Dates & Deadlines 

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• Monday September 23, 2024 - Deadline to register to compete 

• Tuesday October 1st, 2024 - Deadline to submit Online Preliminary round video for Queen category. 

  • Late submissions will not be entered to compete. Please upload your video to YouTube and send the link to your video to raqssharqueen@gmail.com with the subject line: "RSQ Preliminary Video".

  • Make sure the YouTube link is set to either “Public” or “Unlisted”. If the video is set to Private, we won’t be able to review the video and therefore will not be entered to compete. 

  • Late submissions will not be entered to compete. 

  • Time limit for preliminary online submissions is five (5) min for Queen category.

• Tuesday October 1st, 2024 - Deadline to submit music.

  • Please send your music to raqssharqueen@gmail.com with the subject line: “RSQ MUSIC [enter category name]”.  

  • All music must be on one (1) track in MP3 format.  

  • Title track must be dancer name and category (Example:  “Name_Category”) 

  • Music must be edited on one single track.

  • Time limit is four (4) min for Rising and Grand categories, five (5) min for Group category.

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General

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• Music has to be of Middle Eastern origins and influence.

• If competing in Queen Category, you may not enter into Rising Star Category and vice versa. 

• If dancer exceeds music time limit, music will be stopped and points will be heavily deducted. 

• Contestants are only entered to compete once registration and payments are received.  

• All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. 

• Entries will be accepted until the category reaches its maximum capacity.

• If there are fewer than 3 entries in a category, that category may be merged with another.

• Dancers must check in at least one (1) hour early and must be in the green room thirty (30) min prior to the start of their category. If a dancer is not ready or present when called up, they will be eliminated from the category.

• Dancers can begin either on or off stage, they are not allowed to enter or exit through the audience.

• By attending, all participants grant consent for the use of their photos and videos for promotional content.

• Competitors who fail to adhere to the rules will incur point deductions and possible disqualification.

• Competitors bear full responsibility and liability for themselves and all personal belongings.

• After the awards ceremony in their respective category, contestants will receive their score sheets.

• Blank scoresheets can be reviewed prior to participating in the competition.

• The order of contestant lineup is based on the date of registration.

• The live music finals for Queen category will include three parts: Raqs Sharqi, Folk & Drum solo 

• After contestants compete, they may watch the rest of the competition but must wear a cover up. 

• Please stay in costume until after the competition is over for the awards and photos. 

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Back Stage Etiquette

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• Dancers must be kind, considerate and respectful towards each other and the volunteers/staff. 

• Contestants who appear intoxicated or mistreat anyone involved in the competition, such as other contestants, audience, or volunteers, will be disqualified without any refund.

• Make sure phones are on silent 

• If practicing/warming up backstage, make sure to wear headphones and keep movements contained to your designated area so as not to disrupt other dancers or be in the way. 

• Be mindful of spatial awareness- keep your belongings organized and in your designated area. Avoid spreading your stuff out across the room or too close to other dancers' stuff.

• Mirrors, Iron/Steamer, Rack are to be shared.

• DO NOT use hairspray, perfume, body spray or any scented product backstage. If you must apply anything like this you can do so away from the communal area either in the bathroom or any isolated, well ventilated area. 

 

If you have any questions, feel free to call/text Corina 310-866-2564 or email her raqssharqueen@gmail.com