Aspire Ballet Dubai

Dubai International Dance Competition 2026

HOW TO APPLY

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

    Download & print the agreement form from the link below: 
    aspireballetdubai.com/oidc-agreement.pdf
  3. Sign the media release agreement and send it back via email to [aspireballetdubai@gmail.com] if you do participate online.
  4. Once you confirm the number of entries, payment should be done via bank transfer for those schools from outside of the UAE. 
    Bank Details 
    Beneficiary Heba Mostafa Ahmed
    IBAN LT17 3250 0770 6689 1061
    BIC/ SWIFT Code REVOLT21
  5. And for competitors applying from the UAE, please contact us to arrange the payment.
  6. For competitors applying online. After payment is completed send your video entry via Wetransfer.com and specify [aspireballetdubai@gmail.com] as recipient.
  7. For in-person participants 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

Former Professional Dancer | International Ballet Educator | Jury Member

Ilenia Montagnoli is an internationally acclaimed ballet educator and former professional dancer. She performed as a Soloist with Staatsballett Berlin and as a Principal Dancer with Fondazione Arena di Verona, where she danced leading roles in both classical and contemporary repertoire. Throughout her career, she collaborated with world-renowned choreographers including Jiří Kylián, Alexei Ratmansky, William Forsythe, George Balanchine, Maurice Béjart, and Ohad Naharin

Following her performing career, Ilenia has become an internationally respected guest teacher, masterclass instructor, jury member, and artistic director. She is the Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of Fondazione Monreart, Founder and Artistic Director of the International Ballet Program Verona, and formerly served as YAGP Europe Ambassador (2021–2023), contributing to international dance education and talent development worldwide.

Stoica Valentin is a distinguished Romanian ballet artist and First Dancer with the Bucharest National Opera. With over 20 years of professional experience, he has performed leading roles in renowned productions including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Giselle, Romeo and Juliet, Sleeping Beauty, La Bayadère, Coppélia, Anna Karenina, and Peer Gynt.

In addition to his international performing career across Europe and Asia, Valentin is an accomplished choreographer and educator. He holds a Master’s Degree in Dance Education and advanced certification in Vaganova Methodology, and has received numerous national ballet awards in recognition of his artistic excellence and contribution to dance.

Marco Palamone Born in Italy, has built an international career as a dancer, ballet master, educator, choreographer, and artistic director.

He trained at Elmhurst Ballet School in association with Birmingham Royal Ballet and the prestigious English National Ballet School in London. He has performed with internationally acclaimed companies including Teatrul de Balet Sibiu (Romania), Melbourne City Ballet (Australia), and Opéra Grand Avignon (France), and is currently a Soloist Dancer and Ballet Master with Theater Plauen-Zwickau in Germany.

Marco is also a Ballet Instructor for Dance Masterclass, one of the world’s leading online dance education platforms, and the Founder and Artistic Director of the International Dance Gala in Busto Arsizio, Italy. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Rehearsal Direction at the Palucca University of Dance Dresden

Recognized for his artistic excellence and international experience, Marco is dedicated to inspiring and developing the next generation of dancers.

FEES

  • Each participant is allowed to perform a maximum of 3 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 Entry Fees per participant:

Entry TypeFee (AED)Fee (€)
Solo25060 €
Pas Deux23555 €
Duet21050 €
Trio or Quartet19045 €
Group 5-817040 €
Group 8+15035 €

Standard Entry Fees per participant:

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 (AED)Fee (€)
2nd Solo21050 €
2nd Duet17040 €
2nd Trio or Quartet15035 €
Additional Group Dance – 5 to 8 participants13030 €
Additional Group Dance – 8+ participants10025 €

DIDC Dubai — Master Class Fees & Discounts

  • DIDC Competition Participants:  officially registered for the DIDC Competition are entitled to 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 register for and attend one or more Master Classes, according to their preference.
Number of MasterclassesFee (AED)Fee (€)
1 Masterclass21550 €
2 Masterclasses340100 €
3 Masterclasses500120 €
  • These fees are charged per participant
  • Any additional category will be charged extra
  • 5% VAT will apply on all fees.
  • For UAE participants they can either pay cash or bank transfer.
  • Please note that, each school is responsible to complete the payments for their participants.

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: 2:30 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 age 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 yr
    Variation from Classical Ballet Repertories on point shoes, Character Or Contemporary dance time limit up to 3:00 min. ( Judged in separate categories depending on the style of dance )
  7. Professional 20-30 yr
    Variation from Classical Ballet Repertories, Character Or Contemporary dance time limit up to 3:00 min. ( Judged in separate categories depending on the style of dance )
  8. Professional 30+ Yr Variation form classical ballet Repertories, Character Or Contemporary dance time limit up to 3:00 min.
  9. The Pre-Professional and Professional categories will be divided by gender, with male and female participants judged separately.
  10. Pas de Duex 11-30 yr & age 30 + Separately
    All dancers will perform Adajio and Coda from the classical ballet repertories time up to 6:00 min .
  11. Duet 8-30 yr & 30+ Separately
    This Category can perform Classical ballet, contemporary or Character work from classical reporters time up to 3:00 min.
  12. Trio 8-30 yr & 30 + Separately
    This Category can perform Classical ballet, Character from classical ballet reporters or contemporary time limit up to 3:00 min.
  13. Small & Large Group Dance available for All Categories ages- The average ages group Junior below 11 years old and senior 12+ .
    (Up to 8 participants) Time limit up to 3:30 min (More then 9 participants) Time Limit up to 4:00 min

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

  1. We are holding the online competition separate from In-person competition.
  2. The filming does not have to be done by a professional therefore the teacher can film the contestant on a device, as long as the footage and sound are clear.
  3. The footage should be submitted via a secure platform such as Wetransfer or similar service.
  4. Online participants must sign the Filming Agreement Form. If the participant is below 18 years old, their legal guardian can sign on their behalf.
  5. Filming should be undertaken in a dance studio or stage.
  6. The contestants must be fully visible on the footage ensuring their whole body (From head to foot) are captured during their performance.
  7. All our judges are well-prepared and competent for the International Dance Competition. Any decision by our judges are deemed final. We pride ourselves on being fair.
  8. The group dance will be passed in the age category applicable to the oldest performer in the group.
  9. Music should not be offensive or contain swearing.
  10. The judging panel reserves the right decision to re-assign any routine that they see it is not placed in the correct category.
  11. Each participant is allwoed to represent only One school in the competition. Dancers registered under more than one school will not be permitted to compete.
  12. If entry fees are not paid ,the performers won’t be allowed to participate in the competition.

Number of entries will be on a first come, first serve basis and will be limited to the amount of performance time available. Aspire Ballet Dubai has the right to add or remove days for the competition depending on the number of registrations.

Each participating school will receive the general performance schedule directly 5–6 days prior to the competition.

Good luck & looking forward to receive your videos.

For more inquiries regarding the competition, please don’t hesitate to contact us via [email protected] or +971 55 349 8132

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.
  • The maximum of 2 solos applies to the same category, not to the total number of solos a participant may perform across different dance styles.
  • Please note that your name at the Registration Form will be the same on the certificate. So please ensure your name is written in CAPITAL letters.
  • ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE FOR ANY REASON

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 AED 500 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 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
28th & 29th of November 2026

1st Place

In person will be announced on
28th & 29th of November 2026

2nd Place

In person will be announced on
28th & 29th of November 2026

3rd Place

In person will be announced on
28th & 29th of November 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

5th of November 2026: Deadline of Payment

15th of November 2026: Deadline of Video Submission for the online participants

27th of 2026: Workshop at Aspire ballet Dubai Studio.

Schedule will be sending soon with classes and times.

28th & 29th of November 2026: In-person Competition

7th of December 2026: All the Results of showing on the Website

13th of December 2026: Online Competition

18th of December 2026: Online Results

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