Registration for the 2nd Annual Midwest Bellydance Challenge is officially OPEN at shimmychicago.com! Let the games begin!

(from the site)

"The Midwest Bellydance Challenge (MBC) was started by Kimahri in 2007 to provide a top-quality bellydance competition experience to Middle Eastern dancers in the region and beyond. The mission of the MBC is to create a place were a dancer's skill and talent are rewarded and dancers can gain valuable feedback to continue in their dance development. The judges for the MBC bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the panel and include expertise in the areas of Middle Eastern dance, music and culture as well as performing skill and presentation. Kimahri is delighted to expand this year's competition categories and be able to share this exciting experience with even more dancers.

CATEGORIES
Student Soloist: Can be cabaret, tribal or folkloric style. Student dancers do not teach and have not performed for pay. Time limit: 5 minutes.

Tribal Soloist: Advanced and professional level dancers, including teachers and those who perform for pay. Time limit: 7 minutes.

Troupe: Can be cabaret, tribal or folkloric styles. All levels accepted. Troupe must have a minimum of 3 dancers and will be disqualified if that number is not available to perform. Time limit: 7 minutes.

Pro Cabaret: Semi-pro and professional level dancers, including teachers and those who perform for pay. Time limit: 7 minutes for semi-finals, 10 minutes for finals.

Prizes for this year's competitors (watch this space--more prizes TBA!)
Troupe: 1st, 2nd, 3rd (trophies for all winning troupe members)
Student Soloist: 1st place ($250 dance scholarship and trophy), 2nd place (trophy), 3rd place (trophy)
Tribal Soloist: 1st place ($250 cash prize and trophy), 2nd place (trophy), 3rd place (trophy)
Pro Cabaret Soloist: 1st place ($500 cash prize, trophy, sash, tiara), 2nd place (trophy), 3rd place (trophy)

*People's Choice trophies will be awarded for all categories*


The competition will be held on Saturday August 23rd, 2008.
Daytime events (troupe, tribal and student soloist, pro cabaret semifinals) will be held at Immanuel Lutheran School, 148 E. Third Street, Elmhurst IL 60126. General admission tickets are available for all-day access. The pro cabaret finals will take place Saturday evening in a gala show that will also feature the troupe, tribal and student solo winners. The show will be held at the Mario Parente (formerly Anderson) Theater in Oakbrook Terrace Park District Heritage Center, 1S325 Ardmore Ave., Oakbrook Terrace, IL. "


I'm really looking forward to this year's event, any questions fire away!


~~Kimahri