Who’s the Belly Dancer of the Universe?

The annual Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition in Long Beach, California sees dancers from all over the world competing for prizes in six different categories.

Belly dancer Kristina Mnoyan of Russia competes in the Taxsim category of the Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition in Long Beach, California, on February 19, 2017. The annual competition sees dancers from all over the world competing for prizes in six different categories. (Photo| AFP) 

A belly dancer competes in the Open Dance category of the Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition in Long Beach, California, on February 19, 2017. The annual competition sees dancers from all over the world competing for prizes in six different categories.(Photo| AFP)

Belly Dancer Kristina Mnoyan of Russia (right) competes in tandem with another contestant in the Taxsim category of the Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition in Long Beach, California, on February 19, 2017.(Photo| AFP)

Belly dancers from the Esthela Gallardo group of Mexico rush off the stage after winning the Group Final category of the Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition in Long Beach, California, on February 19, 2017. (Photo| AFP)

Belly dancer Zaina of Poland competes in the Taxsim category of the Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition in Long Beach, California, on February 19, 2017. The annual competition sees dancers from all over the world competing for prizes in six different categories. (Photo| AFP)

Belly dancer Loliana competes in the Open Dance category of the Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition in Long Beach, California, on February 19, 2017. The annual competition sees dancers from all over the world competing for prizes in six different categories.(Photo| AFP)

The annual Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition competition sees dancers from all over the world competing for prizes in six different categories. Picture shows Kristina Mnoyan of Russia competing in the Taxsim category in the 2017 editio held in Long Beach, California on February 19, 2017.(Photo| AFP)

Dancers perform during the Group Final category of the 2017 Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition in Long Beach, California, on February 19, 2017. The annual competition sees dancers from all over the world competing for prizes in six different categories.(Photo| AFP)

Dancers from the Esthela Gallardo group of Mexico react after winning the Group Final category of the 2017 Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition in Long Beach, California on February 19, 2017.(Photo| AFP)