Evolution of a Belly Dance Competition
as written by Zaina Hart (owner of The Double Crown Belly Dance Competition)

Thirteen!  Yes, the Double Crown Belly Dance Competition, Festival and International Bazaar is now in its thirteenth year (in 2008).  With thirteen being my lucky number I am more excited about this year than ever.  Actually, I am elated because I bring you news that the competition has once again "evolved".  Over the years, I have expressed to you that my life has been that of the Phoenix.  My day jobs have been such that I have always been involved in stepping in, making changes, implementing and then passing on the program to a reliable team.  My personal life has been much the same.  As each segment of my life has grown, and as each door of a segment closes, the next door is opening, and with that open door, a whoosh of oxygen, and re-kindling of fire.  To me, this is a cleaning and clearing process so that the next phase of life can begin.  As with The Belly Dancer Magazine, moving from print to e-zine, the Phoenix presence was clear.  Again, from one segment, to the next.

So, I have developed the program, setting standards and the bar, and for twelve years, implemented those strategies building an exciting event.  An event that the community is proud of and that they believe in.  Now, with a reliable team at hand, I am passing the baton, closing a door on this work, as the next door is opening.

It is with great pride that I pass the production of The Double Crown Belly Dance Competition, Festival and International Bazaar to "Bellydance Odyssey Productions" in Santa Cruz, California .  These remarkable women, with Vashti at the helm will continue to bring you one of the most popular and reliable competitions in our business.  They will produce with the same integrity, honesty, and true grit that the DC has always had.  Vashti has experienced competition as both solo and troupe competitor (winning and placing), as a judge in multiple competitions and most recently as a producer.  This is important because all elements of the event have been experienced by the person at the helm, bringing a comprehensive view to the table.  This is the level from which the Double Crown was created, as I also have this same experience level. 

As you are no doubt aware, producing a competition is not easy, and it definitely requires that true grit, because often, there are decisions to be made that are difficult at best.  And, this is where honesty and integrity come in.  It is sometimes uncomfortable to stand your ground when a rule may have been broken or a tough decision is at hand.  Having to make these difficult calls is not easy, and something only the toughest can do.  

As Vashti and I talked about competitions over the last few years, it was easy to see she is someone who could clearly handle this role.  When I approached her last year about a regionals competition, she said yes.  She decided to send Yasmin to the 2007 Double Crown to help run the show (she was invaluable and worked her tail off lending to the success of the 2007 event).  Working with Yasmin, and talking to Vashti helped me realize it was okay, it was time, I could move the Double Crown, let it continue to evolve, build and be successful.  So, again, another conversation with Vashti and her team, and here we are!

Double Crown Productions is still owned by Zaina, however, the production of the Double Crown Belly Dance Competition, Festival and International Bazaar, will fall under the Bellydance Odyssey Productions trusted name. Bellydance Odyssey Productions has recently converted to a non-profit public benefit corporation and is committed to producing quality events that help elevate our treasured art form. Zaina will continue to be a part of the event, as emcee, this year as workshop instructor and performer and in whatever capacity works as the years progress.

I do hope you will join us in Santa Cruz this year, June 20-22^nd, 2008 for this new and very exciting phase of The Double Crown Belly Dance Competition, Festival and International Bazaar.

You are in Good Hands with Bellydance Odyssey Productions!

http://www.bellydanceodyssey.com