rules and regulations

Fill out and submit the GOOGLE FORM and $10/per dancer to be placed on the performer Registration list. Please specify live or recorded music preference. Performance spot priority goes to Bundle holders, then workshop attendees, then general registration on a first come/first serve basis. Performance spot, day/time, and music choice are not guaranteed. We ask that dancers limit sign-ups to one solo and one group performance. Troupes may make a $10 deposit and pay the balance once accepted. 

No refunds of any kind on ticket sales, vendor fees, or dancer registration fees for dancers who received competition spots even if dancer is unable to fulfill their spot. Competition spots cannot be gifted or exchanged. Showcase tickets may be gifted to another person.  

Professional photo/video will be available. Personal photo/video is allowed throughout the event, but please keep flash off, arms at your chest and not overhead, and don't disrupt the performers. patrons, and professional photographer/videographer. 

All participants allow Golden State Raqs, et al, the right to use images and video captured at the event for promotional purposes.  

All Performers must check in no later than 1 hour before performance time and be fully ready backstage 30 minutes before performance time.  Performers are to wait until called to go to the backstage area. 

Dancers are to compete dances appropriate to their chosen categories. It is fine to have elements of other styles in a set, but performances and costuming must align with the nature and intent of the category.

Professional Raqs Sharqi - Skill Level: Experienced Professionals with regular performances in public and private venues.

Requirements: Raqs Sharqi/belly dance styles only. It is fine to have elements of other styles in your set, but performances and costuming must align with the nature and intent of the category. Full Folkloric and Fusion pieces in this category will be disqualified. 

Semi-Professional Raqs Sharqi - for dancers who are new to professional work but have taken their skills beyond hobby level. Raqs Sharqi/belly dance styles only. It is fine to have elements of other styles in your set, but performances and costuming must align with the nature and intent of the category. Full Folkloric and Fusion pieces in this category will be disqualified. 

Goddess - for dancers 55+, all levels and styles welcome.

Folklore - Folkloric and Traditional Cultural Dance Styles. Solo, mixed level category. Folklore dancers dancers will have the opportunity to offer a one-line intro describing their piece for context. 

Fusion - soloists ; mixed level category. Requires Egyptian/Arab dance to be fused with one or more dance forms. Clear fusion, ie not bellydance set to different music or modern dance set to Arab music. Category is open to Cultural Fusion and styles such as ATS, ITS, etc. A one-line description of the style(s) being presented will be presented to the judges for context. 

Troupe - Raqs Sharqi - Raqs Sharqi Troupes and Groups, from duets to large ensembles. Folkloric styles accepted.

Troupe - Fusion - Fusion Troupes and Groups, from duets to large ensembles. Requires Egyptian/Arab dance to be fused with one or more dance forms. Clear fusion, ie not bellydance set to different music or modern dance set to Arab music. Category is open to Cultural Fusion and styles such as ATS, ITS, etc. A one-line description of the styles being fused will be presented to the judges for context.

*troupes will perform int he same block but Raqs Sharqi and Fusion will be judges separately*

No AI music is allowed. Use of AI music will result in disqualification. 

Stage dimensions 16 deep x 20 wide. There will not be access to the stage ahead of performance time. Stage can be entered/exited from either side. 

We have a very spacious changing area. The changing area is a large co-ed space with tables, chairs, mirrors, and plenty of emergency costume supplies. We will provide several enclosed changing stalls for dancers who prefer to change in private.  Workshops will take place in the changing room from 9:30-11:30am. Dancers in the 12pm-1pm set are encouraged to come as ready as possible, and will have access to a small dedicated changing space in the nearby restroom.  Dressing room opens at 11:30am. 

Performances and music choices must be family-friendly and appropriate for a multi generational and cultural audience. No nudity or explicit lyrics. No open flame or live animals. Cover-ups must be worn while not performing and in the main areas, with the exception of performers backstage. Please be mindful of limited space in changing areas. No glitter or glitter/perfume sprays allowed in common areas.  Privacy changing areas are available in the dressing room.

Vendors must respect the space of  others and confine times to their allotted areas. Load-in is between 8am-11am Sat Sep 12, 2026 . No packing up or loading out before end of the festival Competition Finals have concluded at 9pm Sun Sep 23, 2026.  Any issues between Vendors are to be brought to Vendor Coordinator and/or Event Producers. 

Golden State Raqs, et al, is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Participants are encouraged to secure their own property. 

In consideration of being a participant in/at/of Capital City Raqs, Mychelle Crown et al, staff and support, the participant acknowledges and agrees that:

1. I knowingly and freely assume all responsibility for any risk of loss, property damage or personal injury that may be sustained by me, or any loss or damage to property owned by me, as a result of my involvement in said fitness class

2. I further agree to release and hold harmless Mychelle Crown, Capital City Raqs, and Thrive Movement Arts staff from all claims and liabilities of any type whatsoever and for damages to, loss or destruction of any property or injury, sickness or death, which may result from my participation in fitness activities.

3. I acknowledge that I am in good physical condition and do not know of any condition or reason that I should not participate in activities.

4. I understand that a medical examination to assure myself of physical fitness is desirable, that obtaining such an examination is my own responsibility.

5. I understand that there are no refunds.  

In agreeing to participate in this event, I acknowledge and represent that I read the foregoing Waiver of Liability Form, understand it and agree to it voluntarily as my own free act and deed. I am at least eighteen (18) years of age and fully competent. If under 18 my parent or guardian shall also attend and agree to the above.