REGULATIONS – ORIENTAL DANCE
1. Introduction to the Discipline
Oriental Dance (Raqs Sharqi in Arabic) includes the traditional dances of the Middle East and Arab countries, covering both folk styles and modern fusions with other genres.
Each performance is a narrative made of elegance, rhythm, identity, and cultural fusion.
2. Eligible Categories
The age categories are as follows:
- Promozionale: 6–7 years
- Mini: 8–9 years
- Youth: 10–12 years
- Junior: 13–16 years
- Adults: 17–34 years
- Senior: 35+
📌 Age is determined based on the age completed within the calendar year.
For groups, the average age is calculated. For duos, the older participant’s age is taken as reference.
3. Technical Requirements
Permitted styles:
- Raqs Sharqi: the use of a veil is permitted. Traditional Baladi and Mejancé are also allowed.
- Folklore: Saidi, Khaliji, Traditional Baladi, Dabke, Ghawazee, Nubian, Iraqi, Shaabi, Street Shaabi, Eskandarani, Fellahi, Shamadan.
- Show / Fusion: Tribal Fusion, Arabic Flamenco, Belly Samba, Oriental Tango. The use of swords, fan veils, and Isis wings is permitted.
- Drum Solo: Tabla Solo, Drum Solo.
- Drum Solo Improvisation: the first round will be held in heats, followed by an individual final round (the number of rounds may vary depending on the number of registrations). Music tracks will remain unknown to participants until they enter the stage.
Small stage props consistent with the performance theme are permitted, provided they do not interfere with the performance. At the end of the performance, the stage must be left completely clear.
Dangerous objects are strictly prohibited, including open flames (for example, lit candles used in the Shamadan style)
4. Music and Contents
Maximum duration:
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Soloists: minimum 1:30 min – maximum 2:30 min
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Duos: maximum 3:00 min
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Groups/Formations: maximum 3:30–4:00 min
Contents:
Music choice is free, but must respect the chosen style.
Tabla solo must not exceed 1/3 of the total track duration.
Music submission will be required starting from October 1st, when the Secretariat will send registered schools the link to the Choreography Form.
5. Costumes, Scenic Elements and Safety
Costumes must reflect the selected style, age group, and competition category.
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In folklore, the costume must accurately represent the selected tradition
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For female performers: bras must be full coverage; skirts or pants must not be transparent
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For male performers: pants + sash, top or shirt
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In the Mini and Youth categories, tops are mandatory (not bras)
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Shoes with heels above 1.5 cm are not allowed, except in Eskandarani style, where heels up to 5 cm are permitted
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Sandals or bare feet are allowed
6. Evaluation and Judging Criteria
Performances will be judged based on 4 criteria:
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Technique: posture, elegance, body control, musicality
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Choreography: use of space, composition of movements
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Stage presence: theme consistency, emotional expression, performance impact
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Overall image: costume, hair, makeup
Scoring will be from 1 to 10, with half points and “+” marks allowed.
7. Additional Notes
Level classes:
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B: beginner/intermediate experience
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A: advanced experience
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P: professionals/instructors
Competition units:
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Solo
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Duo
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Group (3–5 performers)
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Formation (6+ performers)
Selection system for Raqs Sharqi (if applied):
At the discretion of the organization, qualifying rounds may be held using music provided by the organizers. If so, the format will be:
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30 sec. all dancers together
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1 min. in groups of max 4 dancers
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30 sec. all dancers together again
→ The top 6 finalists will perform using their own music
Disqualification may occur in the following cases:
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Unsportsmanlike conduct
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Absence after the third call
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Performing in the wrong category (e.g. performing a Show style in the Folklore category)
