FAQ
Categories Related
Q: I've only been belly dancing for less than three years. However occasionally, I dance in restaurants and teach at fitness clubs and dance studios, where I get paid for my services. Which category should I register for?
A: You should register for the Professional Oriental Category. The competition categories don't really require the dancer to have a specific amount of time of bellydance experience. However, "professional" bellydancer in this case, is someone who receives remuneration for showcasing and teaching their expertise and knowledge. Even if it is a side job, if you regularly get paid and the earnings support your living, then you're dancing professionally.
Q: Every now and then, I appear in paid shows organized by my teacher. I do it more for the learning experience and exposure. I receive some money, which is mostly for transportation and food/drinks expenses. Would I be considered a professional dancer because I received a payment?
A: If you're performing as a student, mostly to gain more exposure and learning experience, and you are being given expenses for travel and food/drinks alone, then you're still considered an amateur/non-professional.
Q: I danced several times at a friend's and family's wedding party, and was compensated for my performances. However, it was only during those events that I got paid. I mostly perform at studio haflas, and I don't teach. Which category should I join?
A: If you're promoting yourself as bellydancer and/or you regularly receive remuneration for your performances, then you're dancing professionally. However, if you've only received payment for dancing at family's or friend's wedding parties, then you're still considered an amateur/non-professional.
Q: Are fan veils allowed in the oriental categories? Or are they just for fusion categories?
A: Fan veils are allowed in both oriental and fusion categories. Please remember that the use of props is limited to 50% of the performance time, and that LED fan veils may not be visible due to the bright lighting required during video submissions and finals.
Q: For the Professional Category, is it possible to use a choreography which I learned at a workshop and rearrange it to make it my own? Would this be accepted as an original choreography?
A: “Original choreography” refers to a dance piece you've created on your own from start until end. Rearranging a choreography would still not make it your own. It is however possible, when creating your own choreography, to include combinations, poses, footwork, etc., learned from your teacher or other artists.
Q: We are an ensemble group who made it to the finals. One of the dancers in the video was unexpectedly injured and cannot dance on the day of the finals. Are substitutes allowed?
A: Generally we do not accept replacements or substitutes. In the event of an accident, illness, or natural disaster however, Deseos will review your case. Please contact us.
Registration / Video Submission Related
Q: Can I register now and send my video link or DVD at a later date?
A: Yes, you may register first, and submit your video later. Please make sure to submit your video before the deadline (5/24 [Sun] 23:59 o'clock). Instructions on how and where to send your YouTube link or DVD will be provided to you after payment has been confirmed.
Q: Does my performance during the video submission have to be the same as the performance in the finals?
A: No, they can be totally different. But it's also fine to perform the same dance. (Please take note that video submissions are maximum 3:00 minutes. If you are chosen for the finals, depending on the category you are joining, your total performance time will most likely be longer.)
Q: I registered a couple of days ago and still haven't heard back. Did I register successfully?
A: You should expect to get a reply regarding your registration within 24 hours. If you did not receive a reply email from Deseos within that time, please consider the following:
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The email address you provided was incorrect.
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In case of registering from a mobile phone e-mail address, privacy settings in your mobile phone could be preventing PC e-mails from coming through.
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Due to server trouble, the registration form may not have gone through.
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Due to privacy settings on your e-mail account, our reply may have gone to a separate folder such as Spam or Promotions.
If the reply email is not in either the Spam or Promotions folder, please contact Deseos.
Q: I had poor internet connection. I wasn't sure if my registration was sending successfully. I may have sent my application multiple times.
A: You should expect to receive one reply email per category, per registration. So, if you're registering for one category only, then you should receive one reply email. If you've registered for 2 categories, then you should receive 2 emails, etc. (Please check the information of your registration detailed in the reply e-mail sent by Deseos.) Multiple applications can cause confusion, so please let us know if you suspect sending more than just one application for the same category. Please also know that using mobile email addresses such as softbank or au can block reply emails. So it is best to use a non-mobile email address. For further information, contact Deseos.
Tickets / Finals
Q: I have a 3-year-old child, do I need to buy a ticket?
A: Children up to 12 years old (1 person only) are free admission. If you need a seat for your child, please let us know. If your child is okay on your lap, you do not need to contact us.
Q: I want to purchase TIBC final tournament tickets, where can I buy them?
A: Advance tickets are 3,000 yen, same day tickets are 3,500 yen. Please check this link for pricing. This year TIBC is part of a 3-day event in collaboration with the Japan Bellydance Festival. You may enjoy partaking in a weekend long event, so please check the package prices.
Q: Are the seats during the finals reserved and assigned?
A: Purchasing an advanced ticket guarantees you a seat, but the seats are not assigned. Reference numbers will be issued in your order upon purchasing the ticket. On the day of the event, the audience will enter the hall according to the number on the tickets. You may choose your seat freely once you are inside. If you want to get a good seat, we recommend you make your purchase early, so you can get the seat of your choice.
Q: I purchased ticket # 3. I might be late during the opening and entering of the hall. Will I be able to cut the line and enter before the other people with later ticket numbers than me?
A: If you can't make it to the entrance by the time your ticket number is due, then the next number will be automatically allowed entrance. Please understand that the traffic flow at the hall entrance on the day has to be straightforward and continuos. * Please contact the nearest staff and let them know your situation.
Q: I may arrive late to the event. Can my friends reserve a seat for me?
A: We're sorry, but out of respect for the other audience members, we will not allow holding seats for other people. If you cannot be there by the time your ticket number is due, then the next number will be automatically allowed to enter.
Q: Can I take photos/videos?
A: Out of respect for the privacy of the contestants, video shooting will not be permitted. Taking photos will be allowed during the "Awards" ceremony only. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.