The Midwest Bellydance Challenge has several new and exciting changes this year starting with the name! I am delighted to announce that the 2009 MAQAM Challenge - Chicago will take place Saturday August 22nd at the York Community Resource Center, 1S071 Luther Ave Lombard, IL 60148. The first event will begin at 10:00am and it will be a full day of non-stop competition excitement (and of course there will be shopping)!! Please note that all categories are a single round. This year's categories are:

STUDENT CABARET SOLOIST: 1st place $250 dance scholarship, sash, trophy.
Trophies for 2nd and 3rd place.

STUDENT TRIBAL SOLOIST: 1st place $250 dance scholarship, sash, trophy. Trophies
for 2nd and 3rd place.

TROUPE: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place trophies for all troupe members

PRO DRUM SOLO: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place trophies

PRO CABARET SOLOIST: 1st place $500 cash prize, sash, tiara, trophy. Trophies
for 2nd and 3rd place.

PRO TRIBAL SOLOIST: 1st place $500 cash prize, sash, tiara, trophy. Trophies for
2nd and 3rd place.

Additional prizes TBA! There will be a People's Choice award for each category.

Registration is NOW OPEN!!! Visit maqam.com and click on Registration and Events (left side) or follow this link: www.maqam.com/mbc.html Note: Please read the Music Selections page! MAQAM is the world's largest distributor and online retailer of Arabic music, film, and instruments. The competition absolutely must comply with federal and international copyright laws for performance and distribution. The catalog available to competitors has nearly 90 artists and includes hundreds of CDs...from Amr Diab and Elissa to Brothers of the Baladi and Oum Kalthoum, there's something for everyone!
***SPECIAL DEAL*** Purchase an advance price spectator admission ($10) before July 10th you'll get a FREE CD when you pick it up with your wristband at Will Call!!!

Join the fun--TAKE THE CHALLENGE!! Any questions, feel free to contact me at kimahribellydancer@gmail.com

~~Kimahri
Executive Program Director