Dance Grand Prix Sofia (DGPS) is organised by THOUSAND SMILES EOOD, registered in Sofia, Bulgaria, with number 200943490 by the National Registry Agency, listed under No. 393 as cultural organization by the Ministry of Culture.
1. Participants
1.1 Dance Grand Prix Sofia contest (DGPS) welcomes vocational and recreational dancers from all nationalities and backgrounds.
1.2 Entries must be submitted by the principal of a dance school, club, or association, or by independent dancers. If an independent dancer is minor under Bulgarian Law (under 18 years of age), their entries must be submitted by a legal representative.
1.3. DGPS aims to provide an inclusive environment for all dancers. Dancers with special needs or disabilities, including those requiring a wheelchair, are welcome to participate in DGPS. This information must be communicated to the DGPS team as early as possible so that appropriate access to and from the stage can be arranged. At present, DGPS does not offer a dedicated category for dancers with any disabilities.
2. Application
2.1 For detailed information about the DGPS application process, please visit our website or contact us via email: contest@thousand-smiles.com.
2.2 DGPS participants must complete both registration and application through the event's website.
- Registration deadline: 31 January in the year of the contest.
- Application deadline: 14 March in the year of the contest.
These deadlines do not apply to participants or schools with special invitations or scholarships. Instructions for submitting an application are available on the DGPS website.
Registration secures participation in DGPS and includes payment of the registration fee. Application includes submitting dances, categories, and qualification materials (where applicable) and includes payment of application fees.
2.3 Preliminary evaluation and qualification are not required for participants from the previous DGPS editions, scholarship recipients, or participants/schools with invitations.
2.4 Participants, subject to preliminary evaluation must send qualification materials to contest@thousand-smiles.com according to the instructions provided by DGPS. The qualification mark is 60 points or above. Please refer to the DGPS scoring system in APPENDIX 2.
2.5 DGPS reserves the right to invite any dancer to participate in the DGPS contest, even after the deadline in art. 2.2 and without requiring qualification.
2.6 Applications that are incomplete, missing required information, or lacking qualification materials (where required) may be rejected if not corrected by the application deadline. DGPS is not responsible for delays caused by late submissions or missing documents.
2.7 DGPS is not responsible for delays caused by incorrect email addresses, failure to check email regularly, or failure to respond to DGPS communication within the required timeframe. Participants and schools must ensure that DGPS emails are received and monitored.
3. Country representation at DGPS
3.1 DGPS participants may represent their country of residence or their country of origin, regardless of where they study dance.
3.2 Participants who study dance in more than one country may choose which country to represent.
3.3 Groups with dancers from multiple nationalities or residences represent the country of the school, club or association submitting the entry.
4. Age
4.1 A competitor’s age is determined as of January 1st in the year of the competition.
4.2 For duets, trios, quartets, small groups and large formations, the age category is determined by the average age of all dancers in the group. Up to 30% of the group members may be up to one year older or younger than the age limits listed in Appendix 1.
4.3 The maximum age of competitors is 18 years as of January 1st in the year of the competition.
4.4 DGPS reserves the right to request proof of age (passport or identity card) during the application process or at the contest.
4.5 In all solo classes, competitors are strongly encouraged to dance in the age class corresponding to their age. A competitor may dance in an older age class only with special permission from DGPS. A competitor cannot perform a solo in an age class below their actual age.
5. Entry
5.1 Each competitor may enter one solo in each solo category.
5.2 Competitors may participate in multiple duets, trios, quartets, small groups and large formations, provided they meet the age and category requirements.
5.3 Competitor may enter both vocational and recreational categories only if the categories are different. A dancer cannot enter the same category in both vocational and recreational divisions.
5.4 Category placement for duets, trios, quartets, small groups, and large formations - groups containing one or more vocational dancers must compete in the vocational division for that category. Groups composed entirely of recreational dancers may compete in the recreational division.
5.5 DGPS reserves the right to limit the number of entries in any category if necessary for scheduling or organizational reasons.
6. Registration
6.1 Entry information for the DGPS contest, including fees and deadlines, is available on the DGPS website (www.contest.thousand-smiles.com).
6.2 Deadlines
Registration deadline for DGPS 2027 is 31 January 2027.
The application deadline for DGPS 2027 is 14 March 2027.
These deadlines may not apply in case the applicant has received exclusive invitation (see Art. 2.5).
Registration secures participation in DGPS and includes payment of the registration fee, which is separate from all application fees.
6.3 The principal/teacher or the participant (or their legal representative) is responsible for submitting correct and complete information in the DGPS entry system.
6.4 Information submitted to DGPS will be used for all competition documents, incl. programming, certificates, official communication etc. DGPS is not responsible for errors resulting from incorrect or incomplete information provided by participants or schools.
6.5 Media Consent
By entering the DGPS competition, all dancers consent to DGPS and its partners videoing, photographing and recording them at any time during the DGPS contest, including during performances, accompanying events, and in and around the venue.
Videos and photos may be used by DGPS and its partners for advertising, promotional materials, the DGPS website, social media and press distribution.
7. Fees
7.1 Registration fee
The registration fee is paid once per participant and secures participation in DGPS. The registration fee is separate from all application fees and is non-refundable.
7.2 Application fees
Application fees apply per dancer and per choreography. Application fees must be paid in full by application deadline. Applications are processed only after all required fees have been received.
7.3 Payment responsibility
The principal/teacher or the participant (or their legal representative) is responsible for ensuring that all fees are paid correctly and on time. DGPS is not responsible for delays caused by incorrect payment information or incomplete transactions.
7.4 Payment methods
Information about accepted payment methods is available on the DGPS website. DGPS reserves the right to update payment methods at any time.
7.5 Additional fees
Additional fees may apply for optional services such as media packages, private sessions with guest-teachers, or other DGPS offerings. These fees are listed on the DGPS website or provided upon request.
7.6 Late payments
Payments received after the deadline may result in the application being rejected or placed on a waiting list. DGPS may apply and administrative fee for late payments.
7.7 Exclusive invitations
Participants or schools with exclusive invitations (see Art. 2.5) may receive special fee conditions. These conditions will be communicated directly by DGPS.
FEES ARE NON REFUNDABLE.
8. Restrictions in participation
8.1 Registration requirements
All participants must complete registration for DGPS (see Art. 6). Only registered participants may submit applications.
8.2 Automatic qualification
Participants from the previous edition of DGPS, winners of scholarships and dancers with special invitations by DGPS, qualify automatically for DGPS 2027. Registration fees as well as all other fees are due according to DGSP terms.
8.3 Qualification video requirements
Applicants who do not meet any of the criteria in art. 8.2, may be required to submit a qualification video of the dance intended for the stage of DGPS contest. A qualification video of a different dance may be accepted, only if:
8.3.a The qualification dance is in the same category as the application entry (for example, applying for Ballet Repertoire requires a qualification video in Ballet Repertoire)
8.3.b The video was recorded no earlier than 6 months before the application date.
8.4 Approved applications only
Only approved applications will be admitted to DGPS.
8.5 Repeating dances
A dancer or a group may not perform the same choreography with the same dancers at the DGPS two years in a row.
8.6 Plagiarism
Plagiarism of other dances is not permitted. DGPS will take action if a complaint is made.
8.7 Solo entry limits
Soloists may perform in a MAXIMUM of 4 SOLOS, unless DGPS grants exclusive permission for additional solos.
8.8 Solo category restrictions
A soloists cannot perform twice in the same solo category.
8.9 Multiple duets/trios allowed
Dancers can perform in more than one duet/trio/quartet in a particular category.
8.10 Multiple genres allowed
Dancers may enter duet/trio/quartet categories in multiple genres.
8.11 Multiple groups allowed
Dancers may perform in multiple small and large formations within a particular category.
8.12 Small groups
Small groups must contain 4 to 10 dancers, except in ballet categories, where the minimum is 5 dancers. Ballet groups with 4 dancers must be entered as quartets.
8.13 Large formations
Large formations must contain 11 dancers or more.
8.14 Ballet duet/trio gender rules
In Ballet Duet/Trio categories (non – repertoire), DGPS accepts girl/girl, boy/boy or boy/girl duets in all age groups.
9. Categories
9.1 A full list of DGPS categories is provided in APPENDIX 1. All participants must ensure that their entries comply with the category descriptions and age requirements listed therein.
9.2 DGPS reserves the right to merge two or more classes together or divide a class into multiple sections, depending on the number and distribution of entries received. Any such adjustment will be made to ensure fairness and efficient scheduling.
9.3 The running order of categories will follow these principles:
Competitors will perform from youngest to oldest within each category.
Within each category, entries in recreational division will perform first, followed by entries in vocational division.
9.4 DGPS may adjust the running order of any category if such changes are necessary for the event schedule or to improve performance conditions for the dancers.
10. Exchange of dancers / substitute dancers
10.1 Dancers may be exchanged under the following conditions:
10.1.a Duets and Trios
One dancer may be exchanged, provided the replacement is selected from the dancers originally listed in the application.
10.1.b Quartets, small groups, and large formations
Up to 50% of the dancers may be exchanged. All replacements must be selected from the dancers originally listed in the application.
10.2 Substitution is not permitted for solo entries. If a solo dancer who has been admitted to DGPS cannot perform for any reason, the solo cannot be performed by another dancer, regardless of whether the choreography remains the same.
11. Time limits
11.1 Time limits apply to all dances performed at DGPS.
11.2 DGPS will not accept music tracks that exceed the official time limits.
11.2.a Time limits by class
BABY, MINI, CHILDREN
- Solo, Duet and Trio - 2 min 10 sec
- Quartet and Small Group - 2 min 40 sec
- Large Formation - 3 min 10 sec
JUNIOR
- Solo - 2 min 10 sec
- Duet and Trio - 2 min 40 sec
- Quartet and Small Group - 3 min 10 sec
- Large Formation - 3 min 40 sec
11.2.b Extended time limits for Ballet Repertoire Solos
The following classes have time limit of 2 min 40 sec:
KSBR – Children Solo Ballet Repertoire
KSPBR – Children Solo Ballet Repertoire with pointe shoes for Girls aged 12-13 only
JSBR – Junior Solo Ballet Repertoire
11.3 Extra time is permitted to accommodate silence before or after the music track:
- Solo, Duet and Trio, Quartet classes - up to 5 seconds
- Small Groups and Large Formations - up to 10 seconds
11.4 Dances may be shorter than the time limit but must not exceed it.
11.5 Large formation entries may exceed the time limit only with explicit consent from DGPS.
12. Time penalties
12.1 The timing of a performance begins at the first movement of the dancer(s) or the start of the music, whichever occurs first, and ends at the last movement of the dancer(s) or the end of the music, whichever occurs last.
12.2 The following time penalties will be applied if a dance overruns:
| Class | Penalty trigger | Penalty |
| Solo, Duet/Trio, Quartet | Over 5 seconds | 5 points |
| Group Classes (Small groups & Large formations) | Over 10 seconds | 5 points |
| Solo Repertoire Ballet | Over 5 seconds | 5 points |
12.3 Any dance exceeding the time limit by more than 30 seconds will be immediately disqualified.
12.4 A maximum of 25 seconds is allowed for placing props on stage and removing them after the performance. Failure to comply will result in a 5-point penalty per violation.
13. Pointe shoes
13.1 Dancers under the age of 12 (as on January 1st in the year of the competition) are NOT permitted to wear pointe shoes at the DGPS under any circumstances.
13.2 Pointe shoes are not encouraged in the CHILDREN categories for dancers aged 13 and under.
13.3 Dancers aged 12-13 years may wear pointe shoes only in the following classes:
- Children Solo Ballet Repertoire with pointe shoes (age 12-13 only) - pointe shoes are compulsory.
- Children Solo Ballet (any style – not repertoire) (age 12-13 only) - pointe shoes are optional.
- Children Duet/Trio Ballet (age 12-13 only) - pointe shoes are compulsory for girls performing Repertoire.
13.4 Only dancers aged 10-12 may enter Children Solo Ballet and Children Solo Ballet Repertoire. Dancers aged 13 are not permitted to enter Children Solo Ballet or Children Solo Ballet Repertoire.
13.5 If a dancer aged 12-13 years wears pointe shoes in a duet, trio, small group or large formation, the dance must be entered in the appropriate ballet category.
14. Music
14.1 If music contains swearing or offensive language, the dance may be disqualified or points may be deducted. Dance teachers or representatives can email contest@thousand-smiles.com for guidance on what words are considered offensive.
14.2 Music must be submitted through the DGPS online entry system by the deadline specified by DGPS.
14.3 DGPS may request that a participant resubmit a music file if it does not meet DGPS requirements for length, audio quality, or file format.
14.4 If a participant fails to submit a correct music file on time, DGPS may exclude the entry from the contest line-up. In such cases, DGPS does not owe any compensations or refund.
14.5 Dance teachers or dancers must bring a backup USB containing all music files to the contest. For further instructions, please contact DGPS at contest@thousand-smiles.com.
14.6 In Song & Dance / Musical categories:
14.6.a Singback and playback are acceptable. Younger and less-experienced performers are encouraged to use playback.
14.6.b If performers will sing live at the contest, they must inform DGPS at least one week in advance. DGPS will schedule an exclusive soundcheck time If performers fail to arrive on time for soundcheck, DGPS cannot be held responsible for possible technical issues of poor microphone sound quality during the performance.
14.6.c All participants in Song & Dance / Musical categories must have a backup USB with all songs fully pre-recorded (playback).
14.6.d Participants may only use playback of their own recorded voice. DGPS reserves the right to request proof that the recorded voice(s) are authentic.
14.6.e Headset microphones may be provided upon request. Additional charges for headset microphones may apply.
14.7 Technical issues during music playback
14.7.a If the music stops during a performance due to a technical issue in the theatre, the dancer(s) will be allowed to dance again. However, dancers cannot dance again if they forget their dance.
14.7.b If a dancer’s music does not play at the time of the performance due to a technical issue, then the dancer(s) is/are able to perform without music at the DGPS contest.
15. Costumes
15.1 Costumes must be appropriate for the dancer’s age, the chosen category, and the style of the choreography. DGPS reserves the right to deduct points or disqualify a performance if a costume is deemed inappropriate.
15.2 Costumes must not include elements that could be considered offensive, overly revealing, or unsuitable for a family‑friendly event.
15.3 Costumes must allow dancers to perform safely. Any costume that restricts movement or poses a safety risk may result in point deductions or disqualification.
15.4 Costumes must be securely fastened. Wardrobe malfunctions that expose private areas may result in disqualification.
15.5 Props that are part of the costume (e.g. hats, jackets, accessories) must be used safely and must not damage the stage or create hazards for other dancers or the audience.
15.6 Costume changes during a performance are permitted only if they do not exceed the allowed time limits and do not require assistance from DGPS staff, teachers or assistants.
15.7 DGPS reserves the right to request modification to costumes if they violate contest rules or pose safety concerns.
15.8 For qualification videos, dancers may wear training attire and are not required to wear stage costumes.
16. Props
16.1 Props must be safe, stable, and suitable for use on stage. DGPS reserves the right to prohibit any prop that poses a safety risk or may damage the stage.
16.2 Props must not exceed the allowed setup and removal time. A maximum of 25 seconds is permitted for placing props on stage and removing them after the performance. Exceeding this limit may result in a 5-point penalty per violation.
16.3 Props must not include dangerous, sharp, or flammable items. Any prop that may endanger dancers, staff, or the audience is strictly prohibited.
16.4 Props must not leave residue, marks, or substances on the stage (e.g. glitter, powder, liquids, sand, confetti etc.). Any prop that dirties or alters the the stage surface may result in disqualification and/or fine.
16.5 Props must be handled exclusively by the dancers or their teachers/assistants. DGPS staff will not assist with prop setup or removal.
16.6 Props must not obstruct the view of the judges or interfere with the technical equipment, lighting, or sound system.
16.7 DGPS may request modifications or prohibit the use of props if they violate contest rules or pose safety concerns.
16.8 DGPS will not be responsible for the safekeeping of any props at the DGPS contest.
16.9 DGPS will not be responsible for any injuries or accidents to a competitor or teacher/assistant whilst transferring a prop on or off the stage and in or out of the backstage area. All props are used at the risk of the dancer and the teacher/assistant.
16.10 Props must be integral to the performance and the judging panel reserves the right to deduct points if the prop is deemed unsuitable.
17. Stage
17.1 Information about stage dimensions information will be available on the DGPS website (www.contest.thousand-smiles.com) in due course.
17.2 Stage dimensions are provided to DGPS by the venue and may be subject to change. DGPS cannot be held responsible for any modifications made by the venue.
17.3 DGPS reserves the right to change the venue of the competition or to use multiple venues if necessary for organizational or scheduling reasons.
17.4 Special light effects are not permitted at the DGPS contest. Only standard stage lighting provided by the venue will be used. The lighting conditions depend on the venue's technical capabilities.
17.5 The stage surface may vary depending on the venue. Dancers perform at their own risk, regardless of the stage surface condition. Application or substances to dancers' feet, footwear or on the stage (e.g. colofon, water, powder, spray, etc.) is not allowed.
17.6 Dancers and teachers are responsible for ensuring that choreography, footwear, and props are safe for the stage conditions. DGPS will not be responsible for any injuries or accidents occurring on stage, backstage, or in the venue. DGPS staff cannot assist dancers entering or exiting the stage.
17.7 Only dancers and authorized teachers/assistants may enter the backstage area.
17.8 Dancers must be ready to perform when called. Failure to appear on time without previous notice may result in exclusion from the contest line-up.
17.9 Running, jumping off stage, loud noise, or any unsafe behavior in the wings or backstage area is strictly prohibited.
18. Genre specific rules
18.1 Ballet Classes
18.1.a Solo Ballet Classes:
| Class Code | Class Title | Age | Shoes Permitted *(C) = Compulsory | Style |
| BabySB | Baby Solo Ballet (any style) | 4-6 YEARS | Soft ballet shoes, bare feet | Classical Neoclassical Repertoire Any ballet style |
| MiniSB | Mini Solo Ballet (any style) | 6–9 YEARS | Soft ballet shoes, bare feet | Classical Neoclassical Any ballet style |
| MiniSBR | Mini Solo Ballet Repertoire | 6-9 YEARS | Soft ballet shoes | Repertoire |
| KSB | Children Solo Ballet (any style, not repertoire) | 10–12 YEARS | Soft ballet shoes, bare feet | Classical Neoclassical Any ballet style |
| KSBR | Children Solo Ballet Repertoire | 10–12 YEARS | Soft ballet shoes | Repertoire |
| KSPB | Children Solo Ballet (any style – not repertoire) | 12–13 YEARS | Pointe shoes (compulsory) | Classical Neoclassical Any ballet style |
| KSPBR | Children Solo Ballet Repertoire with pointe shoes | 12–13 YEARS | Pointe shoes (compulsory) | Repertoire |
| JSB | Junior Solo Ballet (any style – not repertoire) | 14-18 YEARS | Soft ballet shoes, bare feet, pointe shoes | Classical Neoclassical Any ballet style |
| JSBR | Junior Solo Ballet Repertoire | 14-18 YEARS | Pointe shoes (compulsory) | Repertoire |
18.1.b Duet/Trio Ballet Classes:
| BabyDB | Baby Duet/Trio Ballet - any style | 4-6 YEARS | Soft ballet shoes, bare feet | Classical Neoclassical Repertoire Any ballet style |
| MiniDB | Mini Duet/Trio Ballet - any style | 6-9 YEARS | Soft ballet shoes, bare feet | Classical Neoclassical Repertoire Any ballet style |
| KDB | Children Duet/Trio Ballet - any style | 10-12 YEARS | Soft ballet shoes, bare feet | Classical Neoclassical Any ballet style Repertoire |
| KDB | Children Duet/Trio Ballet - any style | 12-13 YEARS | Soft ballet shoes, pointe shoes | Classical Neoclassical Any ballet style Repertoire |
| JDB | Junior Duet/Trio Ballet – any style | 14-18 YEARS | Soft ballet shoes Bare feet Pointe shoes | Classical Neoclassical Any ballet style |
| JDB | Junior Duet/Trio Ballet - Repertoire | 14-18 YEARS | Pointe shoes (compulsory) | Repertoire |
18.1.c Soft ballet shoes, pointe shoes, and bare feet are permitted according to the table above.
18.1.d In class JSBR, all female dancers aged 14 or over must wear pointe shoes.
18.1.e In the Junior ballet group classes, it is recommended (but not compulsory) that some female dancers wear pointe shoes. The judging panel may take this into account.
18.1.f Dancers may enter both a Repertoire solo ballet and "any style" solo ballet classes, provided they comply with 8.4.
18.1.g Using protected original choreographies is strictly prohibited unless written permission from the designated rights‑holder is provided.
18.1.h Dances from the classical Repertoire are not allowed in ballet "any style" class. If the jury consideres a dance Repertoire, this dance may be moved in the appropriate category during scoring, or may be disqualified.
18.2 NATIONAL / FOLKLORE / CHARACTER DANCE
18.2.a National or folklore dances from any country may be presented by dancers from any country.
18.2.b Traditional dances with traditional shoes should must be entered into the National/Folklore sections.
18.2.c Due to the variety of interpretations in national classes, no marks are awarded for authenticity of the dance.
18.3 LYRICAL, JAZZ, SHOW DANCE AND CONTEMPORARY
18.3.a Description of these classes are available in APPENDIX 3.
18.3.b Pointe shoes can be worn in the Lyrical, Jazz, Show Dance and Contemporary if they enhance the choreography and the dancer is 12 years or above (see art. 13).
18.3.c Acrobatic moves should be kept to minimum and used only if they enhance the choreography. Excessive acrobatics may be penalised.
19. Scoring
19.1 First, second and third place will be awarded a gold, silver and bronze medal respectively, regardless of the number of points received.
19.2 If two dances receive the same number of marks at the DGPS contest, a tied place will be awarded.
19.3 The rules and criteria for the special awards will be released in April of the competition year.
20. Judging
20.1 The judging panel at the DGPS contest consists of internationally acclaimed dancers, dance teachers, or registered adjudicators. Each class will be judged by a minimum of three members of the judging panel.
20.2 Points are awarded to every dance. The maximum score at the DGPS contest is 100 points.
20.3 The following judging criteria will be applied (for a detailed scoring breakdown, see APPENDIX 2):
| CRITERION | POINTS |
| Technical Proficiency — evaluation of the dancer’s technical ability and physical control | 20 points maximum |
| Execution & Group Precision — accuracy of performing the choreography, including synchronization and spacing in group dances | 20 points maximum |
| Artistic Interpretation & Musicality — expressive performance, character, musical phrasing, and emotional communication | 20 points maximum |
| Choreographic Design & Overall Cohesion — creativity, structure, suitability, and cohesion of the choreography | 20 points maximum |
| Costume & Visual Presentation — appropriateness, neatness, safety, and visual impact of costume and presentation | 20 points maximum |
20.4 The decision of the judging panel is final and cannot be changed. No discussions will be held regarding judging outcomes.
21. Dressing room / backstage
21.1 Dancers and registered teachers/assistants of participating schools will have access to the dressing rooms area during the DGPS contest. Detailed access information will be provided to the dance schools closer to the competition date.
21.2 Parents have no access to the dressing rooms or backstage unless they are registered as legal representatives of minor dancers who are applying independently. In this case, the parent will be registered as a dancer assistant.
21.3 All minor dancers must be accompanied to the side of the stage by a teacher or registered assistant. This person is responsible for ensuring the dancer arrives on time for their performance. The backstage manager on duty may request that the teacher/assistant leave the stage area if deemed necessary.
21.4 Every independent minor participant (under 18 years old) may be accompanied by one adult in the backstage area. Schools or groups with up to 10 participants may be accompanied by one adult (teacher, choreographer, representative, or assistant). If additional backstage assistants are required, DGPS may issue extra backstage passes; additional charges may apply.
21.5 All dancers and accompanying adults must maintain order, avoid disturbing other participants, remain quiet during performances, and keep the backstage area clean. Littering or causing damage is prohibited. Food consumption is not allowed in the backstage area or in the theatre hall.
21.6 If a competitor requires assistance with props during a performance (placing props on or removing them from the stage), details must be emailed to contest@thousand-smiles.com no later than one month before the start of the DGPS contest.
21.7 Dressing or preparing costumes in the theater hall is strictly prohibited.
22. Theater admission
22.1 Admission to the theater during the DGPS contest is regulated by DGPS. Only individuals holding a valid ticket, pass, or accreditation issued by DGPS may enter the theater hall.
22.2 Competitors may enter the theater hall only when they are not preparing for their performance or required backstage. Dancers must follow all instructions given by DGPS staff regarding movement between the hall and backstage areas.
22.3 Parents, relatives, and visitors may enter the theater hall only with a valid spectator ticket. Access to backstage, dressing rooms, or restricted areas is not permitted.
22.4 Spectators must remain seated during performances and must not obstruct aisles, exits, or technical areas. Flash photography, filming, or any disruptive behavior is prohibited unless explicitly permitted by DGPS.
22.5 Food and beverages are not allowed inside the theater hall. All visitors must maintain cleanliness and respect the venue’s property.
22.6 DGPS reserves the right to remove any individual whose behavior disrupts the contest or violates theater regulations.
23. Insurance
23.1 THOUSAND SMILES EOOD is not responsible for any injuries that may occur to any person — including participants, teachers, assistants, or audience members — while in the theater, dressing rooms, backstage, on stage, or anywhere else within the venue.
23.2 It is the responsibility of each dance school, or the accompanying legal representative of an independent minor dancer, to obtain appropriate insurance coverage for participation in the DGPS contest. DGPS does not provide personal accident, health, travel, or liability insurance for dancers, teachers, or visitors.
24. Travel and accommodation
24.1 All travel arrangements to and from the DGPS contest are the responsibility of the participating dance schools or the legal representatives of independent dancers. DGPS does not provide transportation services for participants, teachers, or visitors.
24.2 Accommodation during the DGPS contest is also the responsibility of the participating schools or legal representatives. DGPS does not offer accommodation packages and is not responsible for hotel bookings, cancellations, or related issues.
24.3 Participants and accompanying adults must ensure they arrive at the venue on time for their scheduled performances. DGPS is not responsible for delays caused by transportation, weather conditions, or other external factors.
24.4 International participants are responsible for securing all necessary travel documents, including passports, visas, insurance, and any other required documentation. DGPS does not provide assistance with visa applications, embassy procedures, or legal travel formalities.
However, upon request, DGPS may issue official invitation letters or participation confirmations to support a visa application. These documents are provided solely for informational purposes and do not guarantee visa approval.
24.5 DGPS may provide general recommendations for hotels or transportation options upon request, but these suggestions are non-binding and offered solely for convenience. DGPS assumes no responsibility for the quality, availability, or pricing of external services.
25. Refunds and cancellations
25.1 All participation fees paid to DGPS are non‑refundable. This applies to all categories, classes, and entries submitted by dance schools or independent participants.
25.2 If a participant or dance school withdraws from the contest for any reason — including illness, injury, travel issues, scheduling conflicts, or personal circumstances — no refund will be issued.
25.3 In the event that DGPS must cancel the contest due to force majeure (including but not limited to natural disasters, government restrictions, or other circumstances beyond DGPS control), DGPS will provide instructions regarding rescheduling or credit options. No monetary refunds will be issued.
25.4 Participation fees cannot be transferred to another dancer, another school, or a future edition of DGPS unless explicitly permitted by DGPS in writing.
Any disputes that arise against the company will be under the laws of Bulgarian Court of Law.