Judging a competition

I went to Alor Star to be a judge for a bellydance competiton, to my surprise, there were quite many participants, usually the response for bellydance competition is poor, but there were more than 10 contestants in few categories, this is considered a good response compare to other competition that l know. And there were many kids and teenagers this time.

From what l have noticed, the standard of bellydancing in Northern Region has improved, many were good even they are only kids and teenagers, l have seen passion in their dance too.

I am one of the three judges but the only one from Northern Region, this is actually difficult for me, my student Ice is participating and some of her students are in the competition too, but l cannot really recognise her students as l have only taught them one workshop before. There were many familiar faces, but if you ask me their name, l am not able to name one, ha ha my poor memory.......

To be very honest, l always tell myself to be a fair judge, l have experienced many unfair issues in my life thus l hate this, if you are my friend you know l am those who do not like to rely on relationship, l think l am a right person as a judge, when l judge, l do not see whether l know this person at all, l will only judge from what she has shown at that moment. But it is really difficult for judges in this competition because they do not restrict age, so what happened? A mature woman to compete wih kids, this happened in two categories......kids are good in dance but it is difficult to compare with adults.......so to judge for the dance or for the passion? Really headache....

But as what l said, most of the teenagers are good, they just lack of life experience, but for the technique and performance wise, l would say it was really entertaining to watch.

I am just one of the three judges, l am not able to control the result, but the whole result was close to mine, l think we three judges have same thoughts la, but we did not have chances to discuss the result either.

I hope those who have won the title will continue their passion in this dance, hope they understand this is just a small competition, they are not able to 'conquer' anything in this field with this little title. And to those who did not gain anything in the compettion, please remember you have gained an experience, this will surely propel you to a higher level.

Congratulations to all!