The Ballet Repertoire discipline is intended for the performance of classical ballet variations, pas de deux, pas de trois, ensemble pieces, and excerpts from the established classical ballet repertoire. All performances must be presented entirely in the technique and style of Classical Ballet, preserving the original character, musical score, choreographic style, and artistic integrity of the work. Performances may be executed in ballet slippers or pointe shoes, provided that their use is appropriate to the age and technical level of the performer(s). Original choreographies, free interpretations of classical works, or performances that substantially alter the original choreography, music, or artistic concept are not permitted. Performances incorporating characteristic elements of Neo-Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, Lyrical, Jazz, or any other dance styles are not permitted within this discipline. Partnering, lifts, and partnering elements are permitted only when they are part of the original choreography or are performed in accordance with the traditions and aesthetics of Classical Ballet. The use of stage props is permitted, provided they are appropriate to the character of the performed work and do not compromise its artistic integrity.
The Neo-Classical Ballet discipline is intended for original or contemporary choreography based on the technique and principles of Classical Ballet, without the requirement to perform works from the established classical ballet repertoire. Neo-Classical Ballet combines the academic technique of Classical Ballet with a contemporary choreographic approach, allowing greater freedom in composition, musical selection, and artistic expression. All performances must be firmly rooted in Classical Ballet technique, including proper body alignment, turnout, lines, balance, jumps, turns, coordination, and movement quality. Performances may be executed in ballet slippers or pointe shoes. Original choreography, contemporary compositional concepts, and an individual artistic style are encouraged, provided that Classical Ballet technique remains the dominant element throughout the performance. The use of contemporary music, innovative choreographic structures, partnering, lifts, and stage props is permitted when they contribute to the artistic concept of the performance. Choreography that develops entirely into Contemporary, Modern, Lyrical, Jazz, or other dance styles in which Classical Ballet technique is no longer the primary foundation is not permitted. Performances of classical ballet variations, pas de deux, pas de trois, or excerpts from the classical ballet repertoire must be entered exclusively in the Ballet Repertoire discipline.
The Folk • Ethnic • Character Dance discipline brings together choreographies inspired by the traditional dance cultures of different nations, ethnic communities, and theatrical character portrayals.
Folk Dance includes traditional dances that have evolved as part of the cultural heritage of a particular nation, country, or region. These dances reflect the history, customs, traditions, and identity of the respective community.
Both authentic traditional choreographies and original choreographies are permitted, provided that the characteristic style, technique, music, and traditions of the represented folk culture are preserved.
Ethnic Dance includes dance styles originating from various national and cultural traditions around the world, such as Spanish, Belly Dance (Oriental), Hawaiian, Polka, Irish, Indian, African, and other culturally distinctive dances.
Original choreography is permitted, provided that it preserves the characteristic movement vocabulary, technique, musical style, and cultural identity of the represented tradition.
Character Dance is a theatrical dance performance based on the portrayal of a specific character, role, or dramatic figure. Characters may be inspired by classical ballets, operas, musicals, theatre productions, films, television productions, literary works, or fairy tales.
Costumes, music, choreography, and stage performance must clearly and convincingly convey the chosen character.
The following rules apply to all categories within the Folk • Ethnic • Character Dance discipline:
Note: Bulgarian Folk Dances may compete only in the Bulgarian Folk Dance discipline and are not permitted in the Folk • Ethnic • Character Dance category.
The Acro Dance discipline combines dance technique with controlled acrobatic elements performed as an integral part of a complete dance choreography.
Performances may include acrobatic movements such as walkovers, limbers, handstands, chest rolls, flexibility elements, contortion, and other similar technical skills. Gymnastic passes are also permitted when they are seamlessly integrated into the choreography.
All acrobatic elements must be connected through dance movements, steps, and transitions. A clear dance structure and choreography must be evident throughout the entire performance, with dance remaining the dominant element.
Acrobatic and gymnastic skills should enhance the artistic quality of the routine and must not dominate the choreography.
Flexibility and contortion elements are permitted when they are an integral part of the performance.
For the purposes of these Regulations, acrobatic elements are defined as movements typically associated with artistic gymnastics or acrobatics (such as saltos, flick-flacks, and similar technical skills). Jumps and lifts are not considered acrobatic elements within the meaning of this discipline.
The Modern discipline is an artistic form of dance based on established techniques and methodologies developed during the first half of the 20th century by world-renowned choreographers and dance educators such as Martha Graham, José Limón, Alvin Ailey, Merce Cunningham, Lester Horton, Kurt Jooss, Mary Wigman, Hanya Holm, and others. Modern Dance is characterized by free and natural movement, the use of body weight, gravity, breath, dynamics, contraction and release, fall and recovery, as well as strong emotional expression and artistic interpretation. Unlike Classical Ballet, Modern Dance allows greater freedom of movement and individual artistic expression while remaining firmly rooted in the techniques and principles of Modern Dance. The choreography must clearly demonstrate the fundamental characteristics of Modern Dance, including movement control, musicality, composition, spatial awareness, and stage presence. Acrobatic elements are permitted when they enhance the artistic quality of the performance but must not become its primary focus. Consecutive gymnastic passes or choreographies consisting predominantly of gymnastic elements are not permitted. Partnering and lifts are permitted in all age categories. The use of stage props is permitted when they contribute to the artistic concept of the performance. The choreography must be based on the techniques and principles of Modern Dance and should not evolve into the style of Contemporary Dance, where Modern Dance technique is no longer the dominant foundation.
The Contemporary discipline is a contemporary form of dance that combines techniques and principles of Modern Dance, Classical Ballet, and other contemporary dance practices, placing emphasis on freedom of movement, creative exploration, and individual artistic expression.
Contemporary Dance explores the relationship between the body, space, time, dynamics, and emotion. It is characterized by natural movement, the use of body weight, floor work, improvisation, release technique, dynamic variation, and an original compositional approach.
Choreography may be performed barefoot, in socks, in ballet slippers, or on pointe (Pointe Shoes), provided that the choice is artistically justified and appropriate to the concept of the performance.
The use of music is not mandatory. Performances may be presented with music, soundscapes, silence, breath, counts, or other forms of sound that support the artistic atmosphere of the choreography.
Both original choreographies and contemporary interpretations are permitted, provided they demonstrate originality, artistic vision, and a clearly developed choreographic concept.
This discipline also includes contemporary commercial styles of Contemporary Dance, as represented in the works of choreographers such as Mia Michaels, Sonya Tayeh, Erica Sobol, and others.
Acrobatic elements are permitted when they enhance the artistic quality of the performance but must not become its primary focus.
Consecutive gymnastic passes or choreographies consisting predominantly of gymnastic elements are not permitted.
Partnering and lifts are permitted in all age categories.
The use of stage props is permitted when they contribute to the artistic concept of the performance.
The Lyrical Dance discipline combines techniques from Classical Ballet, Jazz Dance, and Modern Dance, placing emphasis on emotional interpretation, musicality, and storytelling through movement.
The choreography should reflect the lyrics, mood, or emotional content of the music while demonstrating fluidity of movement, balance, control, extension, isolations, coordination, and artistic expression.
Performances are typically performed in foot undies, half soles, or barefoot, depending on the artistic concept of the choreography.
Music with vocals and lyrics is recommended but not mandatory.
Acrobatic elements are permitted only when they enhance the artistic quality of the performance and must not exceed two (2) acrobatic elements per routine.
Consecutive gymnastic passes or choreographies consisting predominantly of gymnastic elements are not permitted.
Partnering and lifts are permitted in all age categories.
The use of stage props is permitted when they contribute to the artistic concept of the performance.
The Jazz & Musical Theatre discipline brings together choreographies based on Jazz Dance technique or inspired by the traditions of musical theatre, Broadway productions, and movie musicals.
Jazz Dance is a dynamic and expressive dance style that has evolved under the influence of Classical Ballet, Modern Dance, and other dance techniques. It is characterized by energy, musicality, precision, coordination, and freedom of movement.
The choreography must clearly demonstrate the characteristic features of Jazz Dance, including isolations, turns, jumps, extensions, dynamics, rhythm, coordination, and stage presence.
The primary emphasis should be placed on dance technique, stylistic authenticity, and artistic performance.
Musical Theatre includes choreographies inspired by stage or film musicals, where dance, acting, and stage presence combine to create a complete theatrical performance. The music must be taken from a musical, musical film, or theatrical production, and the chosen character, storyline, or artistic atmosphere should be clearly recognizable. Both classical and contemporary musicals are permitted. The performance should emphasize artistic expression, character portrayal, musicality, and the ability to communicate a story through dance. The use of costumes and stage props that support the character and theatrical concept is permitted and encouraged. Live singing during the performance is not permitted. Acrobatic elements are permitted when they enhance the artistic quality of the performance but must not become its primary focus. Consecutive gymnastic passes or choreographies consisting predominantly of gymnastic elements are not permitted. Partnering and lifts are permitted in all age categories. The use of stage props is permitted when they contribute to the artistic concept of the performance.
The Open / Show Dance discipline brings together choreographies that combine different dance techniques and styles or present a clearly developed artistic concept through dance, music, and stage performance.
Open Dance allows the creative combination of different dance disciplines and techniques within a single choreography.
Performances may incorporate elements of Classical Ballet, Neo-Classical Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, Acro Dance, Folk, Character Dance, Hip Hop, and other dance styles, provided they are harmoniously integrated into a cohesive artistic composition.
The primary emphasis should be placed on originality, creativity, technical quality, seamless integration of different dance styles, and artistic performance.
Show Dance is a theatrical dance performance built around a clearly recognizable idea, theme, storyline, or artistic concept.
The choreography may be based primarily on Jazz Dance, Lyrical Dance, Classical Ballet, Neo-Classical Ballet, Modern, or Contemporary Dance, while elements from other dance disciplines may also be incorporated, provided they do not become the dominant style.
Performances based entirely on Ballroom Dance, Latin Dance, or Rock 'n' Roll are not permitted in this discipline.
Each choreography must have its own title.
The story, theme, or artistic concept must be clearly recognizable and developed through movement, music, stage presence, and the overall choreographic composition.
The evaluation will take into consideration originality, musicality, variety of movement, composition, stage impact, artistic performance, and the overall realization of the choreographic concept.
Acrobatic elements, partnering, lifts, theatrical effects, lip-sync, and stage props are permitted when they support the artistic concept of the performance and do not dominate the dance content.
The Latin Show discipline includes theatrical choreographies inspired by international Latin dance styles, presented in a show format with a clearly developed artistic concept.
The choreography may be based on one or more Latin dance styles, including Samba, Cha Cha Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive, Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, or other dances and music with Latin influence.
The creative combination of different Latin dance styles and theatrical elements is permitted, provided that the technique, character, and stylistic identity of Latin Dance remain the dominant foundation throughout the performance.
The choreography must preserve the characteristic movement vocabulary, musicality, rhythm, and stage presence of the selected Latin dance style(s), even when presented in a theatrical show format.
Costumes, music, choreography, and stage presentation should create a unified artistic concept. A wide variety of visual interpretations—including Carnival, Caribbean, thematic, futuristic, or other theatrical concepts—are permitted when they support the overall artistic idea.
The evaluation will take into consideration:
Partnering and lifts are permitted in all age categories.
The use of stage props is permitted when they contribute to the artistic concept of the performance.
The Pom Pom & Majorette discipline includes choreographies based on precision, synchronization, coordination, marching technique, and visual stage impact through the use of specialized equipment.
Pom Pom is a dynamic dance discipline characterized by energetic, precise, and synchronized movements, clearly defined lines, marching elements, and strong visual stage presence. Pom poms are mandatory equipment and must be used for at least 75% of the total duration of the choreography. The performance should demonstrate precision, synchronization, musicality, clean execution, well-structured formations, and a high level of dance technique. Acrobatic elements, partnering, and lifts are permitted when they contribute to the artistic impact of the performance. The use of stage props is permitted.
Majorette is a discipline based on traditional majorette technique, marching steps, baton handling, and synchronized stage performance. The entrance onto the stage must be performed without musical accompaniment. It should be brief, well-organized, and serve solely to allow the competitor(s) to take the starting position. After taking the starting position, the competitor or group must salute the judging panel before beginning the performance. The choreography must include the characteristic Majorette Step as an essential element. Additional dance movements and steps may be incorporated, provided they are appropriate to the character of the music and preserve the stylistic identity of the discipline. Each competitor may use one baton. Throughout the performance, the baton must remain an integral part of the choreography. At the conclusion of the performance, the competitor must be holding the baton or maintaining physical contact with it using any part of the body. Partnering, lifts, and acrobatic elements are not permitted. The use of any additional stage props is not permitted.
The Hip Hop / Street Dance discipline includes choreographies based on authentic street dance styles and urban dance culture. The discipline may incorporate styles such as Hip Hop, Locking, Popping, Breaking, House, Waacking, Vogue, Krump, and other recognized street dance styles. Choreographies may focus on a single style or creatively combine multiple street dance techniques, provided they preserve the authentic character and movement vocabulary of street dance culture. The performance should demonstrate groove, rhythm, musicality, body control, dynamics, precision, creativity, freestyle influence, and individual artistic expression. Original choreography is encouraged. Costumes, music, and stage presentation should support the artistic concept without overshadowing the dance performance. Acrobatic elements, partnering, lifts, and stage props are permitted when they naturally enhance the choreography and do not dominate the dance content.
The Commercial Dance discipline includes choreographies inspired by the professional entertainment industry, including music videos, concerts, television productions, live performances, and commercial stage productions. The choreography may combine elements of Jazz Dance, Hip Hop, Street Dance, Heels, Funk, Contemporary Dance, and other commercial dance techniques, with an emphasis on versatility, performance quality, confidence, precision, and visual presentation. Performances should demonstrate strong musical interpretation, synchronization, stage presence, charisma, and entertainment value. Original choreography is encouraged. Costumes, styling, music, and visual presentation should complement the artistic concept while maintaining a strong dance foundation. Acrobatic elements, partnering, lifts, theatrical effects, lip-sync, and stage props are permitted when they enhance the choreography and remain secondary to the dance performance.
The MTV Dance discipline includes choreographies inspired by the style of international music videos, pop artists, and contemporary stage productions.The discipline is characterized by energetic, expressive, and visually engaging performances that combine elements of Commercial Dance, Hip Hop, Jazz Funk, Street Dance, and current popular dance trends. The choreography should reflect the atmosphere and visual impact of a professional music video or live concert performance while maintaining a strong technical and artistic dance foundation. The performance should demonstrate musicality, synchronization, precision, stage presence, charisma, performance quality, originality, and the ability to communicate the music through movement. Original choreography is encouraged. Costumes, styling, music, and visual presentation should support the overall artistic concept. Acrobatic elements, partnering, lifts, theatrical effects, lip-sync, and stage props are permitted when they contribute to the artistic concept of the performance and do not dominate the dance content.
The K-POP discipline includes choreographies inspired by the Korean pop music industry (Korean Pop) and its distinctive dance style.Choreographies may consist of original creations or cover performances based on the official choreography of K-POP artists and groups. Performances should reflect the characteristic qualities of K-POP through precision, synchronization, musicality, energy, dynamics, stage presence, and artistic performance. Particular emphasis is placed on clean execution, uniformity of movement, precise formations, seamless transitions, and the overall visual impact of the choreography. Costumes, music, styling, and stage presentation should support the artistic concept while remaining consistent with the distinctive style of K-POP.
The evaluation will take into consideration:
Acrobatic elements, partnering, lifts, theatrical effects, lip-sync, and stage props are permitted when they support the artistic concept of the performance and do not dominate the dance content.
Cover choreographies may be performed without obtaining additional choreography credits, provided that the original artist and song are clearly identified during registration.
SCHOOL TEAM
The School Team discipline is intended for students who participate in dance as part of school classes, extracurricular activities, school clubs, or recreational dance groups. The category is designed for participants who do not receive professional or intensive training in specialized dance schools or competitive dance clubs.
Choreographies may be based on a single dance style or combine different dance styles, with the choice of music, movement, and artistic concept left to the creativity of the participants and adapted to their age and level of experience.
The primary purpose of this discipline is to provide a performance opportunity for children and students taking their first steps in dance, encouraging creativity, teamwork, self-confidence, and the enjoyment of dancing.
The evaluation will take into consideration:
Acrobatic elements, partnering, lifts, and stage props are permitted when they are appropriate to the participants' age and level of training and support the artistic concept of the performance.
The Rhythmic Dance discipline combines dance performance with the technique, aesthetics, and artistic qualities of rhythmic gymnastics while maintaining dance, musicality, and artistic performance as its primary focus.
The choreography may incorporate characteristic rhythmic gymnastics movements such as jumps, balances, turns, flexibility, waves, body extensions, and other technical elements, harmoniously integrated into the dance composition.
This discipline is not a rhythmic gymnastics competition but a dance category in which rhythmic gymnastics technique is used as a means of artistic expression.
The use of rhythmic gymnastics apparatus, including ribbon, hoop, ball, clubs, rope, or any other apparatus, is not permitted.
The choreography should demonstrate a harmonious combination of dance technique, body control, coordination, flexibility, musicality, artistic performance, and stage presence.
The evaluation will take into consideration:
Performances are presented on a standard dance stage or dance floor and not on a competitive rhythmic gymnastics carpet.
Acrobatic elements, partnering, and lifts are permitted when they support the artistic concept of the performance and do not dominate the dance content.
