And what about the competition itself ? Well, it’s self-explanatory. It is the Belly
Dancer of the Universe Competition and the competitors are of a pretty high
caliber. To me, they are all winners. They are all more than accomplished beautiful
dancers and it is truly a difficult competition. Thank God we have a diverse group
of judges. Atlantis likes to change the water from time to time and is always adding
and subtracting various categories and judges. I am happy that she and Tonya have
kept me on the panel, as I absolutely love being part of this competition. It keeps
me on my toes. Keeps me humble and always entertained and amazed at the
amount of talent. I love seeing the different trends in dance styles and costuming
and music. And I especially look forward to the dish of chocolates that they set
on the judges’ tables.
Amy (CA) Junior
Champion
Sometimes I ask myself why do I go year after year after year? It can’t just be because
it’s only an hour away (by plane) and is a cheap vacation, or that I get to see and
meet new friends, or that I get to shop for dance and music items, or even that I
get to see dancers from all over the globe and the universe. Yes, this competition
festival truly has become global – universal, just like it’s name BDUC. There are
other festivals even closer to my home that provide all that. So, why the pull? I
think even more than the shopping, the food and the chocolates, that I enjoy seeing
how this baby, Tonya and Atlantis’ baby, BDUC (Belly Dancer of the Universe) has
grown…grown up and grown in stature and credibility and is an ever-changing
phenomenon. I go because Tonya and Atlantis believe in it. Belly Dance is an
ever-changing and evolving dance form and Tonya and Atlantis always seem to be
moving the competition to suit the times. If there is only one competition, why not
shoot for the stars and be part of the universe? BDUC I love you.
BDUC