Aspire Ballet Dubai

International Dance Competition 2026 – Egypt

HOW TO APPLY

  1. Fill out the registration form below: 
    International Dance Competition 2026 – Egypt
  2. All participants need to provide a copy of ID/ passport

    Download & print the agreement form on the link below: 
    aspireballetdubai.com/oidc-agreement.pdf
  3. Sign the media release agreement and send it back via email to [aspireballetdubai@gmail.com].
  4. Once you confirm the number of entries, email us at aspireballetdubai@gmail.com to coordinate with us for the payment.
  5. For competitors applying from Egypt, please contact us to arrange the payment.
  6. After the payment is completed, please email the music on [aspireballetdubai@gmail.com] in MP4 format. Ensure you label your name and age category on your music track.

PHOTO & VIDEO REQUEST

To request your photos and videos, click here to fill out the order form.

JUDGES

Horațiu Cherecheș is a distinguished Romanian ballet artist, choreographer, ballet master, and academic with over three decades of professional experience. He began his career with the Romanian National Opera and later performed with the Nice Opera House in France. From 1992 to 2022, he was a First Ballet Soloist with the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet “Oleg Danovski.”

Throughout his performing career, Horațiu danced leading roles in celebrated productions including Swan Lake, Giselle, Don Quixote, The Nutcracker, Coppélia, Romeo and Juliet, and Cinderella. As a choreographer and director, he has created acclaimed productions including Romeo and Juliet, Enesciana, Snow White, and Beauty and the Beast.

His outstanding achievements include multiple Romanian Opera Awards, including Best Classical Ballet Choreographer, the Award of Excellence for his entire career, and the Order of Cultural Merit in Knight Rank. He holds a Doctorate in Music specialising in Choreographic Direction and brings extensive artistic, academic, and international experience to the Dubai International Dance Competition (Egypt) 2026 Jury.

Ragwa Hamed is an accomplished Egyptian ballet artist, choreographer, director, and academic with over 20 years of experience. A former First Soloist with the Cairo Opera Ballet Company, she performed leading roles in major productions including Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Carmen, and The Nutcracker.

She is currently Director and Trainer of Forsan El-Sharq for Heritage and Contemporary Dance Company and has extensive experience in choreography, theatre, and dance education. She holds a Master’s Degree and Ph.D. in Ballet from the Academy of Arts.

Her diverse artistic and academic experience brings valuable expertise to the Dubai International Dance Competition (Egypt) 2026 Jury.

Debra Colleen Gush is a highly experienced dance educator, choreographer, and Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Examiner with 35 years of experience in dance performance, education, and production. She specialises in Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Ballet Repertoire, conditioning, and vocational dance training.

Debra has extensive experience training dancers from beginner through professional level and has helped develop dancers who have gone on to successful international careers. She is also the Director and Co-owner of Southdowns Dance Academy and has lectured in Dance and Musical Theatre at university level.

FEES

Registration Fee

Registration Fee: 2,000 EGP / per participant.

  • Each participant is allowed to perform a maximum of 2 solo entries within the same category.
  • Participants may enter additional solos in different dance styles, according to the competition categories and rules.
  • Example: 2 Classical Ballet solos + 1 Contemporary solo + 1 Jazz solo.

Standard 1st Entry Fees

Entry TypeFee (per participant)
Solo1,700 EGP
Pas De Deux1,600 EGP
Duet1,500 EGP
Trio or Quartet1,400 EGP
Group Dance – 5 to 8 participants1,300 EGP
Group Dance – 8+ participants1,200 EGP

Additional Entries

Additional entries in the same category by the same participant are offered at reduced rates (e.g., two Solo entries in Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, or another eligible category).

Entry TypeFee (per participant)
2nd Solo1,500 EGP
2nd Duet1,400 EGP
2nd Trio or Quartet1,300 EGP
Additional Group Dance – 5 to 8 participants1,200 EGP
Additional Group Dance – 8+ participants1,100 EGP

DIDC Egypt — Master Class Fees & Discounts

  • DIDC Competition Participants: Participants registered for the DIDC Competition who wish to attend the Master Classes will receive a 10% discount on the Master Class fees.
  • Non-Competition Participants: Participants who wish to attend the Master Classes without participating in the DIDC Competition are not required to pay the DIDC registration fee. They may choose the number of Master Classes they wish to attend:
Number of Master ClassesFee
1 Master Class600 EGP
2 Master Classes1,100 EGP
3 Master Classes1,500 EGP

CATEGORIES

The age of the participants will be taken based on the competition day. The participant must be registered to the age category depending on how old they are by the day of the competition.

1. Tiny 5-7 yr

This category is not restricted to the classical repertoire. Participants may perform a Classical Variation, Contemporary, Hip Hop, or Free Ballet Solo. Maximum time limit: 1:30 minutes.All styles will be judged together under the same category and will not be divided into separate categories according to dance style.

2. Petite 8-11 yr

These categories are not restricted to the classical repertoire. Participants may perform a Variation from the classical repertoire, Free Ballet, Contemporary, or a Free Solo in the appropriate dance category. Maximum time limit: 2:00 minutes.Entries will be judged in separate categories according to the style of dance performed. Pointe work is not permitted in these categories. All participants must perform without pointe shoes.

3. Junior 12-14 yr

These categories can perform any Variation from classical ballet repertories, Character Or Contemporary dance or other dance styles, time limit up to 2:30 min. ( Judged in separate categories depending on the style of dance)

4. Senior 15-17 yr

Variation from Classical Ballet Repertories, Character Or Contemporary dance time limit up to 2:30 min. (Judged in seperate categories depending on the style of dance)

5. The 12–14 and 15–17 years Categories will each be divided into Pointe and Non-Pointe divisions. Please ensure that the appropriate division is clearly indicated on the registration form for each dancer.
6. Elite 18–20 years

Participants can enter a Variation from the Classical Ballet Repertoire on pointe shoes, Character, or Contemporary Dance, with a time limit of up to 3 minutes. To qualify for this category, participants must Not hold a professional contract with any dance company at the time of the competition.

7. Pre- Professional | 18–25 years

Participants aged 18–25 years may enter a Variation from the Classical Ballet Repertoire, Character, or Contemporary Dance, with a time limit of up to 3 minutes. To qualify for this category, Participants in this category may hold a professional contract with a dance company.

8. Professional | 25+ years

Participants aged 25 years and above may enter a Variation from the Classical Ballet Repertoire, Character, or Contemporary Dance, with a time limit of up to 3 minutes. Participants in this category may hold a professional contract with a dance company.

9. The Pre-Professional and Professional categories will be divided by gender, with male and female participants judged separately.

10. Pas de Deux 11-30 yr

All dancers will perform an Adagio and Coda from the Classical Ballet Repertoire, with a maximum time limit of 6 minutes. NO variations are permitted.

11. Duet 8-30 yr (2 Participants)

This category may include Classical Ballet, Contemporary, or Character work, including pieces from the Classical Ballet Repertoire, with a maximum time limit of 3 minutes. Pas de Deux is Not permitted in this category.

12. Trio or Quartet 8-25 yr (3-4 participants)

This category may include Classical Ballet, Character work from the Classical Ballet Repertoire, or Contemporary Dance, with a maximum time limit of 3:00 minutes. Each entry must consist of either three or four dancers.

13. Small & Large Group Dance | Available for All Age Categories

Group entries are divided according to the number of participants:

  • Small Group: 5–8 participants — maximum music time 3:30 minutes
  • Large Group: 9 or more participants — maximum music time 4:00 minutes.

Age Categories:

  • Junior: Average group age below 11 years
  • Senior: Average group age 12 years and above

STYLE OF DANCE

  • Classical Ballet: (Repertoire)
    A routine containing classical steps and ballet technique and steps with or without pointe shoes . which a variation or excerpt from the traditional classical ballet repertoire, such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Paquita, Don Quixote, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, and other recognized classical ballets.
  • Character:
    A dance inspired by traditional folk or national styles, combining classical ballet technique with distinctive cultural movements, costumes, and character. Examples include Spanish, Hungarian, Russian, Polish, and Italian dances.
  • Contemporary:
    A creative dance style that combines movement, expression, and musicality, allowing dancers to explore fluidity, dynamics, floor work, and individual interpretation. Music without lyrics is preferred..
  • Modern & Jazz: An energetic dance style combining strong technique, dynamic movement, musicality, rhythm, and expressive performance. It may include elements of jazz, modern, commercial, and theatrical dance. Music with lyrics is permitted..
  • Acrobatics:
    A dynamic dance style incorporating acrobatic movements such as tumbling, flexibility, balances, tricks, and controlled transitions, combined with dance technique, musicality, and performance..
  • Hip- Hop:
    A dynamic street dance style featuring rhythmic movement, grooves, footwork, isolations, and expressive performance. Styles may include Breaking, Popping, Locking, Krump, House, Waacking, and Commercial Hip-Hop.
  • Folklore: A traditional dance style inspired by the cultural heritage and folk traditions of a country or region, featuring traditional movements, music, costumes, and cultural expression. Examples include Egyptian, Spanish, Russian, Greek, Indian, and other national folk dances.
  • Free style:
    An open dance category allowing dancers to combine different dance techniques and styles creatively. Dancers are encouraged to showcase their individuality, creativity, musicality, and performance quality. Combination of dance style and any acrobatics/gymnastic tricks are allowed.
  • Tap: A rhythmic dance style in which dancers use specially designed shoes to create percussive sounds and rhythms with their feet, combining precise footwork, musicality, coordination, and performance.
  • Pas de Deux: A classical ballet duet performed by two dancers, usually a male and female, showcasing partnering, technique, balance, coordination, and artistic expression. It is often taken from the classical ballet repertoire. dancers can perform Adage with Coda or without.

    Any routine containing three or more acrobatics or gymnastics elements should listed under the acrobatics category
  • Please note that if there are Not enough participants under any category we moved to the free style , As well the Judge’s has the right to move any routine to another category style if they found it it’s not listed under the contract category.

RULES & GUIDELINES

Scoring

All participants will be judged on a total score of 100 points, based on the following criteria:

  • Technique
  • Musicality
  • Performance & Artistry, including stage presence, interpretation, expression, and appropriate costume and overall presentation.

The final score will be calculated out of 100 points based on the combined results of these criteria.

IMPORTANT NOTES

  • ⁠Each dance school is responsible for collecting all competition fees from its students and submitting the payment to DIDC under the school’s name.
  • Schools must submit the full payment for all participants registered under their school according to the stated payment deadline.
  • ⁠DIDC will not be responsible for collecting individual payments directly from students registered through a school.
  • ⁠Additional entries are subject to the competition rules, category requirements, and scheduling availability.

Payment, Late Registration

  • ⁠For participants registered through a dance school, the School Director/Principal or designated teacher is responsible for collecting all applicable competition fees from their students and submitting the total payment to DIDC in advance, according to the stated payment deadline.
  • ⁠DIDC will consider the school responsible for the full payment of all registered participants submitted under its school registration.
  • ⁠No payments will be accepted on the day of the competition. All competition fees must be paid in advance.
  • ⁠Late registrations will be subject to an additional 2,500 EGP fee per late registration and will only be accepted at the discretion of DIDC, subject to availability and scheduling.
  • ⁠Each school is responsible for confirming and collecting the required number of Entry Passes for its students, parents, and accompanying guests.
  • ⁠Schools must inform the DIDC team of their final required number of Entry Passes in advance, according to the deadline communicated by DIDC.
  • ⁠Any outstanding payments or unconfirmed Entry Passes requirements may affect the school’s participation and/or access to the venue.
  • ⁠No Entry Passes available to be purchased on the competition day.

Competition Rules & Responsibilities

To ensure a professional, safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for all participants, schools, teachers, parents, and staff, the following rules must be followed throughout the competition:

1.⁠ Respect & Conduct

  • All students, parents, teachers, and school representatives must follow DIDC rules and maintain respectful and professional behavior towards the DIDC team, jury, staff, and other participants.
  • ⁠Any disrespectful, inappropriate, or disruptive behavior will be reported to the School Director/Principal and taken into consideration by DIDC management.
  • Serious or repeated inappropriate behavior may result in the participant, teacher, parent, or accompanying representative being asked to leave the venue and/or being excluded from the competition.

2.⁠ ⁠Backstage & Access

  • ⁠Parents, non-participating children, and other non-participants are not permitted backstage, including when a dancer is participating individually.
  • ⁠Only participants who are preparing for their upcoming performance should remain in the backstage area.
  • ⁠Once a participant has completed their performance and is not required backstage for another scheduled performance, they must leave the backstage area and return to the designated seating area.
  • ⁠Participants are not permitted to remain backstage to watch other performances, in order to reduce crowding and maintain a safe and organized backstage environment.
  • ⁠Teachers and participants must use their official DIDC pass cards to access the backstage and designated seating areas.
  • ⁠The DIDC team reserves the right to restrict access to anyone without the appropriate pass.

3.⁠ ⁠Auditorium & Cleanliness

  • Food and drinks are not permitted inside the auditorium or designated seating areas.
  • All schools, participants, teachers, and parents are responsible for leaving the theatre and surrounding areas clean and tidy after use.

4.⁠ ⁠Music Requirements

  • All music must strictly follow the maximum time limits stated in the competition rules.
  • Any music exceeding the permitted time will be returned to the school/teacher for adjustment before it can be accepted.

5.⁠ ⁠Registration Information

  • ⁠The School Principal/Director or designated teacher is fully responsible for submitting accurate and complete information through the registration system.
  • ⁠Any errors or incorrect information submitted during registration will be the sole responsibility of the school/teacher.
  • ⁠Late registrations will be subject to an additional fee of €50 per late registration.

6.⁠ ⁠Group Dance Numbers

  • The number of dancers performing on stage must match the number registered in the system.
  • ⁠If additional dancers perform beyond the registered number, the dance school will be charged an additional fee/fine.

7.⁠ ⁠Arrival & Registration

  • Upon arrival at the venue, each school must register with the DIDC team before entering the competition areas.
  • If a participant becomes sick or feels unwell, the school/teacher must inform the DIDC team immediately so the jury can be notified and the dancer’s name can be removed from the relevant running order.
  • Any withdrawal due to illness will not result in a change or refund of the applicable competition fees.

8.⁠ ⁠Photography & Video Consent

  • By participating in DIDC Egypt 2026, all dancers and their accompanying representatives acknowledge and consent to DIDC and its partners photographing, filming, and recording participants at any time during the event, including performances and activities in and around the venue.
  • Photos and videos may be used by DIDC and its partners for advertising, promotional materials, the DIDC website, social media, press, and other official communication channels.

AWARDS

Elite Place

In person will be announced on
19th of December 2026

1st Place

In person will be announced on
19th of December 2026

2nd Place

In person will be announced on
19th of December 2026

3rd Place

In person will be announced on
19th of December 2026

Elite Place

Online Awardees will be announced on 25th of December 2026

1st Place

Online Awardees will be announced on 25th of December 2026

2nd Place

Online Awardees will be announced on 25th of December 2026

3rd Place

Online Awardees will be announced on 25th of December 2026

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THE HIGHEST SCORE OVERALL ROUTINE

The most beautiful expression routine and well performance will receive free entry for the next DIDC competition.

The Best Choreography Award

The Best Entertainment Award

And The Special DIDC Award

 All participants will receive a certificate Signed by all our international judges.

CALENDAR

Registrations: Open Now!!!

15th of November 2026: Deadline of Payment

ONLINE COMPETITION

15th November 2026: Video Submission Deadline for Online Participants
13th December 2026: Online Competition
25th December 2026: Online Competition Results Published on the Website

EGYPT — IN-PERSON COMPETITION 18-19th of December

18th December 2026: Workshop — Location to be announced soon. The class schedule will be shared one week before the competition date.
19th December 2026: Competition at Opera House Must

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL DANCE COMPETITION
Hosted by Aspire Ballet Dubai

DIDC Continues to expand each year, proudly welcoming participants from more than 15
countries worldwide. Recognised as a global platform for artistic excellence