearsed and together?
PROFESSIONALISM
Stage presence, posture, facial expressions, entrances and exits should be considered. Do the dancers conduct themselves professionally? Is there a feeling of group support?
TOTAL TROUPE PERFORMANCE
This category asks for your gut reaction to the performance, which has nothing to do with how good the dancers were technically, but has everything to do with the enjoyment factor and entertainment value. Consider personality, mood changes, etc.
Competitors are judged based on six different criteria on a scale of 1-10. There are seven different criteria for the Belly Dancer of the Year Finals. Please only score in whole points. All half points (i.e., 9.5) will be rounded down to the next whole number.
Comments
Please provide comments for each performance. This is a judge's most important job. Comments help the dancers grow artistically and professionally. At a minimum, list something positive and then list a constructive criticism. Comments should be as clear, concise, and kind. If you give a low score for a particular criteria, please suggest how the dancer may improve in this area.
Example: "Good movement quality, although I would like to see a little more crisp technique and more fluidity on the softer sections."
Judging Criteria by Category:
Belly Dancer of the Year Preliminaries
APPEARANCE & COSTUMING
Consider artistry in terms of makeup and costume. How he/she feels about his/her dance should be reflected in their attire. Make up and costuming should be appropriate to the style of performance and the venue. In the Belly Dancer of the Year category, costuming runs the gamut from Bedouin styling and antique coins to rhinestones and high heels. Costume should fit well and flatter the dancer.
PROFESSIONALISM
Consider stage presence and poise, as well as posture, facial expression, entrances and exits. Is the dancer in control and confident. Also consider how the dancer handles any mishaps.
TECHNIQUE & ABILITY
The dancer’s ease, gracefulness, transitions, variety of movements, and, most importantly, the quality of technique and movement fall within this category.
ORIGINALITY
The dancer should have his/her own distinct style of dancing. He/she should use authentic movements with a style of his/her own. Use of props falls into this category.
MUSIC INTERPRETATION
Competitors choose their own music. Their choices are important in terms of how the music is used and how it is recorded to show off the dancing. Music should be relevant to dance style and overall performance. The dancer should move to the rhythm of the music and use the music effectively in terms of setting a mood. If used, finger cymbals fall into this category: Are finger cymbals to the music? Do they augment or distract from the performance?
PERSONALITY & OVERALL PERFORMANCE
What is your gut reaction to the performance. How does this dancer appeal to you emotionally. Did you really enjoy watching the performance or was it technically very good, but boring to you as far as entertainment value was concerned? Consider personality, mood changes, and how the dancer connects with the audience.
Belly Dancer of the Year Live Music Finals
Placement will be based on scores from both the Preliminaries and Finals rounds. Finalists must perform in the Finals in order to place in the category. Finalists are required to play finger cymbals during their performances.
APPEARANCE & COSTUMING
Consider artistry in terms of makeup and costume. How the dancer feels about his/her dance should be reflected in their attire. Make up and costuming should be appropriate to the style of performance and the venue. Costume should fit well and flatter the dancer.
PROFESSIONALISM
Consider stage presence and poise, as well as posture, facial expression, entrances and exits. Also consider how the dancer handles any mishaps.
TECHNIQUE & ABILITY
The dancer’s ease, gracefulness, transitions, variety of movements, and, most importantly, the quality of technique and movement fall within this category.
ORIGINALITY
The dancer should have his/her own distinct style of dancing. He/she should use authentic movements with a style of his/her own.
MUSICALITY & FINGER CYMBALS
Finalists do not know in advance what music will be played for them. Finger cymbals are required. The dancer should move to the rhythm of the music and use the music effectively in terms of setting a mood. Consider music interpretation in terms of steps and finger cymbals. Does the dancer seem to know the music? Is the dancer listening to the music? Are finger cymbals to the music/beat and played well? Are the rhythms acknowledged? Is there good balance in playing cymbals to the back beat, rhythms, and melody? Are the cymbals played enough or too much? Does the dancer use of different finger cymbal sounds - tek, clap/clack, ringing, etc. - creatively? Do the cymbals augment or distract from the performance? Does the dancer demonstrate and advanced/professional level skill at playing finger cymbals?
PERSONALITY & INTERACTION
Does the dancer's personality and style shine through in this intimate setting? Is the dancer interacting with the audience and musicians? Does the dancer know how to work with a band? Does the dancer form a relationship with the musicians and with the audience? Or is the performance similar to a stage routine to recorded music?
OVERALL PERFORMANCE
Consider the dancer's overall performance and execution of club/cabaret style improvisational belly dancing with a live band. What is your gut reaction to the performance? Did you really enjoy watching the performance or was it technically very good, but boring to you as far as entertainment value? Is the performance appropriate for the setting? Keep in mind that this is improvisation in an intimate setting, not a rehearsed stage show, so it's not supposed to be perfect.
Duet of the Year
APPEARANCE & COSTUMING
Costuming should be individually attractive, and attractive as a whole. Costumes need to reflect the choreography and style. Makeup should add to the staging.
CHOREOGRAPHY & MUSIC
Music should be relevant to dance style and overall performance. Good use should be made of breaks and rhythm changes. A simple piece of music, well choreographed, can be more interesting than a difficult piece of music that is poorly choreographed. Dancers need to move to the rhythm of the music and use the music effectively in terms of setting a mood. If used, finger cymbals fall into this category -- do they augment or distract from the performance? Consider staging, formations, and music interpretation.
ORIGINALITY & VERSATILITY
The dancers as a pair should have their own style. Variety of dance interpretation and pacing should be considered. Use of props falls into this category.
PRECISION & INTERACTION
Duet is a unique dynamic. Do the dancers interact with each other effectively? Are they well-rehearsed and together? Do they have a strong relationship during the performance? Do they compliment each other? Or do they look like two soloists executing the same movements?
PROFESSIONALISM
Stage presence, posture, facial expressions, entrances and exits should be considered. Do the dancers conduct themselves professionally? Is there a feeling of group support?
TOTAL DUET PERFORMANCE
What is your gut reaction to the performance? This has nothing to do with how good the dancers were technically, but has everything to do with the enjoyment factor and entertainment value. Consider personality, mood changes, and how the duet connects with the audience.
Fusion Dancer of the Year
APPEARANCE & COSTUMING
Consider artistry in terms of makeup and costume. How he/she feels about his/her dance should be reflected in their attire. Make up and costuming should be appropriate to the style of performance and the venue. Costumes should reflect and/or augment the choreography, music, and style. Consider how costuming works with or represents the dance genres fused. Makeup should add to the staging. Costume should fit well and flatter the dancer.
PROFESSIONALISM
Consider stage presence and poise, as well as posture, facial expression, entrances and exits. Also consider how the dancer handles any mishaps or technical difficulties.
TECHNIQUE & ABILITY
The dancer’s ease, gracefulness, transitions, variety of movements, and, most importantly, the quality of technique and movement fall within this category. How well does the dancer execute the dance genres being fused?
ORIGINALITY
The dancer should have his/her own distinct style of dancing. Movements should be authentic and style should be unique. Use of props falls into this category. Also consider the dancer's innovation in this category. Does the dancer represent well the different genres fused?
MUSIC INTERPRETATION
Competitors choose their own music. Their choices are important in terms of how the music is used and how it is recorded to show off the dancing. Music should be relevant to dance style and overall performance. The dancer should move to the rhythm of the music and use the music effectively in terms of setting a mood. If used, finger cymbals fall into this category -- do they augment or distract from the performance?
PERSONALITY & OVERALL PERFORMANCE
What is your gut reaction to the performance. How does this dancer appeal to you emotionally. Did you really enjoy watching the performance or was it technically very good, but boring to you as far as entertainment value was concerned? Consider personality, mood changes, and how the dancer connects with the audience.
Fusion Troupe of the Year
APPEARANCE & COSTUMING
Costuming should be individually attractive, and attractive as a whole. Costumes should reflect the choreography, music, and style. Costumes should reflect and/or augment the choreography, music, and style. Consider how costuming works with or represents the dance genres fused. Makeup should add to the staging. Makeup should add to the staging.
CHOREOGRAPHY & MUSIC
Music should be relevant to dance style and overall performance. Good use should be made of breaks and rhythm changes. A simple piece of music, well choreographed, can be more interesting than a difficult piece of music that is poorly choreographed. Dancers need to move to the rhythm of the music and use the music effectively in terms of setting a mood. If used, finger cymbals fall into this category -- do they augment or distract from the performance? Consider staging, formations, and music interpretation.
ORIGINALITY & VERSATILITY
The dancers, as a group, should have their own distinct style. Variety of dance interpretation and pacing should be considered. Use of props falls into this category. Also consider the troupe's innovation in this category. Do the troupe represent well the different genres fused?
PRECISION DANCING
Do the dancers work as a group or are they performing more as individuals? Are they well rehearsed and together?
PROFESSIONALISM
Stage presence, posture, facial expressions, entrances and exits should be considered. Do the dancers conduct themselves professionally? Is there a feeling of group support?
TOTAL TROUPE PERFORMANCE
What is your gut reaction to the performance? This has nothing to do with how good the dancers were technically, but has everything to do with the enjoyment factor and entertainment value. Consider personality, mood changes, and how the troupe connects with the audience.
Grand Dancer of the Year
APPEARANCE & COSTUMING
Consider artistry in terms of makeup and costume. How he/she feels about his/her dance should be reflected in their attire. Make up and costuming should be appropriate to the style of performance and the venue. Costuming must be appropriate to the style performed. Costume should fit well and flatter the dancer.
PROFESSIONALISM
Consider stage presence and poise, as well as posture, facial expression, entrances and exits. Also consider how the dancer handles any mishaps.
TECHNIQUE & ABILITY
The dancer’s ease, gracefulness, transitions, variety of movements, and, most importantly, the quality of technique and movement fall within this category.
ORIGINALITY
The dancer should have his/her own distinct style of dancing. He/she should use authentic movements with a style of his/her own. Use of props falls into this category.
MUSIC INTERPRETATION
Competitors choose their own music. Their choices are important in terms of how the music is used and how it is recorded to show off the dancing. Music should be relevant to dance style and overall performance. The dancer should move to the rhythm of the music and use the music effectively in terms of setting a mood. If used, finger cymbals fall into this category: Are finger cymbals to the music? Do they augment or distract from the performance?
PERSONALITY & OVERALL PERFORMANCE
What is your gut reaction to the performance. How does this dancer appeal to you emotionally. Did you really enjoy watching the performance or was it technically very good, but boring to you as far as entertainment value was concerned? Consider personality, mood changes, etc.
Troupe of the Year
APPEARANCE & COSTUMING
Costuming should be individually attractive, and attractive as a whole. Costumes need to reflect the choreography, music and style. Makeup should add to the staging.
CHOREOGRAPHY & MUSIC
Music should be relevant to dance style and overall performance. Good use should be made of breaks and rhythm changes. A simple piece of music, well choreographed, can be more interesting than a difficult piece of music that is poorly choreographed. Dancers need to move to the rhythm of the music and use the music effectively in terms of setting a mood. If used, finger cymbals fall into this category -- do they augment or distract from the performance? Consider staging, formations, and music interpretation.
ORIGINALITY & VERSATILITY
The dancers, as a group, should have their own style. Variety of dance interpretation and pacing should be considered. Use of props falls into this category.
PRECISION DANCING
Do the dancers work as a group or are they performing more as individuals? Are they well rehearsed and together?
PROFESSIONALISM
Stage presence, posture, facial expressions, entrances and exits should be considered. Do the dancers conduct themselves professionally? Is there a feeling of group support?
TOTAL TROUPE PERFORMANCE
This category asks for your gut reaction to the performance, which has nothing to do with how good the dancers were technically, but has everything to do with the enjoyment factor and entertainment value. Consider personality, mood changes, etc.
