PORTUGAL DANCE COMPETITION

REGULATION 2027

 

I – WHO WE ARE

With the aim of encouraging, promoting and expanding the dance market, PORTUGAL DANCE COMPETITION opens its doors to students and professionals who wish to update and exchange their experiences within the world of dance, artistically inspired by the pursuit of professionalism involving the art; the event includes competition, master classes and dance lectures.

II – EVENT DATE

PORTUGAL DANCE COMPETITION will take place on June 03, 04, 05 and 06 in the city of Pombal, at Teatro-Cine de Pombal – Portugal.

PORTUGAL DANCE COMPETITION is a Competitive Festival where participants receive trophies and medals, and schools and/or groups receive certificates of participation. This dance competition, featuring various styles and disciplines, will also include Master Classes, Lectures, conversations with Teachers in the classroom and with International Judges during the competitions.

III – VENUE

Teatro-Cine de Pombal
Praça Manuel Henrique Junior, 3100-500 Pombal

(Stage Dimensions • 8.00m wide x 10m deep • Proscenium height: 6 metres)

June 03 – Competition – Classical Ballet, Classical Repertoire Ballet – 1st session at 14:30 / 2nd session at 17:30

June 04 – Competition – Neoclassical Ballet, Creative Dance – 1st session at 14:30 / 2nd session at 17:30

June 05 – Competition – Modern Dance, Contemporary Dance, Jazz Dance – 1st session at 14:30 / 2nd session at 17:30

June 06 – Jury Feedback & Artistic Guidance Session– Mini Auditorium Room at 10AM

June 06 – Competition – Tap Dance, Urban Dance, Popular / Folk Dance / Creative Dance – 1st session at 14:30

June 06 – 19:00 – Awards Ceremony and presentation of special awards (these special awards are entirely the responsibility of the sponsoring partners and participating judges), with free admission and ticket reservation through the online box office, subject to seat availability in the auditorium.

Tickets for each competition session will be available from the Theatre box office through the online ticket office:
https://servicosonline.cm-pombal.pt/bilheteira
Price: €12 full price.

III2 – MASTER CLASS VENUES

Café Concerto Room (Teatro Cine) and Casa Varela / Centro de Experimentação Artística – Rua de Leiria, nº4 | Pombal

June 03, 04 and 05 – Workshops (Classical Technique – Pointe Technique – Modern Ballet – Contemporary Ballet – Jazz Dance) – From 09:00 to 12:00

June 06 – Hip Hop from 11:00 to 13:00.

Attention – Limited to 20 students per class (dancers who attend both classes of each discipline will be entitled to a course participation certificate).

 

For Dancers Registered in the Festival:

With the objective of promoting the continuous training of participants and ensuring appropriate technical conditions for the Master Classes available on June 03, 04, 05 and 06, each school, academy or group registered in PORTUGAL DANCE COMPETITION with at least one choreography must pay an Institutional Access Fee for Training Activities, in the single amount of €40, for all dancers registered from their school/group/Academy.

 

This fee allows all dancers registered by the respective school or group, subject to the limit of 20 students per class, free access to the scheduled training classes, at no individual cost, ensuring:

• priority participation for dancers registered in the competition;

• reservation of places compatible with the number of registered participants;

• technical and logistical support for the activities;

• pedagogical coordination and supervision by the teams of teachers and judges;

• certification of participation in the training activities.

 

The Institutional Fee is non-refundable and must be paid together with the submission of the group's registration forms. Failure to pay the fee will result in the dancers from the school being unable to participate in the training activities offered by the event (MASTER CLASSES).

 

For dancers not registered in the festival/Competition:

A fee of €20 will be charged for a single class. (€60 package for all classes).

 

Advance registration through the website:
https://www.portugaldancecompetition/workshop

III3 – OPEN STAGE – NON-COMPETITIVE SHOWCASE

Participation in the Artistic Showcase on June 05 at 21:30, at Praça Marquês de Pombal, is mandatory and limited to 1 (one) 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, and 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.

The Showcase is non-competitive and does not affect the classification of the competition choreographies. Participation is free of charge.

IV – PRE-SELECTION

(ONLY FOR SOLOISTS OF ALL DISCIPLINES)

Participation in the Solo category has limited registrations; therefore, candidates are subject to pre-selection.

 

ONE FORM must be completed for each choreography video submitted.

USE THIS LINK:
http://www.portugaldancecompetition.com/preselecao

 

There will be a fee of €15 per choreography for video analysis. All dancers must be filmed during a rehearsal or performance. Dancers may wear stage clothing (costumes without additional accessories) or class clothing. If submitting a video from a performance, the video must show only the candidate. The candidate must provide the most recent video available.

 

To submit the video(s), send them to:
eleusa@portugaldancecompetition.com

 

ATTENTION – The deadline for submitting videos for soloist pre-selection ended on April 25.

After this date, acceptance of new submissions will be subject to evaluation by the organization.

 

Interested parties must consult the organization in advance via email:
eleusa@portugaldancecompetition.com

 

Payment for video analysis must be made in the name of:

Ivan Geraldo Grandi

Swift – TRWIBEB1XXX

IBAN – BE59 9052 4630 4326
Wise, Rue du Trône 100, 3rd floor Brussels, 1050, Belgium

IV 1 – VIDEO REQUIREMENTS FOR SOLOIST PRE-SELECTION

a) Each video file must contain only 01 choreography (Solo);

b) The file name must be the candidate's full name, followed by the name of the choreography and discipline;

c) The file size must not exceed 100MB.

d) The recording must ensure good image quality (stability, lighting, definition, proportionality) in order to allow the correct evaluation of the competitors (physical characteristics, body expression).

e) All dancers must be filmed during a rehearsal or performance. Dancers may wear stage clothing (costumes without additional accessories) or class clothing. If submitting a video from a performance, the video must show only the candidate. The candidate must provide the most recent video available.

RESULTS OF APPROVED SOLOISTS ON 30/04/2027

 

IV 2 – REGISTRATION OF APPROVED SOLOISTS / SOLOS / DUETS / TRIOS / PAS DE DEUX / SMALL

GROUPS AND LARGE GROUPS

 

If the number of registrations reaches the maximum capacity of the event, the organization reserves the right to close registrations WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

REGISTRATION CLOSES ON 05/05/2027

 

The Director/Choreographer must submit the registration form duly completed with the choreography information, with 01 complete form FOR EACH WORK TO BE PRESENTED. CHECK THE AGE AND DISCIPLINE BEFORE SUBMITTING THE FORMS. THE ORGANIZATION IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR INCORRECT INFORMATION PROVIDED BY DIRECTORS, ESPECIALLY IN THE CATEGORIES SECTION (THE ORGANIZATION IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR INCORRECT DATES OF BIRTH OF PARTICIPANTS).

IV 3 – MANDATORY REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

A – A copy of the Citizen Card or passport of each participant must be presented at accreditation check-in on the day of the competition for the delivery of wristbands to participants. The wristband must be preserved in order to grant access to the dressing rooms, to the auditorium after the performance and to the awards ceremony "IF THERE ARE SEATS AVAILABLE IN THE AUDITORIUM".

(In case of loss, €60 will be charged for each new credential.)

IT IS FORBIDDEN TO REMOVE OR DAMAGE THE PERFORMANCE WRISTBAND WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION FROM THE ORGANIZATION (wearing the wristband during the performance on stage is mandatory).

 

B – Copy of proof of payment for the registered choreographies.

 

C – ALL PARTICIPATING GROUPS AND/OR SCHOOLS MUST ALSO PRESENT THEIR REGISTERED WORKS AT THE OPEN SHOWCASE AT PRAÇA MARQUÊS DE POMBAL on the 05th from 21:30 onwards.

 

ATTENTION: Registration reservations will not be accepted. Schools and groups will only be considered registered after receipt of the fully completed registration forms and proof of payment for the choreographies sent by email. In the event of withdrawal, regardless of the reason, the registration fee will not be refunded.

IV-4 – FEES AND MAXIMUM TIME ALLOWED

  • Solos and Repertoire Variations (male and female) €50 (fiventy euros) per choreography – up to 03 minutes

  • Duet and Pas de Deux €60 (sixty euros) per couple per choreography – up to 03 minutes

  • Trios €70 (seventy euros) per trio per choreography – up to 03 minutes

  • Grand Pas de Deux from Repertoire €70 (seventy euros) per couple per choreography – duration of the work

  • Small Group (from 04 to 12 participants) €25 (twenty-five euros) per participant per choreography – up to 04 minutes

  • Large Group (from 05 to 25 participants) €20 (twenty euros) per participant per choreography – up to 05 minutes

  • Choreographies exceeding the permitted time limit will be automatically disqualified without the right to a refund of the amounts paid.

  • 01 Coordinator €25 (twenty five euros) / 01 Assistant €25 (twenty five euros) per group or school. THE SINGLE WRISTBAND (FOR ALL DAYS AND SESSIONS, IF THERE ARE SEATS AVAILABLE IN THE AUDITORIUM) MUST BE PURCHASED ON THE GROUP AND/OR SCHOOL REGISTRATION FORM (PAYMENT MUST BE MADE TOGETHER WITH THE REGISTRATION FEE FOR THE REGISTERED CHOREOGRAPHIES).

  • The Director is exempt from the registration fee AND IS ENTITLED TO A SINGLE WRISTBAND (FOR ALL DAYS AND SESSIONS, IF THERE ARE SEATS AVAILABLE IN THE AUDITORIUM), which may be used during the 04 days of competitions for all sessions provided there are seats available in the auditorium.

Attention – Choreographies exceeding the regulatory time limits will be disqualified, as will the improper use of unauthorized materials. Choreographic moments performed without music are counted as part of the choreography duration. It is the participant's responsibility to obtain authorization to perform choreographies of any variations requiring approval for Classical Repertoire.

 

Payment must be made in the name of:

Ivan Geraldo Grandi

Swift – TRWIBEB1XXX

IBAN – BE59 9052 4630 4326
Wise, Rue du Trône 100, 3rd floor Brussels, 1050, Belgium

IV-5 – INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS

Groups, schools or companies coming from other countries must, before registering, check with the Portuguese consular authorities in their country of origin whether an entry visa for Portugal is required, as well as comply with all current legal immigration requirements.

The organization of Portugal Dance Competition is not responsible for any impediments to entering the country resulting from failure to comply with these requirements.

V – CATEGORIES / AGE DIVISIONS

A – Children – 09 to 11 years old – All Disciplines

B – Junior – 12 to 14 years old – All Disciplines

C – Senior – 15 to 17 years old – All Disciplines

D – Adult – 18 to 23 years old – All Disciplines

E – MIXED – 11 to 39 years old – All Disciplines

F – 40+ – ALL DISCIPLINES

VI – STYLES FOR CHILDREN – JUNIOR – SENIOR – ADULT CATEGORIES

A – Classical Repertoire Ballet (Choreographies from the traditional Classical repertoire respecting the original version). Character Dance choreographies that are part of Repertoire Ballets must be registered under Classical Repertoire Ballet and NOT under Popular Dance.

  • Male/Female Variation, Pas de Deux, Grand Pas de Deux and Group

B – Classical Ballet and Neoclassical Ballet (Free classical and neoclassical choreographies created using ballet steps with an original choreographic composition. The use of pointe shoes is optional.)

  • Male/Female Solo, Duet, Trio and Group

C – Modern Dance / Contemporary Dance (Original works demonstrating research and movement creation, whether or not following the principles of the Modern / Contemporary Dance School.)

  • Male/Female Solo, Duet, Trio and Group

D – Jazz Dance (works using the styles of Jazz Dance – Modern Jazz, Street Jazz, Lyrical, Musical Jazz "Broadway-inspired choreographies", Contemporary Jazz...)

  • Male/Female Solo, Duet, Trio and Group

E – Urban Dance – Hip Hop (works in Hip Hop, Funk, Commercial, Dancehall, Street...)

  • Male/Female Solo, Duet, Trio and Group

F – Tap Dance / American Tap

  • Male/Female Solo, Duet, Trio and Group

G – Popular / Folk Dance

  • Male/Female Solo, Duet, Trio and Group

H – Creative Dance – Choreographies that have one or more than two characteristics/techniques (Visual Impact/Acrodance) or dances that are not detailed in the disciplines above (Item VI).

Attention – Changes to the cast after registration will only be permitted for the Group category.

VII – COMPETITION SCHEDULE

June 03 / ALL SESSIONS = Classical Ballet, Classical Repertoire Ballet.

June 04 / ALL SESSIONS = Neoclassical Ballet, Creative Dance.

June 05 / ALL SESSIONS = Modern Dance, Contemporary Dance and Jazz Dance.

June 06 / 1st SESSION = Tap Dance, Urban Dance and Popular / Folk Dance, Creative Dance.

June 06 / Awards Ceremony 19:00.

VIII – EVALUATION, CLASSIFICATION AND AWARDS

A – The choreographies registered to participate in the competition will be evaluated by a panel of judges composed of renowned professionals of international standing. Scores range from 5.0 to 10.0.

The following will be considered for evaluation:

• Technique and Execution

• Expressiveness and Interpretation

• Choreography and Costume

Attention – Comments on the choreographies presented will not be provided.

About the results: final scores will be available soon on the PDC website.
One important note — judges don't give individual comments per dancer; the score (5 to 10) follows a standard international criteria, assessing technique, artistry and attitude (motivation, concentration, discipline, sense of form).
Quick scale recap: 5 adequate · 6 reasonable · 7 good · 8 very good · 9 excellent · 10 perfect.

VIII 1 – CLASSIFICATION

A – First Place – Highest average above 9.0 (nine)

B – Second Place – Average immediately below first place and/or above 8.0 up to 8.9 (eight to eight point nine)

C – Third Place – Average immediately below second place and/or above 7.0 up to 7.9 (seven to seven point nine)

  • The decision whether or not to award any of the prizes is entirely the responsibility of the jury and is not subject to appeal or dispute.

  • THE CLASSIFICATION OF THE SCORES IS IN DESCENDING ORDER OF THE AVERAGES OBTAINED BY THE CHOREOGRAPHIES.

VIII 2 – AWARDS

A – Variations, Solos, Duets (Pas de Deux – Grand Pas de Deux) and Trios classified in 1st, 2nd and 3rd places receive Medals.

B – Small and Large Groups classified in 1st, 2nd and 3rd places receive trophies.

C – All special awards (Scholarships, Summer Programs, Places at other International Competitions, cash prizes, etc.) will be decided by the panel of judges and announced on the final day of the competition after the results of the rounds.

  • Cash prize for Best Male Dancer €100, Best Female Dancer €100 and Best Group €150 (this prize will be awarded to the highest average obtained by the competing dancer or group during the 04 days of competition – exclusive choice of the judges).

  • Summer scholarships in Brazil, Italy, United States, Germany, Canada, England and Portugal. These opportunities will also be offered by the jury during the Master Classes and competitions.

  • Places at partner events in the United States, Germany, Italy, Brazil and Canada.

VIII-3 – SPECIAL AWARDS

Special Awards (Best Male Dancer, Best Female Dancer, Best Group, Outstanding Choreographer, Emerging Dancer, Scholarships, International Opportunities, cash prizes and others) are awarded independently of classification or score averages.

They may be awarded to any participant who, in the opinion of the jury, demonstrates:

– technical excellence
– artistic potential
– remarkable development
– choreographic creativity
– stage presence
– outstanding performance during master classes or competitions

The jury's decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

IX – CANCELLATION OR WITHDRAWAL

A – In the event of cancellation or withdrawal, amounts paid will not be refunded under any circumstances.

B – The Choreographer/Director must forward by email a group cancellation letter by May 10, 2027.

X – TECHNICAL SOUND AND LIGHTING INFORMATION

A – Lighting will be uniform and general for all Classical Ballet, Classical Repertoire Ballet, Solos, Duets, Trios and Groups.

B – Music must be sent by email to eleusa@portugaldancecompetition.com in MP3 format and, for the group's security on the day of the performance, must also be available on a USB FLASH DRIVE in case any problem occurs.

XI – STAGE FAMILIARIZATION

A – Stage familiarization will take place on the day of the performance at the times established by the production team, which will be sent 05 days before the competition for the group's organization. Failure to attend at the scheduled time will result in the group losing the right to rehearse.

The sound technician will be available in the booth for group directors to check the music and performance.

XII – GENERAL PROVISIONS

A – All participants must remain silent in the wings and dressing rooms during the performances of other groups (the group/director may be penalized with disqualification).

B – It is forbidden to circulate in costumes outside the performance venue, under penalty of elimination.

C – Performances involving birds or any live animal, fire, plants or objects that may dirty the stage or reach the audience will not be permitted. Nude performances are prohibited, under penalty of elimination of the group or participant.

D – Performances with live musical groups will not be permitted.

E – Small scenic materials must be placed and removed by the group itself (OUTSIDE PERSONS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO DO THIS) and they will have 20 seconds to place and remove the movable scenery. The use of any material (paint, powder, liquid or other material), including on the body of the competitor(s), that makes the stage unusable and interferes with the performance of the following competitor(s), is not permitted.

F – There will be no stagehand; therefore, stage fly bars may not be used for props/scenery.

G – Each group must arrive without exception one hour before its performance.

H – Each group must have a coordinator WITH A SINGLE WRISTBAND to organize the use of the dressing rooms, which will be shared and must be vacated immediately after the performance.

I – Entry into the dressing rooms will follow the order of appearance on stage.

J – The organizing committee and staff are not responsible for valuables forgotten or lost on the theatre/dressing room premises or for medical problems that may occur with participants during the event.

K – The use of an identification wristband is mandatory and non-transferable throughout the event for dancers, directors, choreographers and coordinators. If there are seats available in the auditorium, access will be granted to participants after their performance.

I – All photographs, filming or audiovisual recordings of choreography performances, as well as all performances made by the competitor, regardless of the means or medium used to make such recordings, are the exclusive property of Portugal Dance Competition.

No visual or audiovisual recording of the choreographies or demonstrations by competitors may be made without written authorization from Portugal Dance Competition.

Competitors waive all rights relating to the recordings described above and made by Portugal Dance Competition or by third parties on behalf of Portugal Dance Competition, as well as their reproduction, broadcasting, distribution, retransmission and projection by all means, including distribution via the internet.

Competitors accept and acknowledge that these recordings may be used for commercial or advertising purposes, including advertising on behalf of third parties, regardless of the products or services to which the advertising relates.

Competitors specifically accept that sponsors of Portugal Dance Competition who finance the prizes awarded to finalists may use all or part of these recordings in their advertising campaigns.

Competitors assign the rights described in this article to Portugal Dance Competition definitively and irrevocably, without any limitation of time or place, and waive any claim, payment, remuneration, reimbursement of fees or other compensation of any nature.

The capture of images (photography and video) at Portugal Dance Competition is not permitted. Only persons officially accredited by Portugal Dance Competition are authorized to film or photograph.

Cameras, mobile phones and other recording devices will be confiscated if used without authorization (returned at the end of the competition).

M – By registering, it is understood that participants under 16 years of age are authorized by their parents/legal guardians or by the director of their group or school to participate in the event.

All candidates must have personal accident insurance. Portugal Dance Competition is not responsible for accidents suffered during the event by candidates in the auditorium, stage, classrooms, dressing rooms or backstage, nor for illness or theft.

Candidates must insure themselves against accidents, illness and theft.

All travel, accommodation and meal expenses are the responsibility of the candidates.

Students may present more than one variation; however, PDC reserves the right to restrict the number of variations a student may present, limit the number of events in which a student participates, or refuse any registration at its discretion (based on space availability).

If interested, the organization may provide schools and families with all available tourist information and agreements, as well as information about hotels and accommodation near the event venue. Partner Hotels and Restaurants offering discounts will be available.

N – PHOTOGRAPHS OR FILMING WILL NOT BE PERMITTED. THE EVENT WILL BE RECORDED EXCLUSIVELY BY CONTRACTED PROFESSIONALS.

O – The International Jury reserves the right not to award or offer all announced prizes.

P – By registering, you, the director, agree to all the terms of these rules and regulations, together with the registered dancers.

Q – COPYRIGHT – Responsibility for information regarding the authors of the music and choreographies IS NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PDC, but rather that of the competitor and/or the entity that submitted the registration.

R – The organization assumes no responsibility for any accidents during the competition, nor for theft or loss of property.

S – Any cases not covered by these rules will be analyzed and decided by the organization of PORTUGAL DANCE COMPETITION.

ORGANIZATION

Eleusa Lourenzoni – Artistic Director
Ivan Grandi – General Director