Dear performer/s,
Thank you so much for you interest in participating in the second annual Enchanted Darkness. Our aim is to bring gothic, industrial, fantasy, experimental and dark fusion forms of belly dance together for a great weekend of workshops, shopping, performances, after party and more for charity. Your participation is just one more step toward that goal and I can’t thank you enough.

This year we have Ariellah www.ariellah.com and Sashi www.ascendtribaldance.com as well as special guest artist Marjhani www.myspace.com/marjhani. Please go to their sites to find out more information about each amazing dancer.

Again this year the charity we will benefit is the Child Crisis Center of El Paso. It is a safe haven for children who have been abused or neglected. They are a United Way Agency that operates solely on donation and is always in need of help. I have attached a brochure to explain more about who and what they are. I also have give you a copy of the wishlist from the Child Crisis Center, we are asking that everyone to please bring a donation. It could be monetary or physical. Remember, every little bit helps. Clean out your closets ladies and bring your junk. :D

Now, time to get to the nitty gritty rules and regulations.
This year’s theme is a Masquerade so we are highly encouraging everyone to incorporate a masque into their theme. You don’t have to wear it. It could be on your costume, a prop or what have you. Use your imagination. Also if you are bringing any one to the gala please note that this is a semi-formal event and dress code will be enforced. We are also encouraging every audience member to wear a masque as well. There will be some for sale at the door at a very low price is you forget to bring one.

We have two performance times as you know. There will be a matinee afternoon show from 4-6 pm. This is for those who either decided to sign up for the workshops and participate in the matinee show or decided to make a monetary donation in place of the workshops. Anyone can perform in the Matinee show.

The gala show is for those who have signed up for the workshops and chose to participate in the gala show. Both the matinee and gala show are by first come first served basis only. So sign up soon. Groups that wish to participate in either show must have everyone sign up BEFORE the dead line of 7-14-08. This is to ensure a smooth running show and to allow everyone to prepare for their designated time/performance slot.

There is a 5 minute time limit for solo and group performances. Your music will be cut off at 5 minutes if your music runs over. I cannot make any exceptions for anyone this year. So please choose your music wisely.

Music MUST be received by 7-25-08. If it is not then you forfeit your performance slot to the next person on the waiting list. There are absolutely NO REFUNDS so please make sure that you get me your music by 7-25-08. You can send it to me via snail mail or through email. Please refrain from any music that has foul language in it. This is a family event and would like to make it palatable for all audience members. Music promoting, condoning, accepting, preaching hate, bigotry, guns, violence or any of the like is strictly PROHIBITED. If you question your music, pick another song. Music found to be outside of the guidelines will be returned and you must submit new music by the deadline or you forfeit your performance slot to the first person on the waiting list. If you have any questions about your music please feel free to contact me.

Now, as for backstage etiquette, everyone must stay up in the dressing room until 2 performers before you allotted slot. Our stage manager will come up and let you know when you need to come down and wait in the wings. If you are late for your performance slot your music will not be restarted and you miss your time. This is to help ensure a smooth running show. Speaking of stage manager, this person is trying to make sure that all performers as well as audience members have the best time they can possibly have. Remember this person has a lot of pressure on them and cannot make exceptions for anyone. So please be respectful and follow the rules.

Only the matinee show will have an MC. If you would like something said about you then please submit a 50 word or less bio along with your CD. If you do not submit your info then only your name and where you are from will be stated. Participants in the Gala show will need to submit your bio along with your CD. This information will be put into the program. If nothing is submitted by the deadline only your name and where you come from will be placed. There shall be NO exceptions.

Performers will be allowed in the audience during the matinee show at anytime as long as a cover up is worn. Veil cover ups are not allowed. Remember if you miss you performance slot your music will not be restarted and you will not be allowed to perform. As for the Gala show, if you are in the first half then you can sit in the audience (in the back or balcony only) during the second half so long as a cover up is worn and vice versa. Veil cover ups are not allowed. I do know that everyone would love to see the show so please make sure you decide whether you would like to participate in the matinee or gala show based on your desire to see the headliners accordingly.

During the matinee and gala show video and photography is STRICTLY prohibited. This includes the use of camera (video), cell phones and any other electronic device for recording. If you are found to be recording you will be asked to put it away. If you are found to be using it again you will be escorted out and requested to put the device in your vehicle. The bright flashes can distract the dancers and possibly cause injury. We will have official photographers for the Enchanted Darkness event that will post pictures up on the website 1-2 weeks after the event. All performers will get high quality pictures of themselves 1-2 weeks after the event.

Each person who signs up for the workshops in advance will get a free gala ticket. This does include the dinner. All performers in the gala show will get to eat at no charge. If you are performing in the matinee show and made a donation you will need to purchase a gala show ticket if you wish to see it.

All vendors will get to eat at no additional charge.

Remember that we do have ad space in a beautiful program. The best way to get seen is to buy and advertisement. We have a special rate for performers, only $10! So get on it.

If you have paid for the workshops via internet you will need to print out your receipt and bring to each workshop. If you do not have a receipt of ANY kind then you will not be allowed into the workshops. NO REFUNDS or given so please make sure you bring your receipts to each workshop. Thank you. If you paid via phone or mailed in your payment then your name will be on a list. Make sure you bring your ID.

Alcohol and/or drugs are STRICTLY prohibited at workshops and at the Scottish Rite Theater. Any performer found to have alcohol on their person will be escorted out of the event. NO REFUNDS!!

Performance Sign-Up for Enchanted Darkness: The Masquerade

Legal Name _________________________________________________________________

Stage/Troupe Name ___________________________________________________________

Phone Number (________) ______________________________________________________

Email _______________________________________________________________________

Name of song_________________________________________________________________

Band/Time___________________________________________________________________

Style________________________________________________________________________

If you signed up for the workshops please specify which show you would like to participate in.
O Matinee O Gala
If you made a monetary donation then you will be put in the Matinee Show.

I/We ________________________________________________________________________
Agree not to hold Enchanted Darkness event and/or its coordinators, sponsors or affiliates responsible for any injury incurred at such event. I/we understand the inherent danger of performing on stage and understand any and all consequences of such danger. I/we also understand that performance are scheduled on a first come/first served basis and in order to perform I/we must sign up for the workshops at Academy of Dance Designs or make a monetary donation accordingly. I/we also understand that failure to follow the rules will result in my/our removal from the performance line up.
I/we ________________________________________________________________________
Allow photographs and/or video to be taken of me/us before, during, and after the show. I/we understand that if there will be video taken there will be a separate release form to be filled out the day of event.
I/we also understand that Enchanted Darkness will donate all proceeds (after expenses) to the Child Crisis Center of El Paso. I/we understand that a monetary or goods donation is highly encouraged.
For questions, comments or concerns please call at Saz’hrah 915-694-8239 or email at scimitarbellydance@yahoo.com

Print Name Date

Stage/Troupe Name # of Dancers

Any additional dancers for troupes will need to have each performer print, sign and date their name. Please use back of application if you run out of room. Don’t forget to submit your bio and CD with application.
Can’t wait to see you there!!