The Pyramid Awards 2008
 – Short Review by competition host Fereshteh Hosseini

The Pyramid Awards 2008 held in Edinburgh on Sunday 30th November. An interesting and exciting afternoon. Hosted by myself, and main sponsor Annette McCann of the Bellydance News www.bellydanceclub.co.uk . The afternoon was a busy one to say the least. The event was held in a lovely new spacious venue, my former high school St Thomas of Aquinas.

Joanie Ward from Glasgow came to judge the competition along with Kristyene Boreland (JWADD trained) of Northern Ireland. Both judges were exceptional on the day, and were most gracious, kind and helpful. Not sure how I could have managed without them. Thank you, Krisytene, and Joanie.

After starting on time, the competition was under way. The eleven competitors all did an amazing job. Coming from as far as Northern Ireland, the Borders, Glasgow, and the Lothian’s. The competition was for amateurs, and the criteria was marked at an amateur level. The competition was hard, and the judges including myself had a difficult choice to make. We genuinely were torn when placing the top three, thinking whether we had made the right choice. It was harder than we all thought. But we had to come to a unanimous decision.

The top three places went to Tayra McKee, Fern Dunsieth, and Yasmin Bushby.

Third place went to lovely Tayra McKee form N. Ireland. A lovely dancer, her smile shone and she danced most beautifully. Slow and most relaxed, Tayra wore a lovely brown and gold costume.

Second place was given to Fern Dunsieth. Fern was first to perform, and had a stunning gold and yellow costume. Fern used great floor space, and performed with Isis wings, giving all judges a lot of eye contact. This was most important.

1st place was then given to Yasmin Bushby. Yasmin who’s student in Edinburgh, was very well presented in a lovely white and cream two piece costume. Some technique was used, and Yasmin seemed confident. Overall a great performance.

From right to left, Kristyene Boreland (judge) Tayra McKee 3rd place, myself (Fereshteh) Yasmin Bushby 1st place, Fern Dunseith 2nd place and Joanie Ward (judge). Unfortunately I’m still wearing my costume from a small performance in the interval –oops! If only I had time to change…….

All competitors did very well. I would just like to say ‘Thank You’ for taking the time and effort and to have the courage to compete. Also thank you to Selina Arougb, who performed for the first time in public at the competition. Well-done! I hope the experience has been worth while for everyone. I m sure everyone has gained something from this event. Its not always about winning, it’s about taking part, watching others and learning from them. To improve and move on within in ones own dance capabilities and to push ones potential. To boost confidence, and to experience the difference of a competition.

Here is some feedback from the winner Yasmin Bushby:
I nearly didn’t enter The Pyramid Awards- I am so glad that I did!
I have been happily dancing and attending workshops around the UK. However the possibility of dancing in front of judges was a tad frightening – I haven’t been sure that my dancing is really ‘good enough’. 
So I took the competition as an incentive to create my own choreography - I had never done that before! I wanted to enjoy the process of really listening to a piece of music and creating my own interpretation.  In order to get over the nerves, I focused on the music and the dance, and not so much on the competition itself. It seemed to work!
This competition has increased my own confidence in my dancing. I am extremely critical of myself and winning this competition has really given me further encouragement. I really do encourage dancers to enter this competition next year. At the very least, you will be able to develop your own choreography and meet some lovely people!!

Throughout the event the audience were all very kind and warm. There were over 70 people in the audience, supporting the performers. They were very receptive, and clapping. Photos were also taken of the performers. There was a warm, friendly and family atmosphere, it was just great afternoon!

In the interval there was a short performance by myself, Caroline Evans, (an Edinburgh teacher www.bellydancingcaroline.com ) and Kay Kennedy (a Glasgow teacher) with her comical performance as ever. Funny as always, a great laugh! Thank you Kay and Caroline. There was also a raffle. Prizes were donated from Hilary Thacker (Hillarys Bazaar), Donna Conway of the Karnak Bazaar in Doncaster, and Mandy Teasdale of the Shimmy Shop (organiser of JOY in Yorkshire)

Last but least ‘thank you’ competitors! Hope to see you all and many others at next years Pyramid Awards! Keep checking www.fereshteh.co.uk for info on next year’s bigger and better event.

Group picture of all competitors.