EUROPEAN DANCE COMPETITION BRNO 2026
Competition rules and conditions
The competition is open to students of dance conservatories and professional ballet schools from all over Europe from 12 years of age up to graduation.
The aim of the competition is to become a platform for discovering, supporting and promoting the artistic potential of each participant far beyond the competition itself. With an equal opportunity for talent and diligence to be recognised, all contestants can gain valuable experience, contacts and friendships, as well as an engagement with the NdB2 company, in addition to competition prizes.
Participants compete in front of an international jury.
Age category
1st category 12 – 13.99 years old
2nd Category 14 – 15.99 years old
3rd category 16 – 17.99years
4th category 18 – until graduation
The age of each contestant on Day 1 of the competition is crucial for inclusion in each category.
Dance subcategory
A – classical dance solo – girls
B – classical dance solo – boys
C – modern dance solo/duet – girls
D – modern dance solo/duet – boys
E – classic pas de deux – girls (category 3 and 4 only)
F – classic pas de deux – boys (category 3 and 4 only)
Competition conditions
Each contestant can only perform once in each dance subcategory.
The competition takes place in two rounds. In the second – final round, the contestants must perform a different classical solo variation, or a different modern choreography solo/duet.
All the rounds will take place on the stage of Janáček theatre.
The competition is closed by gala concert 18. 3. at 6pm in the Janáček theatre.
In the 1st round the contestants will perform a selected variation. They perform in leotards, exercise ballerina/skirt, leggings, shorts, trousers. All contestants will use the same light settings.
In category C and D it is possible to compete with solo choreography or duet (2 girls, 2 boys, girl and boy) where each dancer will be judged separately by the judges.
Runners-up contestants to round 2 = final round in category A, B, C, D show second variation/second mod.)
Runners-up contestants in round 2 = the final round in category E and F can perform the same pas de deux as in round 1 or another pas de deux. They perform in costumes, after arrangement it is possible to adjust the lights.
The size of the stage is 16 x 16 meters.
Contestants will have the possibility of a mass spatial training (max 15 minutes) before the start of their category.
A functional prop is allowed to be used during the dance, such as a chair, bow, hat, jacket… A prop is not allowed that may disadvantage the performance of other participants in the competition – water, spilled powder, sequins on the stage…
Repertoire selection
The repertoire of classical and contemporary dance is the free choice of each participant (or its educator). We highly recommend choosing an age-appropriate type of variation. Entrants are responsible for the selection of variations and their copyright.
The classic Pas de deux must contain adagio, variations and coda.
The time limit of variation in the classical dance subcategory is 3 minutes. (excluding pas de deux)
The time limit of variation in the modern dance subcategory is 3 minutes.
Selection of variations for the 1st age category – without limit, using elements of classical dance with an emphasis on purity of performance.
Choosing variations for the 2nd age category – of your choice
Selection of variations for the 3rd age category – classic variation, or pas de deux (of your choice)
Selection of variations for the 4th age category – classic variation, or pas de deux (of your choice)
Selection of variations for the modern dance subcategory – without limitation, with emphasis on technique and style.
The time limit of variation in the modern dance solo subcategory is 3 minutes.
The time limit of variation in the modern dance duet subcategory is 4 minutes.
Each participant is responsible for inaccurate information entered in the application. In violation of possible disqualification.
Jury evaluation
The panel evaluates separately in each age category and dance subcategory, especially girls and boys.
The scoring system is based on a 100-point system and includes points for technical skills, artistic experience and the potential of each time dancer.
The overall score for the participant is the average of points for all jurors. Contestants with a rating of 75 points or more advance from the first round. Contestants with a rating of 80 points or more advance to the third round.
In subcategory C (duet) and D (duet) and Pas de deux, each participant will be evaluated separately. It is possible to have a partner out of competition.
Jury voting takes place simultaneously and cannot be negotiated.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony. The ranking of entrants in each category will be available on the competition website.
There will also be a special Mario Radačovský Award for universal dancer. This is a prize for the best contestant, who will take part in classic variation or pas de deux as well as modern subcategories.
After the first round of competition of all categories is completed, contestants will be informed about the results of the competition on the competition website.
After the final round of the competition of all categories, the winners of the competition will be announced on the stage of the Janáček Theatre on Friday morning and rewarded by an honorary jury. It will include the announcement of the performers at the evening Gala.
Results
After the 1st round of the competition of all categories, the contestants will be informed about the results of the competition on the competition website.
After the end of the 2nd round of the competition of all categories, the contestants will be informed about the results of the competition on the competition website.
After the final round of the competition of all categories, the winners of the competition will be announced on the stage of the Janáček Theatre and rewarded by an honorary jury.
Registration
The deadline for applications is 27 February 2026.
E-mail the music in MP3 format to edcbrno@gmail.com
Each recording must be described as follows: Category_Subcategory_Description of onset (N,H)_Name of dance_School_ Name (N=onset and then music, H=music and then onset)
The entrant will be alerted to any inconsistencies in the music (pauses, sudden changes in volume, etc.) after sending the music.) from a sound technician.
Starting fee and registration fee in one dance subcategory is 100 euros, starting fee for dance in the next dance subcategory is 40 euros.
If you do not participate in the competition, the registration fee of €40 is non-refundable.
Registrations will be approved and confirmed by e-mail.
Further instructions and information
Participants provide health insurance for themselves.
They will perform at their own risk at the competition and will not make any claims against NdB in the event of injury.
An adult (legal guardian or educator) is liable for behaviour or damage caused by children under the age of 18.
During the competition, educators cannot instruct their students from the edge of the stage.
The competition organiser takes video footage from the competition, which is intended to be presented on the competition’s website and on the competition’s Facebook profile.
It will not be possible to make your own photos or make videos during the competition. There will be a professional photographer who will make your photographs according to the previous agreement.
We process your personal data in accordance with the applicable laws of both the Czech Republic and the EU, and in particular in accordance with GDPR.
Admission to the theatre will be free of charge for the participants of the competition and pedagogical supervision throughout the duration of the competition.
Public access to the 1st and 2nd round of the competition is not permitted.
At gala performance 27. 6. at 6 P.M., public entrance will be on the basis of ticket purchase in NdB customer centers on Dvořák Street, online or on the spot at the Janáček theater box office.
Photos from the competition
The photographer of the European Dance Competition Brno is Artur Abram. The the contestants will be able to order his photos via the website here.
