About Hot Raqs
Hot Raqs 2023 is EXCLUSIVE, LUXE, & GLAMOROUS only!
Andalee & Mike Owens conceived of the idea for Hot Raqs in 2016 when they felt compelled to use their talents and strong collaborative relationship as a foundation for an event that celebrated the community and offer a supportive and active learning environment for artists and students pursuing MENAHT (Middle Eastern, North African, Helenic, Turkish) music, dance, and cultural education. We incorporate fundraising for a MENAHT cause into the Hot Raqs event. Hot Raqs supports artists from MENAHT cultures, artists of color, artists in the LGBTQ community, and other marginalized communities.
FRIDAY JUNE 23 (starts 3pm) - SUNDAY JUNE 25 (ends 6:30pm)
We will 1st open registration for Hot Raqs 2023 for full VIP pass registration. All VIPs will receive the BEST possible deal for the LUXE event of the year, and can be purchased on a payment plan!. VIP pass holders have access and entry to ALL the Hot Raqs related events during the weekend and, if desired, will be guaranteed a performance spot on the famously fabulous Hot Raqs stage. We will sell a limited number of VIP passes - remember, we did SELL OUT in 2022! A la carte registration will open up after the new year 2023, and only if supported by current COVID regulations. We recommend registering early for VIP if you want to guarantee access. Don’t get Hot Raqs FOMO!
What's included in the VIP Pass!
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Guaranteed spot in 6 classes with our headliners and special guest instructors.
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Friday Night Mixer with refreshments and live music.
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Entrance for you and a “Plus One” to the daytime events for all 3 days with access to our hand-picked, invite-only vendors.
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Entrance to the RED CARPET GALA DINNER SHOW! Get your gowns and suits ready! (yes that includes dinner and you may bring a “Plus One” for only $40!)
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Saturday Night afterparty with live music!
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Entrance to the Sunday LIVE MUSIC Concert and Finals with the Georges Lammam Ensemble.
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A quick 2-3 pose photoshoot with onsite photographer for your next fave profile pic.
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Participation in the one and only TRIVIA MANIA!, a MENAT dance, music, and culture trivia game with prizes up for grabs.
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Guaranteed performance on the top notch HOT RAQS stage with live streaming on the inter-webs (Performance spot not gauranteed if you are also competing).
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HOT RAQS VIP sparkle lanyard, bracelet, & swag.
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Competition option add $50 per category! $1000 cash prize and crown for the Raqs Sharqi Professional category. Troupe and Fusion have a $500 cash prize and the Apprentice has a $300 cash prize (Competition categories are subject to minimum registration and any cancellation will be fully refunded).
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The value is at least $525! but we decided to offer the Hot Raqs 2023 package at a deep discount because we love our community and want to celebrate with you all.
Payment plan available!
Hot Raqs is an event with a vision founded by Season 1 winner of Project Belly Dance, Andalee and her Husband, Mike Owens. The intention of Hot Raqs is to facilitate a meaningful community event, where participants are encourage to challenge themselves and grow as performing artists within a supportive environment through competition or non-competitive performance and education. Of course we make this happen while having a lot of fun! The community loves Hot Raqs for the detail oriented organization, live music opportunities, great vendors, top notch sound and lighting, fabulous location, and overall positive and supportive attitude of the whole Hot Raqs team!
Thank you for being a part of the HOT RAQS family!
-Andalee