Rules and Regulations

The present regulations may be subject to changes due to unforeseen circumstances that require adaptations.

 

I. PARTICIPANTS

It is intended for young dancers enrolled in dance schools, either national or international, and aged between 7 and 21 years.

The participant’s age will be considered as of January 1^st, 2027.

 

II. DANCE COMPETITION

1. Pre-selection

Pre-selection applies only to Solo entries in the Classical Ballet, Neo-Classical and Contemporary categories. As the number of available places is limited, applicants are required to undergo a pre-selection process. Between 1 and 22 December 2026, applicants must complete the online pre-selection form and submit an audition video together with proof of payment of the pre-selection fee (€10 per solo entry).

Successful applicants will be announced in January 2027 and must complete their official registration by 24 January 2027.

VIDEO REQUIREMENTS:

a) Each video file must contain only one solo, respecting the maximum duration allowed for the relevant age division.

 

b) The file name must be the candidate’s full name, followed by the word Classical, Neoclassical or Contemporary;

c) The file size must not exceed 100MB.

d) The recording, made in a studio, must ensure good image quality (stability, lighting, resolution, proportionality) in order to allow proper evaluation of the contestant (physical characteristics, body and facial expression).

e) The candidate’s identification (name and school) must not be visible in the recording, in order to ensure anonymity.

f) The audition solo does not need to be the same as the one to be performed in the competition.

g) For Classical/Neoclassical Ballet Solo, female applicants must wear pink or white tights, a sleeveless leotard, hair neatly secured in a ballet bun, a practice skirt or rehearsal tutu may be worn but is optional. Male applicants must wear fitted tights or fitted shorts, a close-fitting T-shirt.

h) For Contemporary Solo applicants must wear black leggings or black dance trousers and a fitted T-shirt. Only props that are strictly necessary for the performance of the choreography may be used.

Failure to comply with the established rules will result in the candidate not being selected.

2. Categories, Subcategories, and Age Divisions

a) The competition is divided into two categories:

A – Amateur: young dancers who practice up to 5 hours per week.

P – Pre-professional: young dancers who practice 6 or more hours per week.

b) Within each category, dancers may participate in the following subcategories:

Solo

Duet

Pas de Deux (Classical Repertoire)

Small Group (up to 5 members)

Large Group (more than 5 members)

c) The following age divisions apply:

SOLOS

Infantil: 7 to 9 years old

Iniciado: 10 to 12 years old

Junior: 13 to 15 years old

Senior: 16 to 21 years old

 

NOTES:

In the case of a group or duet that includes a member from the Pre-professional category, the entire group/duet must compete in that category.

 

In the Duet and Group subcategories, the age of the oldest member will be considered when determining the appropriate age division.

 

The organization reserves the right to adjust the age divisions according to the number of contestants, either by merging two divisions into one or by splitting one division with many participants into two separate divisions.

3. Styles

• Classical Ballet
• Neo-Classical;
• Contemporary;
• Jazz;
• Character (Traditional Dances);
• Hop Hop.

Registration is allowed in all styles.

Within the same style and category, a contestant may register for multiple choreographies, provided they are in different age divisions.

This rule does not apply to the Solo subcategory, where it is only possible to register in the age division corresponding to the contestant’s age. In this case, each contestant may participate with only 1 solo per dance style.

 

4. Choreographies

a) Duration

The maximum duration of the choreographies is as follows:

* In the Pas de Deux category, competitors may perform either the Adagio only or the Adagio followed by the Coda, from the original classical repertoire.

Choreographies that exceed the established time limits will be disqualified. Any choreographic moments performed without music will also be counted as part of the choreography’s duration.

 

b) Classical

Traditional classical repertoire pieces, free classical choreographies may be presented, all of which will be evaluated according to the same criteria.

In the AMATEUR CATEGORY (A), the use of pointe shoes is not allowed in the Infantil division and is optional in the remaining divisions.

In the PRE-PROFESSIONAL category (P):

• Solos: the use of pointe shoes is not allowed in the Infantil division, is optional in the Iniciado and mandatory in the Junior and Senior Division.
• Duets and Groups: the use of pointe shoes is not allowed in the Infantil division, is optional in the Iniciado and Junior divisions, and is mandatory in the Senior division.

c) Neoclassical Choreographies

Neo-Classical choreographies must clearly demonstrate the vocabulary and technique of classical ballet. Competitors must wear either soft ballet shoes or pointe shoes. The use of pointe shoes is not allowed in the Infantil division and optional in all other age divisions.

d) Contemporary Choreographies

In contemporary style choreographies, the use of pointe shoes is not permitted, and contemporary dance techniques must be employed, with a vocabulary clearly distinct from the classical style.

e) Props

The use of props is subject to prior approval by the organisation at the time of registration. Only props that can be carried by the contestants themselves and that do not exceed the size of a standard chair are permitted.

Props or costumes that identify the contestant’s school of origin are not allowed.

The use of materials that may compromise the cleanliness or safety of the stage is strictly prohibited.

e) Repeated Choreographies

The presentation of repeated choreographies should be avoided.

Each school may not present the same choreography more than twice throughout the entire competition, regardless of division or category, except for repertoire variations.

Likewise, a contestant may not participate in a choreography that they performed in the previous year.

5. Evaluation Criteria

In addition to any other criteria defined by the jury, dancers will be assessed on the basis of:

• Technical execution;
• Artistic Interpretation and performance quality.

 

Contestants are graded from 0 to 100 points. A score of 80 points or above is required to obtain a 1st, 2nd or 3rd prize; however, the jury may decide not to award a prize.

The decision regarding the possible non-awarding of any prize is the sole responsibility of the jury and is not subject to appeal.

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III. MUSIC

The music must be submitted by 15 February 2027.

A maximum tolerance of 5 seconds beyond the time limit is allowed, solely to permit the completion of the musical phrase, provided that the choreography is performed entirely with music.

No tolerance is permitted when part of the choreography is performed without music. In such cases, the duration of the section without music must be indicated at the time of submitting the corresponding track.

The use of music containing inappropriate language is not permitted.

The rights of use of the music and choreography are the sole responsibility of the participating school.

IV. JURY

The competition jury is composed of three or more members of recognised merit in the field of dance.

The decisions of the jury are final and not subject to appeal.

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V. REGISTRATION

1. Registration will be open from 1 December 2026 to 24 January 2027. Should the maximum number of entries be reached before the closing date, the Organising Committee reserves the right to close registrations earlier.
2. The registration must include the following elements:

• Registration form available on the website (adagiointernationaldance.com)
• Payment of the registration fee by bank transfer (proof of transfer must be submitted).
• A late registration fee of €50 will be applied to any registration completed after the registration deadline.

Failure to provide any of the required documentation, or the submission of incomplete or inaccurate information, will result in the registration being deemed invalid.

The competitor will be notified of the invalid registration by email, using the email address provided in the registration form. Such decisions are final and may not be challenged or appealed.

 

In the event of withdrawal, for any reason, registration fees are non-refundable.

In the event of illness, supported by a valid medical certificate, registration fees may be refunded in full provided that the withdrawal is notified no later than one month prior to the competition (19 February 2027). After this date, a refund of  50% of the registration fees** relating to the registered choreographies will be granted.

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VI. FEES

• • Solo – €65 per solo;
  • Pas de Deux – €60 per participant, per choreography;
  • Duet – €55 per participant, per choreography;
  • Small Group – €40 per participant, per choreography;
  • Large Group – €30 per participant, per choreography.

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VII. AWARDS

• Monetary prizes

• Diplomas, medals, and trophies

• Scholarships for dance courses and internships

• Other prizes to be announced

The jury may decide not to award a particular prize or to divide a prize between more than one contestant.

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VIII. GALA

The Meeting concludes with a gala featuring selected award-winning contestants.

It is the responsibility of the jury and the organising committee to decide which contestants will participate, as well as the order of their performances.

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IX. MASTERCLASSES

Throughout the International Dance Meeting, a programme of masterclasses will be offered by members of the Judging Panel and/or other distinguished dance professionals, to be announced in due course.

Places are limited and advance registration is required via the online registration form available on the ADAGIO website.

MASTERCLASSES FEES:

For Adagio participants: €15 per masterclass

For Non-participants: €30 per masterclass

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X. INSURANCE

Participants must have insurance coverage against injury or illness.

The organisation accepts no responsibility for any accidents occurring during the Meeting, nor for the theft or loss of personal belongings.

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XI. PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEO RECORDINGS

Photography and video recording by members of the public during the competition are strictly prohibited. Official photography and audiovisual recording will be carried out exclusively by professionals appointed and authorised by the Organising Committee.

Participation in the event constitutes acceptance of the capture and recording of photographic and audiovisual material.The Organising Committee reserves the right to use such material for promotional, educational and commercial purposes, without any financial compensation being due to the participants.

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XII. FINAL PROVISIONS

Once accepted and validated, a registration may be cancelled at any time by the organisation, without prior notice and with immediate effect, whenever the contestant, members of the school, or supporters display behaviour that disrupts the normal functioning of the event, namely lack of respect towards any member of the organisation, member of the jury, or other participants.

 

The organisation may also cancel a registration in the event of non-compliance with any of the provisions contained in the “Rules of Procedure” by contestants, school members, or supporters. The “Rules of Procedure” will be sent to the participating schools after their registration has been accepted.

 

The cancellation of a registration will be communicated verbally or by email to the responsible teacher. It is not subject to complaint or appeal and does not imply the refund of any amounts received, reimbursement of any expenses, or compensation for damages.

 

Registration for the Meeting implies mandatory acceptance of these regulations, as well as of all rules of procedure.

 

It is the responsibility of the organisation to decide on any matter not covered by these regulations.

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ADAGIO – INTERNATIONAL DANCE MEETING
Ourém, Portugal