Belly dance competitions are a lot like sex.
You'd rather your kids not have it, but you know it's inevitable. So you teach
them the right way. The 'safe' way. Sorry for the analogy, but this is how I
feel about competitions. Not exactly the best our art has to offer, but an
undeniable part of its current landscape. As someone who has both judged and entered competitions (back when I
had no idea how terrible I was), I think I'm pretty qualified to talk about
this subject, as well as give a few pointers on how to do it the 'right' way. And
I have a lot to say. As always. :)
First I should mention that I have many friends who have both entered and
won competitions. I'm very proud of them, as I do see this as an accomplishment
on some level. When truly deserved, winning a competition can bring a dancer
recognition, esteem, and even jump start her teaching career. Which is great. None
of my subsequent criticisms of the competition world are meant to detract from their
success in any way.
