PORTUGAL DANCE COMPETITION – RULES & REGULATIONS 2026
I – WHO WE ARE
With the purpose of encouraging, stimulating, and expanding the dance market, the PORTUGAL DANCE COMPETITION opens its doors to students and professionals who seek to refresh their training and exchange experiences within the universe of dance, inspired artistically by the pursuit of professionalism that surrounds this art form.
The event includes a competition, master classes, and dance lectures.
II – EVENT DATE AND FORMAT
The PORTUGAL DANCE COMPETITION will take place on July 17th, 18th, and 19th, in the city of Pombal, at the Teatro-Cine de Pombal – Portugal.
The PORTUGAL DANCE COMPETITION is a competitive festival where participants receive trophies and medals, and schools and/or groups receive a certificate of participation.
This multi-style dance competition will also feature:
Master classes
Lectures
Classroom discussions with teachers
Interaction with international jurors during the competition
III – LOCATION
Teatro-Cine de Pombal
Praça Manuel Henrique Junior
3100-500 Pombal – Portugal
Stage Information
Dimensions: 8.00 m wide x 10.00 m deep
Proscenium height: 6 meters
COMPETITION SCHEDULE
July 17th – Classical Ballet
Categories:
Classical Ballet
Classical Repertoire Ballet
Neoclassical Ballet
Sessions:
1st Session: 2:00 PM
2nd Session: 5:00 PM
Awards Ceremony: immediately after the mandatory break of the Teatro-Cine staff (from 7:30 PM onward).
July 18th – Modern & Contemporary Dance
Categories:
Modern Dance
Contemporary Dance
Jazz Dance
Sessions:
1st Session: 2:00 PM
2nd Session: 5:00 PM
Awards Ceremony: immediately after the mandatory break of the Teatro-Cine staff (from 7:30 PM onward).
July 18th – Open-Air Performance
A performance will take place at Praça Marquês de Pombal at 9:30 PM.
July 19th – Tap, Urban & Folk Dance
Categories:
Tap Dance
Urban Dance
Popular/Folkloric Dance
Sessions:
1st Session: 2:00 PM
2nd Session: 5:30 PM
Awards Ceremony and Special Prizes Presentation (these prizes are entirely the responsibility of sponsoring partners and participating jurors).
TICKETS
Tickets per session will be available at the Theatre box office and online ticket platform:
(Online ticket office link provided by the organization)
Prices:
Full ticket: €12
Half ticket: €6
Awards Ceremony
Free entry with ticket reservation via the online box office, subject to seat availability.
July 19th – Special Awards Gala
Free entry with ticket reservation via the online box office, subject to seat availability.
MASTER CLASS LOCATION
Casa Varela / Artistic Experimentation Center
Rua de Leiria, nº 4 – Pombal
July 17th and 18th, 2026 – Workshops
Classical Technique
Pointe Technique
Modern Ballet
Contemporary Ballet
Jazz Dance
Hip Hop
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Maximum: 20 students per class
Dancers attending both classes of each modality will receive a participation certificate.
For Dancers Registered in the Festival
In order to promote continuous training and ensure appropriate technical conditions for the Master Classes on July 17th and 18th, each school, academy, or group registered in the PORTUGAL DANCE COMPETITION with at least one choreography must pay an Institutional Training Access Fee of:
€30 (single fee) for all dancers registered under that school/group.
This fee guarantees:
Priority participation for registered competitors
Reserved spots according to the number of participants
Technical and logistical support
Pedagogical coordination and monitoring by teachers and jurors
Certification of participation in training activities
The Institutional Fee is non-refundable and must be paid together with the group registration forms. Failure to pay will prevent dancers from participating in the Master Classes.
For Dancers Not Registered in the Competition
€15 per single class
Package: €50 for all classes
Advance registration via website:
https://www.portugaldancecompetition/workshop
III.2 – OPEN STAGE: NON-COMPETITIVE SHOWCASE
Participation in the Artistic Showcase on July 18th at 9:30 PM, at Praça Marquês de Pombal, is mandatory and limited to one (1) choreography per participating school or group.
The choreography must be selected from among the works registered in the competition.
Choreographies composed exclusively of underage dancers are exempt; in such cases, the school must indicate another eligible choreography.
Unjustified non-participation may result in a formal warning or loss of benefits, including eligibility for special awards.
This showcase is non-competitive and does not affect the competition rankings. Participation is free of charge.
IV – PRE-SELECTION (SOLOISTS ONLY – ALL STYLES)
Registration in the Solo category is limited; therefore, candidates are subject to a pre-selection process.
One form must be completed for each video choreography:
http://www.portugaldancecompetition.com/preselecao
A fee of €12 per choreography will be charged for video evaluation.
All dancers must be filmed during a rehearsal or performance. Dancers may wear stage attire (costumes without additional accessories) or studio clothing.
If submitting a performance video, it must show only the candidate.
The candidate must provide the most recent available video.
Video submission deadline: April 30th, 2026
Videos must be sent by email to:
eleusa@portugaldancecompetition.com
Payment for Video Evaluation
Payment must be made in the name of:
Ivan Geraldo Grandi
Account Number: 10514839108
Swift: CTTVPTPL
IBAN: PT50019300001051483910885
IV.1 – VIDEO REQUIREMENTS FOR SOLOIST PRE-SELECTION
a) Each video file must contain only one (1) choreography (Solo).
b) The file name must include the candidate’s full name, followed by the choreography title and style.
c) File size must not exceed 100MB.
d) Recording must ensure good image quality (stability, lighting, definition, proportion) to allow correct evaluation of the competitor (physical characteristics and body expression).
e) All dancers must be filmed in rehearsal or performance. If filmed in a performance, only the candidate must appear. The most recent video must be provided.
Deadline: April 30th, 2026
Results of approved soloists will be published on:
May 20th, 2026
IV.2 – REGISTRATION FOR APPROVED SOLOISTS / SOLOS / DUETS / TRIOS / PAS DE DEUX / SMALL & LARGE GROUPS
If the number of registrations reaches the maximum event capacity, the organization reserves the right to close registrations before the official deadline of June 1st, 2026.
The choreographer/director must send the registration form fully completed with choreography details.
One complete form is required for each work to be presented.
Please verify age category and style before submission.
The organization is not responsible for incorrect information provided by directors, especially in the category section, including incorrect birth dates of participants.
IV.3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION
A) A copy of the Citizen Card or Passport of each participant must be presented at check-in on the competition day for wristband distribution.
The wristband must be preserved to allow access to:
Dressing rooms
Audience seating after performance
Awards ceremony (if seats are available)
If lost, a fee of €60 will be charged for replacement.
It is strictly forbidden to remove or damage the wristband without authorization. Wristband use is mandatory during stage performance.
B) Copy of payment proof for registered choreographies.
C) All participating schools and groups must also present registered works in the Open Showcase at Praça Marquês de Pombal on July 18th from 9:30 PM onward.
Important Notice
No registration reservations will be accepted.
Schools and groups will only be considered officially registered after receipt of:
Completed registration forms
Proof of payment
In case of withdrawal for any reason, registration fees are non-refundable.
IV.4 – FEES AND MAXIMUM TIME LIMITS
Solos and Repertoire Variations (male/female): €45 per choreography – up to 3 minutes
Duets and Pas de Deux: €43 per couple – up to 3 minutes
Trios: €65 per trio – up to 3 minutes
Grand Pas de Deux (Repertoire): €60 per couple – full work duration
Small Group (3 to 12 dancers): €25 per participant per choreography – up to 4 minutes
Large Group (5 to 25 dancers): €20 per participant per choreography – up to 5 minutes
Choreographies exceeding the permitted time limit will be automatically disqualified, with no refund.
Wristband Fees (Mandatory)
1 Coordinator: €20
1 Assistant: €20
Each group/school must purchase the single wristband (valid for all days and sessions, subject to seat availability).
Payment must be made together with choreography registration fees.
Director Exemption
The director is exempt from registration fees and is entitled to a single wristband valid for all days and sessions (subject to seat availability).
Additional Notes
Choreographies exceeding time limits or using unauthorized materials will be disqualified.
Silent moments without music are counted as choreography duration.
Participants are responsible for obtaining authorization to perform repertoire variations requiring classical repertory approval.
V – CATEGORIES / AGE DIVISIONS
A) Children – 9 to 11 years old (completed) – All Styles
B) Junior – 12 to 14 years old (completed) – All Styles
C) Senior – 15 to 17 years old (completed) – All Styles
D) Adult – 18 to 23 years old (completed) – All Styles
E) Mixed – 11 to 39 years old (completed) – All Styles
F) Best Age (40+) – All Styles
VI – STYLES FOR CHILDREN / JUNIOR / SENIOR / ADULT CATEGORIES
A) Classical Repertoire Ballet
Choreographies from the traditional classical repertoire, respecting the original version.
Character dances that are part of classical repertoire ballets must be registered under Classical Repertoire Ballet and NOT under Folk Dance.
Includes:
Male/Female Variation
Pas de Deux
Grand Pas de Deux
Group
B) Classical and Neoclassical Ballet
Free classical or neoclassical choreographies created using ballet vocabulary with original choreographic composition. Pointe work is optional.
Includes:
Male/Female Solo
Duet
Trio
Group
C) Modern Dance / Contemporary Dance
Original works showing research and movement creation, following or not the lines of Modern/Contemporary Dance schools.
Includes:
Male/Female Solo
Duet
Trio
Group
D) Jazz Dance
Works using Jazz Dance language: Modern Jazz, Street Jazz, Lyrical Jazz, Musical Theatre Jazz (Broadway-inspired choreographies), Contemporary Jazz, etc.
Includes:
Male/Female Solo
Duet
Trio
Group
E) Urban Dance – Hip Hop
Works from Hip Hop styles such as Funk, Commercial, Dancehall, Street Dance, etc.
Includes:
Male/Female Solo
Duet
Trio
Group
F) Tap Dance (American Tap)
Includes:
Male/Female Solo
Duet
Trio
Group
G) Popular / Folk Dance
Includes:
Male/Female Solo
Duet
Trio
Group
Attention: Changes in cast after registration will only be permitted in group categories.
VII – COMPETITION PROGRAM
July 17th – All Sessions
Classical Ballet
Classical Repertoire Ballet
Neoclassical Ballet
July 18th – All Sessions
Modern Dance
Contemporary Dance
Jazz Dance
July 19th – 1st Session
Tap Dance
Urban Dance
Popular / Folk Dance
VIII – EVALUATION, SCORING AND AWARDS
All choreographies registered for the competition will be evaluated by an international jury panel composed of highly renowned professionals.
Scores range from 5.0 to 10.0.
Evaluation criteria:
Technique and Execution
Expressiveness and Interpretation
Choreography and Costume
VIII.1 – RANKING
A) 1st Place – Highest average score above 9.0
B) 2nd Place – Average score immediately below 1st place, or between 8.0 and 8.9
C) 3rd Place – Average score immediately below 2nd place, or between 7.0 and 7.9
The decision to award or not award any prize is entirely the responsibility of the jury, with no appeal or contestation.
Rankings are determined in descending order of the choreography average scores.
VIII.2 – AWARDS
A) Variations, Solos, Duets (Pas de Deux / Grand Pas de Deux) and Trios placing 1st, 2nd, or 3rd receive medals.
B) Small and Large Groups placing 1st, 2nd, or 3rd receive trophies.
C) All Special Prizes (scholarships, summer programs, invitations to other international competitions, monetary prizes, etc.) will be decided by the jury panel and announced on the final day after the competition results.
Monetary Prizes
Best Male Dancer: €100
Best Female Dancer: €100
Best Group: €150
These prizes will be awarded to the highest average score achieved during the three competition days.
Scholarships and International Opportunities
Scholarships will be offered for summer programs in:
Brazil, Italy, United States, Germany, England, Portugal
These opportunities will be offered by the jury during Master Classes and competitions.
Partner event invitations may include:
United States, Germany, Italy, Brazil, Canada
VIII.3 – SPECIAL PRIZES
Special Prizes (Best Male Dancer, Best Female Dancer, Best Group, Outstanding Choreographer, Breakthrough Dancer, Scholarships, International Opportunities, monetary awards, and others) may be awarded independently of ranking or average scores.
They may be given to any participant who, in the jury’s opinion, demonstrates:
Technical excellence
Artistic potential
Remarkable growth
Choreographic creativity
Stage presence
Outstanding performance during Master Classes or competitions
Jury decisions are final and non-appealable.
IX – CANCELLATION OR WITHDRAWAL
A) In case of cancellation or withdrawal, the amounts paid will not be refunded under any circumstances.
B) The choreographer/director must send a cancellation letter by email no later than May 10th, 2026.
X – TECHNICAL SOUND AND LIGHTING INFORMATION
A) Lighting will be general and uniform for all performances in:
Classical Ballet
Classical Repertoire Ballet
Solos
Duets
Trios
Groups
B) Music must be sent via email to:
eleusa@portugaldancecompetition.com
in MP3 format.
For group safety on the day of performance, music must also be brought on a USB flash drive, in case of technical issues.
XI – STAGE REHEARSAL / STAGE CHECK
A) Stage rehearsal will take place on the day of the performance at the times established by the production team.
The schedule will be sent 5 days before the competition for group organization.
Failure to attend at the scheduled time will result in loss of rehearsal rights.
The sound technician will be available in the booth for directors to verify music and performance cues.
XII – GENERAL PROVISIONS
A) All participants must remain silent backstage and in dressing rooms during the performances of other groups. Groups/directors may be penalized with disqualification.
B) Circulating in costume outside the performance area is forbidden, under penalty of elimination.
C) Performances with birds or any live animals, fire, plants, or objects that may dirty the stage or endanger the audience are not allowed.
Nudity is strictly prohibited, under penalty of elimination.
D) Performances with live music ensembles are not permitted.
Stage Props and Scenery
E) Small scenic materials must be placed and removed by the group itself. Outside personnel are not permitted.
Groups will have 20 seconds to set up and remove movable scenery.
The use of any material (paint, powder, liquids, or any other substance), including on the dancers’ bodies, that may damage the stage or affect the next performance is strictly forbidden.
F) There will be no stage machinery staff; therefore, rigging bars for props/scenery may not be used.
Arrival and Dressing Room Rules
G) Each group must arrive at least one hour before their scheduled performance.
H) Each group must have a coordinator with a valid wristband to organize dressing room use.
Dressing rooms are collective and must be vacated immediately after the group’s performance.
I) Dressing room entry order will follow the stage performance order.
Responsibility Disclaimer
J) The organizing committee and staff are not responsible for valuables forgotten or lost in the theatre facilities or dressing rooms, nor for medical issues that may occur during the event.
Wristband Identification חובה
K) Wristband identification is mandatory and non-transferable throughout the entire event for dancers, directors, choreographers, and coordinators.
If seats are available, audience access may be granted to participants after their performance.
Rights to Photos, Videos, and Recordings
L) All photographs, video recordings, or audiovisual recordings of choreographies and performances are the exclusive property of the Portugal Dance Competition.
No visual or audiovisual recording may be made without written authorization from Portugal Dance Competition.
Participants waive all rights regarding recordings made by Portugal Dance Competition or third parties on its behalf, including reproduction, distribution, retransmission, projection, and online broadcasting.
These recordings may be used for commercial or promotional purposes, including advertising for third parties, regardless of product or service.
Sponsors funding prizes may use recordings in their promotional campaigns.
Participants permanently and irrevocably assign these rights to Portugal Dance Competition without limitation of time or location and waive any claim for payment, compensation, reimbursement, or fees.
Image capture (photo/video) by the public is not permitted.
Only officially accredited personnel may film or photograph.
Cameras, mobile phones, or recording devices used without authorization will be confiscated and returned only at the end of the competition.
Minors, Insurance, and Liability
M) By registering, minors under 16 are understood to be authorized by their legal guardians or school directors to participate.
All candidates must have personal accident insurance.
Portugal Dance Competition is not responsible for accidents, illness, theft, or incidents occurring during the event in the auditorium, stage, classrooms, dressing rooms, backstage areas, or facilities.
Candidates are responsible for insuring themselves against accidents, illness, and theft.
All travel, accommodation, and food expenses are the responsibility of participants.
Students may present more than one variation; however, PDC reserves the right to restrict the number of variations, limit event participation, or refuse registrations at its discretion based on space availability.
The organization may provide tourist information, partnerships, and nearby hotel/accommodation options. Partner hotels and restaurants may offer discounts.
N) NO PHOTOS OR FILMING WILL BE PERMITTED. THE EVENT WILL BE EXCLUSIVELY RECORDED BY CONTRACTED PROFESSIONALS.
O) The International Jury reserves the right not to award all announced prizes.
P) By registering, the director agrees to all terms of these regulations together with the registered dancers.
Q) COPYRIGHT: Responsibility for providing information regarding music and choreography authors is not the responsibility of PDC, but of the competitor or registering entity.
R) The organization assumes no responsibility for accidents during the competition, nor for theft or loss of belongings.
S) Any omitted cases will be analyzed and judged by the PORTUGAL DANCE COMPETITION organization.
ORGANIZATION
Eleusa Lourenzoni – Artistic Director
Ivan Grandi – General Director