8th Annual Official Midwest Dancehall Queen Competition

8th Annual Midwest Dancehall Queen Competition Official Press Release Judging Method and Rules

CHICAGO-BIG HEAD promotions (the promoter for Jamaica's world famous, annual International Dancehall Queen Competition), together with Montana Music, present the 8th Annual Official Midwest Dancehall Queen Competition on Saturday, July, 13, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.

There have been several successful Dancehall queen competitions in Chicago over the years, but the Official Midwest Dancehall Queen contest is the first to be meticulously organized, traditionally culminating in the winner being sent to the International Dancehall Queen Competition that was held annually in Montego Bay Jamaica.

The extraordinarily popular International Dancehall Queen contest held in Montego Bay Jamaica attracts contestants from all over the world including, for example, contestants from: New York, Florida state, Georgia, Italy, Poland, Germany, Sweden, Japan, Canada, Belize, Trinidad and of course Jamaica.

For further information, contact our marketing representative at (312) 585-5133 or email [email protected] .

JUDGING METHODS:

1) The organizers have chosen judges who have the ability to recognize quality dancing and will judge fairly and impartially without favoritism towards any particular beat, style, or region and or dancer.

2) All judges are active in America's Dancehall reggae industry with formal qualifications and/ or valid work histories both in USA and overseas. The judging panel will have the full support and representation from the following organizations: BIGHEAD PROMOTIONS Montana Music

3) Judges will be looking for dancers maintaining the character of Dancehall Reggae both from its roots and as it is danced today around the world.

4) Tricks and over-choreographed routines will not guarantee a win.

5) The judges will score each dancer using a points system out of 10. Judges will look for the following attributes: – Timing and ability to stay on the beat – Ability to express the music through dance – Fluidity – Outfits/appearance – Creativity of moves – Technique – Choreography

6) An independent representative of BIGHEAD promotions, Montana Music will be appointed to tally up the scores. judges combined marks are final and NO discussion will be entered into after the winning dancer has been announced and crowned MISS DANCEHALL QUEEN MIDWEST USA 2024!

OFFICIAL RULES:

1) The MIDWEST DANCEHALL QUEEN 2024 competition is open to any female dancer aged 21+ regardless of nationality or experience.

2) The competition will be in Dancehall Reggae Dancing and is only open singles, not couples or teams.

3) Winner must be able and willing to travel to Jamaica for the official Miss World Dancehall Queen competition in Montego Bay if the competition is held within the next 2 months.

4) NO WALK UP ENTRIES PERMITTED. All competitors MUST read and sign the registration and rules and regulations forms confirming that both of you have understood all conditions of entry including liability waiver. Only competitors that have returned signed form will be eligible to enter competition.

5) Dancehall is danced in many styles in different countries. Competitors will be judged fairly and impartially without favoritism towards any particular beat, style, or region that Dancehall is Jamaican music.

6) Stylish, ornate costumes are encouraged.

7) All registered contestants are entitled to free entry to the MISS MIDWEST DANCEHALL QUEEN COMPETITION 2023 for themselves and one (1) guest.

(8) All competitors will act professionally, ethically and sportsmanlike at all times prior, during and after the competition.

9) Competitors who are late or do not answer when announced will not be permitted to compete.

10) Props including other people are not allowed.

11) Entrants will only be allowed to start over if there has been a technical problem that is out of competitor’s control.

12) Should any issues arise, please direct queries to organizers NOT judges.

13) Entrants must be in attendance by 9pm on the date of show. Please report to the stage.

14) All competitors will have access to a 10 minute rehearsal space on Saturday ONLY. Times will be allocated once registration forms have been received.

15) NO professional Videos will be allowed. Official Photographs and Video footage will be recorded on both days, filming and photos will take place back stage and of performances on stage.

16) Dance presentations must be of a tasteful nature and must not be associated or depict racist, pornographic, sexist or violent content. Offensive material will result in a disqualification from judges.

17) All dancers entering this competition shall indemnify BIG HEAD promotions, Safari Lounge, Montana Music and all promoters from and against any claim, action, suit damage, cost, loss, expense or liability of any kind however suffered or incurred in respect of any loss of life, personal injury, loss or damage to property or other loss whatsoever arising as a result of any breach of law and any negligent or wrongful act or omission of the dancers occurring in connection with participation in the competition.

18) Have fun and good luck!!

Contact: (312) 585-5133 [email protected]

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Safari Lounge Eritrean & Ethiopian Cuisine, 7124 North Clark Street, Chicago, United States