"The Juice"

2009 MAQAM Challenge - Chicago

BellydancerMariah — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:24:51 GMT

Photo left to right; Mariah 2nd, Erika 1st, Sonya 3rd/Peoples Choice 2009 MAQAM CHALLENGE WINNERS Student Cabaret Soloist People's Choice - Jonsey (IL) 3rd Place - Maharani (IL) 2nd Place - Nasim (WI) 1st Place - Jonsey (IL) Pro Tribal Soloist People's Choice - Eliza (IL) 3rd Place - Susan Warner (IL) 2nd Place - Eliza (IL) and Megan Hartmann (MO) 1st Place - Ayperi (WI) Pro Drum Solo People's Choice - Sonya (IL) 3rd Place - Sonya (IL) 2nd Place - Mariah Parasson (OH) 1st Place - Erika Ochoa (IL) Pro Cabaret Soloist People's Choice - Sonya (IL) 3rd Place - Sonya (IL) 2nd Place - Toria (MD) 1st Place - Erika Ochoa (IL) The MAQAM Challenge 2009 - Chicago was a first- class competition. Kimahri worked the day like a pro. Met and talked with the judges Shira, Bashar and Jawhara all of which I thought did a fine job. Competitors were on top of their game. Congrats to everyone for just entering! To all the winners...Cheers! Work hard. Play hard. Dance harder. Please look me up on facebook Maria Parasson - Cleveland, OH | Facebook birth name Maria Parasson aka Mariah

2009 Belly Dancer of the Year Winners

BellydancerMariah — Tue, 26 May 2009 18:03:03 GMT

Memorial Day Weekend in San Ramon, California in the San Francisco East Bay Area. Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center 10550 Albion Road San Ramon, California 94582 2009 Results Maria - 2009 Belly Dancer of the Year Sedona - 1st Runner Up Karolina - 2nd Runner Up Mia Sha'uri - 3rd Runner Up Namira - 4th Runner Up Magidah - Congeniality Raks A'Diva - 2009 Troupe of the Year Modern Gypsy - 1st Runner Up Troupe Dhyanis - 2nd Runner Up Tiyanna - Congeniality Aiwa She Raqa - 2009 Trio of the Year Seshata - 1st Runner Up Fiji - 2009 Grand Dancer Theresea Jade - 1st Runner Up Taroob - 2nd Runner Up Fiji - Congeniality Belly Dancer of the Year Finalists: Namira, Mia Sha'uri, Khalilah, Magidah, Maria, Lu Lu, Sedona, Summer Sahar, Mariah, and Karolina These dancers were tough! I'm proud to be a finalist!! Congrats to everybody involved! In photo from left to right; Namira, Mia Sha'uri, Khalilah, Magidah, Maria, Lu Lu, Sedona, Summer Sahar, Mariah, & Karolina

Belly Dancer of the Year May 23-25

BellydancerMariah — Tue, 12 May 2009 20:30:50 GMT

The 2009 Belly Dancer of the Year Pageant will be held Memorial Day Weekend in San Ramon, California in the San Francisco East Bay Area. Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center 10550 Albion Road San Ramon, California 94582 2009 Judges Ahava Aneena Ayesha Aziza! Denise Ely Fadil Shahin Jizan Judeen Malia de Felice Ma*Shuqa Mira Murjan Naiya Numa'ir Oreet Pat Olson Best of luck to all the competitors!

Eebo Turmen "The Sultan" together with Mariah at Cairo in Columbus May 2, 2009

BellydancerMariah — Fri, 01 May 2009 01:39:39 GMT

•BREAKING NEWS• Ibrahim "The Sultan" Turmen of the world-famous "THE SULTANS MIDDLE EASTERN BAND" is going to sing and drum for Ohio's very own Bellydancer MARIAH - "Cairo in Columbus" this Saturday, May 2nd! Tickets are still available! Go to www.BellydanceColumbus.com for more info!!! Chandara Gamal presents the 6th Annual Cairo in Columbus: A full-day Seminar & Concert Celebrating the Art of Middle-Eastern/American Bellydance! Saturday, May 2, 2009 Xenos Christian Fellowship, Building "X" (Youth Center) 1290 Community Park Dr, Columbus, OH (Near the intersection of I-270 & Cleveland Ave) BYOB (please drink responsibly) Complimentary hor d'oeurves (some gluten, soy & vegan-friendly choices available) F E A T U R I N G Nataj - Owner of (TM) Habeeba's Dance of the Arts, Cincinnati, OH "Unveiling the Secrets of Double Veil" (Students should bring a matching set of both rectangular and circular veils. The rectangular veils should be untrimmed, and the circular veils should have trim on the curved edge. Jennifer Rose Artistic Director of Raqdoll, Middletown, OH "Sweet Chai" The how, when & why to sprinkle peppery pops & locks into your dance. Learn to balance the usage of pops and locks with the sweetness of Raqs Sharqi to create a full-bodied fusion that transcends and honors both forms. Laylia Owner of Laylia's School of Bellydance, Columbus, OH "The Life of a Drum Circle" Learn to understand the life of a drum circle - how to work together to create a common language between dancer and drummer, as well as drummer to drummer, to give your drum circle or jam session a coherent and controlled sound that is easy to anticipate and follow, and highlights the skills of both drummers and dancers. S E M I N A R R A T E S $30 ~ 2 hr class with Nataj $10 ~ 1 hr drum class with Laylia $30 ~ 2 hr class with Jennifer Rose $55 ~ All Classes +1 concert ticket E V E N I N G C O N C E R T $10 ~ Performers $15 ~ Spectators PRE-REGISTRATION DEADLINE APRIL 18TH (after April 18th, all rates increase by $5) For your convenience, all tickets will be held at the door. Schedule of Events Seminar 8:45 am ................Check-in begins. 9:30 - 9:45.............Morning warm-ups with Certified Personal Trainer, Blair Hartley. 9:45 - 11:45...........Class with Nataj. 11:45 - 12 noon.....Cool downs/stretches with Certified Personal Trainer, Blair Hartley. Noon - 1:00 pm.....Break for lunch (many lunch locations within 1 mile). 1:00 - 2:00 pm.......Drum class with Laylia. 2:00 - 2:15 pm.......Warm-ups with Blair Hartley, CPT. 2:15 - 4:15 pm.......Class with Jennifer Rose. 4:15 - 4:30 pm.......Cool downs/stretches with Blair Hartley, CPT Concert 7:00 pm. - Doors open for evening concert. 8:00 pm. - Evening concert featuring over 20 performances by soloists & troupes from all across the mid-west! Maps & Directions Take your best route to the intersection of I-270 & Cleveland Ave.on the northeast side of Columbus, Ohio. From I-270, take Exit 27 and go SOUTH on Cleveland Ave. At the first major intersection, turn RIGHT onto Community Park Drive. (There is an O'Charleys, McDonalds, and Home Depot on the corner.) Go 0.3 miles and Building "X" is on your right. For further questions, or if you would like to perform in the show, please contact Chandara at Chandara@BellydanceColumbus.com or call 614-607-1320 or visit: www.bellydancecolumbus.com/

Midwest Bellydance Challenge Winners!

BellydancerMariah — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:53:51 GMT

photo left to right: Mariah (OH) 3rd & People's Choice, Shara (MO) 2nd, & Amanda Rose (AZ) 1st!!! The Midwest Bellydance Challenge 8/23 Chicago, IL Congratulations to all!!! Student Soloist Category 1st Galiah Lavan (IL) 2nd Lisha (IL) 3rd Nasim (WI) People's Choice Lisha (IL) Troupe Category 1st Gaia Rising (IL) 2nd Ashar Dance Company (WI) 3rd Ro-He (IL) People's Choice Safiya Dafiya (IL) Tribal Soloist 1st Marci Ann (IL) 2nd Mae the Bellydancer (IL) 3rd Jezminda (IL) People's Choice Marci Ann (IL) Pro Cabaret Category Finalists: Drea (IL) Tipsuda (NJ) Mariah (OH) Shahina (IL) Galatea (WI) Nandi (MO) Shara (MO) Amanda Rose (AZ) Pro Cabaret Category: 1st Amanda Rose (AZ) 2nd Shara (MO) 3rd Mariah (OH) People's Choice Mariah (OH)

Competition clips from East Coast Classic

BellydancerMariah — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:42:53 GMT

Mariah Belly Dance Competition clips on youtube part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g55dCkwAKW8 part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgYSvNOOaaY I personally like part 2 better so please watch and tell me what you think. Any comments on belly dance competitions in general I'd like to hear. Thanks! Mariah www.mariaparasson.com

Mariah 3rd in Pro!

BellydancerMariah — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:15:24 GMT

Competed July 20th in Columbus, Ohio at The Annual "Personal Best" Middle Eastern Dance Competition. I won 3rd place in the Professional Category! Next stop is Dallas, TX for Ahlan Cairo Nights Queen of Raks Sharqi Competition. This one is going to be tough. Looks like 20 some contestants being judged by Dina, Dr. Mo Geddawi, Randa Kamel, Dandash... Oh Lord! What am I getting myself into? Troupe Cairo Nights & Queen of Raks Sharqi Competitions Thursday, July 31st Judges- Dina, Dr Mo Geddawi, Randa Kamel, Dandash Troupe Winner Grand Prize - $1000 Queen Grand Prize - Trip to Cairo, Egypt Summer of 2009 Show starts after opening, 7pm Tickets at door $15 Thursday Night Solo Performers (not in order) Mary Garcia (GA)~Deeta Pakro (CA)~Nalalia Zarate (FL)~Elizabeth Clark (FL)~Stephanie Scott (GA)~Rebecca Habtour (MD)~Jennifer Catlin (IN)~Anna Murray (KY)~Amanda Borba (UT)~Marisol Valdez (Mexico)~Sarah Beth Kayton (TX)~Brittney Banaei (MO)~Lily Tsai (TX)~Sherazad Bouteldja (Canada)~Susan Molina (FL)~Sinead Stinson (Canada)~Amani Jabril (GA)~Maria Parasson (OH)~Lourdes Anahi Calva Diaz (Mexico)

Cleveland's Pretty Fun!

BellydancerMariah — Thu, 29 May 2008 00:29:12 GMT

Moving up north has been quite an adventure. I don't know my way around here yet. Every time I leave my house in my car or on my bike I discover new places and get lost a lot. I really need a GPS system, on my phone preferably. I'm booking myself out every weekend dancing in Cleveland or Akron. Habeeba still looks out for her girl in Columbus (miss you!) Danced in PA for an Arabic wedding a couple of weeks ago. Still competing in Belly Dance competitions across the country (VA, OH, IL, TX, MA, & NJ). Rehearsals are underway for Habeeba's All-Star weekend July 25-27 in Columbus. I'm busy dancing which is what I love.

Website up and running!

BellydancerMariah — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:00:26 GMT

I know it's not the most elaborate website, but it's mine and I'm proud of it! I designed it myself (with a little help from iWed). It pretty much so covers the basics regarding my Art career and Bellydancing. I need to work on my page for selling my artwork by adding links to eBay, Etsy, and PayPal. I'm also working on adding links for dance. I like the simple layout. The color scheme is modern with minimal distractions. Thanks to a great photographer (http://people.tribe.net/swabere) for the photos which helped design my pages. I think everything displayed makes sense. If you notice any grammar errors please tell me. Oh, and if you want, write me up a 5 star review here on tribe. It could help people find me in search engines. You guys are great ; ) www.mariaparasson.com

Article for Zaghareet Magazine

BellydancerMariah — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:46:27 GMT

Photo by Swabere Boston Diva Pageant 2007 Over the past year and a half I've placed in 6 out of 7 belly dance competitions across the United States. I've traveled to and competed in Ohio (my home state) to VA, NJ, MA, and CA. I really enjoy this aspect of being a professional belly dancer. Like other sports, you have to work hard to win and if that means doing what it takes, then bring it on. I love the thrill of competing. It's not for everybody, but for me, it works. I like to set goals for myself and have those important dates on my calendar to look forward to. Za-Beth (Boston Diva Pageant Promoter) asked "How do you prepare physically, mentally, socially, etc. for her competition?" Well, for this years event it wasn't easy. The competition was in August. I moved myself and family from Columbus,Oh to the Cleveland/Akron area in July. The Diva Pageant date was on my calendar, that was laying somewhere on a counter in my unorganized new house. I knew I had so many days to get myself ready, but was procrastinating. I had so much else to do like unpack, enroll kids into new school, change Dr.'s, banks, utilities, work....You know! Physically I guess my body was strong considering I had been moving heavy boxes & furniture. I quit teaching dance in Columbus before moving and had not joined a new gym yet. That was a problem because if I don't workout in some way nearly everyday I'm miserable. Mentally I had to remain focussed prior to competition. Being in a different town was confusing. A huge part of the reason why I moved up north was to start teaching as a franchise owner of Habeeba's Dance of the Arts (www.habeebas.com). When things were chaotic, I just thought to myself all of this work is preparation for my career as a belly dance performer and dance instructor. Socially things were and are in my favor. I have a very supportive family and group of friends that love me and my passion as a dancer/artist. You have to have love and support from your home base to be a confident member of society. To put yourself on a stage to be judged by people that have never met you before is really challenging. It takes some tough skin to be critiqued like that! I try hard to take life and it's offerings in stride, but sometimes you just have to make the big move. Whether you win or loose while existing in this vast land you still have "to be or not to be" you. Only you can make things happen if destiny is taking too long. That's why I love to belly dance and compete for that matter. The preparation is therapeutic and rewards are personal! MARIAH Cleveland/Akron Ohio www.mariaparasson.com

Raqs Nouveau Ohio

BellydancerMariah — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 18:17:42 GMT

Raqs Nouveau Middletown, OH December 1, 2007 Paula Norris is a die-hard belly dance fan (like the rest of us) and travels all over to video shows. If you missed the Zoe Jakes workshop and concert featuring Zoe and dancers from Ohio and neighboring states, please check out clips on youtube. My debut new drum solo can be seen here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXY6WJQXX88 Search pnorris63 for more great BD clips. http://www.youtube.com/pnorris63 Thanks Jennifer Rose for all your hard work, Mariah

A Belly Dance Odyssey youtube clip of Mariah

BellydancerMariah — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:51:53 GMT

Performing last night in Akron at Leyla Soleil's hafla A Belly Dance Odyssey. Fun clip other than my sister and all her drunk friends screaming out my name while I'm trying to dance. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLHfPlwQyrs Mariah

YouTube video of Boston Diva Pageant

BellydancerMariah — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 05:19:06 GMT

This year I was 2nd Runner-Up in Za-Beth's Annual Boston Diva Pageant (bellydance competition). Last year I was 1st Runner-Up. Am I going down hill? I hope not. I need that first place trophy to show off to my grandchildren someday (LOL). I like constructive criticism, so say what you will. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EER97916Q4I Thanks, Mariah

Ohio! Learn to Bellydance with Mariah!

BellydancerMariah — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 17:38:51 GMT

I finally found a great dance studio to teach out of. I need to place a few ads in local papers to start the enrollment process. I already have over a handful of ladies ready to go. The location is perfect for me. It's spacious, clean, with new sprung floors, large mirrors, loud sound system plus it's close to highways, businesses, food, & home. This is exciting for me because I've been teaching for Habeeba's Dance of the Arts (www.habeebas.com) in Columbus Ohio for nearly 12 years. I moved up north to be closer to family & to start my own dance classes teaching still for Habeeba. Her technique is exclusive and has been taught to thousands of women since 1971. If you or a friend live in the Cleveland/Akron area and want to learn the ancient art of Bellydance, please call 614-595-9215. I know my classes will fill up soon, so don't wait around. Treat your body to pure self-indulgence and feel like your natural beautiful self again.

Za-Beth's Viva La Diva Boston Pageant

BellydancerMariah — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 01:52:48 GMT

Another fun and exciting competition this time in Boston. I love running into dancers, like Athallia & Amartia to name a few, that are out on the competition circuit in other cities across the country. Everywhere you go as a bellydancer it seems you know somebody or have met them through tribe, myspace, Bhuz, etc. I'm so happy to see these ladies in particular win because I know how hard they work. Making time to travel, pay expenses, choose routines, stay strong & in shape, record music, fix costumes... all takes a lot of dedication. Making competition a part of your dance existence is a personal choice & we all do it for various reasons. I personally just want to get out there and experience the world as a seasoned bellydancer. Life is flying by so why wait for things to happen when you have the will to do it yourself. Congratulation to the winners, contestants, Za-Beth & her staff for a great show! Diva Winner: Na'ima Ali (CA & MA) 1st Runner Up: Athallia (NYC) 2nd Runner Up: Mariah (OH) 3rd Runner Up: Amartia (MD)

School is back!!!!

BellydancerMariah — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 03:14:50 GMT

Anybody else glad that school is back in session? I'm thrilled to the bone! I can finally get some work done around the house, join a new gym, start back at teaching dance, & get my art studio organized. The move into our new house this summer was stressful & having 2 little kids under my feet all day drove me to the breaking point. I know. I know. They grow up so fast....Well, thank God for teachers out there who, besides us stay at home moms & dads, have the most important jobs in the world.

I'M MOVING!

BellydancerMariah — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 03:13:36 GMT

I've been putting off telling everybody that I'm moving I guess because it still hasn't hit home. Now it's for real! My husband, 2 kids and I are heading up north actually next weekend. Closer to the Cleveland/Akron area. We found a great house in Medina close to 71 & rt 18. I'm still going to be involved with Habeeba's Columbus as a Troupe member & soloist. I just won't be teaching for Habeeba's in Columbus. I can't believe I've been with her school since 1991. My plan is to continue teaching belly dance as a franchise owner of Habeeba's Dance of the Arts. I've got a lot of work to do before setting up classes, but it will happen. I'm looking forward to getting to know the area once again considering I'm originally from Akron. I know there is a lot going on as far as the dance and really like the thought of making new friends. I'll keep ya informed about the relocation. For now all that is on my mind is packing up this house. So long Columbus! I love you!

Dancing a 9/8 with Tree of Life

BellydancerMariah — Wed, 30 May 2007 18:38:25 GMT

Thanks Paula Norris for the YouTube video clip; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaDQ30tn6LY Photos from the Great Midwest Hafla by Kevin Hartnell; http://www.flickr.com/photos/8412342@N08/sets/72157600282009181/

East Coast Classic 2007 Winners

BellydancerMariah — Tue, 22 May 2007 16:43:46 GMT

Another tough competition this time in Virginia Beach. The girls were fired-up to win and kept me on my toes. Pictured above from left to right is Alarah 3rd, Gamilla 1st, & Mariah (me) 2nd in Fantasy Artist Category. I had a blast at the event meeting new friends & hanging out with ladies I've known over the years. I wish we had on our category costumes for this pic. Hopefully more photos will be posted soon. I know shots are out there because everybody was camera happy especially for Grand Champion. Congratulations to all the competitors for putting on your best performance and to the winners. It was a pleasure for me to be in the company of such diverse talent, style, beauty, and skill of belly dancers from around the country. Rising Star People's Choice- Nadhiya 3rd- Ashley 2nd- Nicole 1st- Nadhiya Troupe People's Choice- Hill & Veil 3rd- Hill & Veil 2nd- Troupe Anwar 1st- Sholeh Headliner People's Choice- Kalaa 3rd- Nadira 2nd- Zohreh 1st- Kalaa Fantasy Artist People's Choice- Gamilla 3rd- Alarah 2nd- Mariah 1st- Gamilla Grand Champion People's Choice- Samira 3rd- Gina 2nd- Samira 1st- Kimahri

Mariah on YouTube

BellydancerMariah — Fri, 18 May 2007 22:58:13 GMT

I was just screwing around on YouTube and found these videos of me competing at Za-Beth's Annual Diva Pageant Boston 2006. The first one is a little odd with the 3 minute introduction before watching me actually dance. Oh, and I only have 2 kids. Not 3! Bless Za-Beth's heart! She's really a very kind, cool, sweet lady & boy can she dance! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tzPjdftNOY This clip is of my drum solo. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C17tmoLmkWc Let me know whatcha think!

Competition is on!

BellydancerMariah — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 21:51:46 GMT

" It was a typical pageant full of healthy vegetarian rivalry, juice slicked runways and uncontrollable tears." Photo by Chris W. Hart Do you cry when chopping onions or does just the smell of them make you weep? Don't like the way onions taste? They make you sweat? Well, toughen up baby cause it's competition time in this kitchen. Gotta eat right, wash n dry, and practice practice if you think you might win. Yeah, I'm heading to Virginia Beach for The East Coast Classic May 19-20. All you sweet leeks better watch out. I may be short, but my flavor is good!!!

Babies Dancing

BellydancerMariah — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 23:02:52 GMT

This is the cutest thing. http://www.pikniktube.com/video.asp?Video=6314f29b299cc278f39b3f5f2b48f3a8

Jareeda Magazine's 2007 Costuming Issue

BellydancerMariah — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 19:02:27 GMT

My article for Jareeda's Annual Costume Issue. Great magazine for belly dance enthusiants! http://www.jareeda.com/ I Don't Own Street Clothes by MARIAH Columbus, Ohio Well, maybe a few necessary articles of clothing for getting around town. I do have to take my kids to and from school and occasionally meet in person with their teachers. When I go to the store or bank, I try to wear something that I know people won't recognize me in. Oh wait! I am a Belly Dancer! My bare midriff, low rise yoga pants, and Habeeba's crop tops and sweatshirts I wear faithfully give it away. Or is it the "Kiss My Shimmy" studded tank I love so much? I don't mean to draw attention to myself, but it's all I know! When I have money to spend on clothes, guess what I buy? You got it! Costumes! Costumes galore! They're my favorite things to shop for whether online, at seminars, or while traveling. I would wear the really nice costumes during the day to make myself look halfway decent, but I don't want to mess them up. Then again, for those occasional afternoon belly grams at the office or Birthday party, I do get to wear all my glitz and glamour. While driving to and from shows, I notice a few stares from other cars passing by. Are they wondering what is that gorgeous colorful headpiece I am wearing in my hair? Or are they saying to themselves, " Where is she going all dressed up?" When I return home, I change back into my workout clothes, go to the kitchen, and put all my tips in a jar marked with a line "When full, buy new costume!" I do have issues with my closet. Aren't we all supposed to own certain street "must - have" fashions? I do admit I probably have a few of those items tucked away deep in my closet, for example, a black dress, a suit of some kind, a white dress shirt, etc. My clothes, for some reason, are all "BeDazzled." I like studs, jewels, and rhinestones on my clothing! Is that a fashion "do" or "don't?" I did buy a new Military jacket and decided to cover up some of the camouflage with large gold sequin appliques. I think it turned out really cool. Just don't take my picture and tell me I look great then put me on the Annual Worst-Dressed List. Where are the Fashion Police when us Belly Dancers need them? Or do we?

Belly Dancer of the Universe 2007

BellydancerMariah — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 18:06:20 GMT

2007 Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition was an event which required precise planning and organization. I'm sure every year the event organizers learn of things they will do differently the following year and will adhere to an outline that has worked in the past. BDUC brings people together who simply love the dance and the business behind it. I came to the competition all the way from Columbus, Ohio with an open mind and good competitive spirit. I knew it was going to be tough considering I'm a newcomer to CA and the western half of the US. My dancing takes me far from home, but BDUC was the furthest away I've gone to actually compete. My plan is to get my name out there in the the Belly Dance circuit across the US, dance to the best of my ability, and hope for recognition. I wish I had more time to mingle with other competitors, seminar instructors, meet face to face with the "Stars" of the dance and music, but really I was there focussed on performing. Everybody whose path I crossed was kind. It seemed surreal at times seeing familiar faces and knowing these people from CD's, videos, the internet, etc. My favorite moment was seeing Fahtiem out the corner of my eye while on stage for Universal watching me dance. When finished I sat down in the audience. Fahtiem and I made eye contact again. She gave me a thumbs-up, blew me a kiss, and I read her lips say "you're going to win". That moment was bittersweet. I did not win nor did I place, but nailed my routine and was perfectly happy with my performance. There are complaints, comments, and criticisms posted here and there about certain aspects of the competition. Everybody always has something to say which makes for greater interest in the subject. My views are logical. As a competitor coming from another end of the country, you should expect to have to work harder to be recognized because most people there have never seen you dance before. Dancers and judges were predominantly from CA. The panel included one judge from AZ, one from OR, one from WA, and the rest from CA. I would like to see a panel of judges next year from other states besides those only in the west. And as far as it being an issue of cost to get judges from other parts of the country, I don't believe that's a valid excuse for BDUC. Airfare deals are everywhere. When a judge knows a contestant and is from the same area, an alternate judge should fill in. I was in a contest where one of the judges was from my hometown. We knew each other well as dancers in the industry. She was asked or disqualified herself from judging me which made me feel better and I'm sure took the pressure off her as well. I will be back to BDUC next year! I really liked the staff, location, size of the stage, seating area, dressing rooms, etc., and especially Long Beach. Not only did I go there to compete in Belly Dance, but I had a mini vacation! Photo of Mariah & Angela

Zaghareet!

BellydancerMariah — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 02:50:57 GMT

Za-Beth asked me to write a little something about what it's like preparing for competition. If any of you have the new issue of Zaghareet, please see pg.39. Since the write-up I placed 1st Runner-Up in NJ for Jewel of the Nile. btw- Thank you Ayshah for the pic and congratulations on the cover and article about Shadia. What was it like preparing for the Diva Pageant? Well, let me tell you. This is my year to compete! So far I'm 3 for 3. 2006 I placed 3rd in the East Coast Bellydance Classic Fusion Category in Virginia Beach, 2nd in Personal Best Middle Eastern Dance Competition in Columbus, OH, and now 1st Runner- Up in Za-Beth's Annual Diva Pageant Boston, MA. I'm trying for another win in Jewel of the Nile Nov.12 in NJ. I figure it's now or never as far as competing. It's tough out there trying to make a name for yourself in this industry. I figure having a couple wins under my belt ( pun intended ) couldn't hurt. I absolutely love the thrill of competing. I do it for the fun, excitement,and pleasure of meeting great dancers and supporters from all over the country.My routine changes from place to place depending on the amount of time given to perform. I choreographed my drum routine, but pretty much so free style the rest of my show. Costuming is always fun to figure out. "Headliner" in hot pink is a cutting-edge design from Egypt. It's very sexy with heart cut-outs on the hips of the skirt. With my "shake your booty baby" song the costume really puts me in the mood to entertain. The dancing part of preparing for a competition is the more enjoyable part. The challenges are finding affordable transportation to the events, finding sponsors, explaining to my husband that I'm off again, and most importantly, finding a babysitter! YES! It's hard to come and go as you please when you have two little rug-rats demanding your time. God love em, but Mommy's gotta dance! If you go into any contest with the right attitude, you will always come home a winner, even if you don't win a prize. The benefits of competing outweigh the drawbacks. I learn so much about myself as a dancer and how I fit into the dance community. I always think of the dancers that have come before me and the contributions they've made to the Art of Bellydance. I thank Habeeba who is my mentor for her guidance. Pageants, competitions, tests, whatever you want to call them, can be the steppingstones to finding your way as an artist.