( Added: April 21, 2008 ) - The quest for the latest in poetic invention, the passion of poetry from national and international poets on diverse subjects of interest, and motivating new and creative poetic dances are the continuing heritage of the annual Dancing Poetry Festival's search for poetry. Written word entries are the driving artistry that propels the celebration of poetry and the arts presented by Artists Embassy International, a non-profit arts organization dedicated to furthering understanding and good will though the universal language of the arts towards creative interchange and communication.

Poetry on any subject, suitable for a general audience, that brings together a relationship to cultural empathy, thought, and creative and passionate expression, is considered for awards Awarded poems help build on and extend audience expansion and related arts participation. Over $1,000 in prize money will be given. Forty-three cash awards will be presented and all winners will be invited to present their awarded work at the California Palace of The Legion of Honor in San Francisco at the Fifteenth Annual Dancing Poetry festival. Poetry must be sent by May 15, 2008. More information, pictures, and past poetry winners are now at http://www.dancingpoetry.com .

Three Grand Prize winners, along with invitation to present their awarded work, will receive $100 each, plus their poems will be read to music, choreographed, costumed, and danced by the Natica Angilly's Poetic Dance Theater Company. This company has been invited to represent poetry and dance as a unified art form on five continents at world poetry events. A videotape of the poet's presentation as well as the poetic dance premier performance is included in the grand prize. First, second, and third prize awardees will receive an invitation to present their winning poems, a cash award, a certificate, and appreciation by an expanded audience and artists interested in inter-disciplinary arts, content and process of current poetic presentation and inspiration.

Forty line maximum for poetry submissions. Send two copies of each poem along with entry fee of $5.00 for one poem, or $10 for 3 poems, by check or money order. No limit on number of entries. On one copy only, include your name, address, phone number and e-mail (the anonymous copy goes to the judges). Poems must be in English or include English translation. Send poems and check to: Judy Cheung, AEI Contest Chair, 704 Brigham Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95404 by May 15.