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 All nationalities are welcome to apply to participate in the DGPS contest.
1.2 Entries must be submitted by the principal of a dance school/club/ association or by independent dancers. In case the independent dancer is minor according to the Bulgarian Law (18 years), their entries should be submitted by an adult legal representative.
1.3. Dancers with special needs or a disability which are in need of a wheelchair are permitted at the DGPS contest. This information must be reported to the DGPS team as soon as possible, so that we can allow appropriate access to and from the stage. We do not at present have a dedicated category for dancers with any disabilities.
2. Application
2.1 For details about DGPS application process, please visit our website or contact us via email: contest@thousand-smiles.com.
2.2 DGPS participants must register and submit their applications on the event's website. All registrations must be submitted by January 31st in the year of the contest. All applications must be submitted by April 10th 2025. These deadlines do not apply for participants and schools with special invitations and/or scholarships. For details on how to submit an application, please visit our website.
2.3 Preliminary evaluation and qualification is not applied to participants in the previous edition of DGPS, to winners of scholarship, as well as participants/schools with special invitation by DGPS.
2.4 Participants, subject to preliminary evaluation and ranking, should send qualification materials at contest@thousand-smiles.com according to the instructions sent by DGPS. The qualification mark is 60 marks or above. Please refer to the DGPS scoring system detailed 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 requirement for qualification.
3. Country representation at DGPS
3.1 For 2025 there are no limitations on the countries whose representatives can apply at DGPS.
4. Age
4.1 A competitor’s age is taken on January 1st in the year of the competition.
4.2 In duets, trios, quartets, small groups and large formations the class age category is determined by the average age of the competitors. It is possible that up to 30% of the group members are up to one year older or younger than the category age limits in Appendix 1.
4.3 The maximum age of competitors is 25 years as of January 1st in the year of the competition.
4.4 DGPS reserves the right to ask for proof of age by means of a passport or an identity card at either an application or a contest.
4.5 In all solo classes, it is strongly recommended that competitors dance in the class for their age. It is possible for a competitor to dance in an age class greater than their age only with special permission by DGPS. A competitor cannot perform solo in an age class below their age.
5. Entry
5.1 Entry information for the DGPS contest, including fees and deadlines, is available on the DGPS website (www.contest.thousand-smiles.com).
5.2 The principal/teacher or the participant (or their legal representative) is responsible for submitting the correct information on the DGPS entry system.
5.3 Information submitted to DGPS will be used for all competition documents, i.e. programming, certificates, etc.
5.4 By entering in DGPS competition, all dancers consent to DGPS and its partners videoing, photographing and recording them at any time during the DGPS contest, including during their performances, at other accompanying events, as well as in and around the venue. Videos/photos may be used by DGPS and its partners, including but not limited to in advertising and promotional materials, the DGPS website, social media and distributed to the press.
6. Entry and closing date
6.1 For 2025 the DGPS registration closing date is January 31st 2025. This deadline may not apply in case the applicant has received exclusive invitation (see art. 2.5).
6.2 For 2025 the DGPS applications entry closing date is April 10th 2025, unless a special invitation with exclusive entry closing date is provided by DGPS.
7. Fees
7.1 The DGPS website (contest.thousand-smiles.com) will confirm all fees and details of payment for the DGPS contest each year. Fees must be paid at registration and application submission, according to the instructions sent to each applicant. The entry fee per dancer is a compulsory fee. Participation fees are applied per registered dancer and are calculated on application or on qualification, where applicable (see art. 8). Any additional fees published on www.contest.thousand-smiles.com are due as described on the DGPS website and/or explicitly provided by DGPS in written.
FEES ARE NON REFUNDABLE.
8. Restrictions in participation
8.1 Each participant has to register on DGPS.
8.2 Participants in the previous edition of DGPS, winners of scholarships and dancers with special invitations by DGPS, qualify automatically for DGPS 2025. Registration fees as well as all other fees are due according to the terms, provided by DGPS.
8.3 Applicants who do not meet any of the criteria in art. 8.2, may be asked to submit qualification video of the dance that will be performed on the stage of DGPS contest. DGPS could accept qualification video with a different dance, only if the following conditions are met:
8.3.a The qualification dance is in the same category as the application entry (for example, if you are applying for KSBR, the qualification video must be of a dance from Ballet Repertoire) and;
8.3.b The video is made no earlier than 6 months prior the application date.
8.4 Only approved applications will be admitted to DGPS.
8.5 You cannot perform the same dance with the same dancers at the DGPS contest two years in a row.
8.6 Plagiarism of other dances is not permitted. Action will be taken if a complaint is made.
8.7 Soloists can perform in a maximum of 4 solos at the 2025 competition, unless DGPS gives exclusive permission for additional solo to a dancer.
8.8 Soloists cannot perform in the same solo category twice. For example, a soloist cannot dance in KSB twice.
8.9 Dancers can perform in more than one duet/trio/quartet in a particular category at the DGPS contest.
8.10 Dancers can enter a duet/trio or quartet in more than one genre. For example, a dancer can enter JDB and JDA.
8.11 Dancers can perform in multiple small and large formations in a particular category at the DGPS contest.
8.12 Small groups (e.g. KGSM) must contain a minimum of 4 dancers and a maximum or 10 dancers. Except in ballet categories: BabyGSB, MiniGSB, KGSB, JGSB and SnGSB where the minimum number of dancers is 5. Ballet groups with 4 dancers (quartets) must be entered in BabyQB, MiniQB, KQB, JQB or SnQB.
8.13 Large formations (e.g. KLLB) must contain a minimum of 11 dancers.
8.14 In Duet/Trio Ballet categories (non – repertoire) all age groups, DGPS will accept duets formed by girl/girl or boy/boy, as well as boy/girl.
9. Categories
9.1 For a list of available DGPS categories, please refer to APPENDIX 1.
9.2 DGPS reserves the right to merge two or more classes together or divide a class into multiple sections, depending on the entries received.
9.3 Categories order will run with the youngest competitor dancing first and the oldest dancing last. Categories order will run with competitors in Hobby dancing first and Pro dancing second.
9.4 DGPS reserve the right to change the running order of a category in case this will be beneficial to the event schedule and/or to the dancers.
10. Exchange of dancers / substitute dancers
10.1 Dancers may be exchanged in the following circumstances:
10.1.a Duet or Trio – one dancer can be exchanged from the dancers who applied.
10.1.b Small groups, quartets and large formations – up to 50% of dancers can be exchanged from the dancers who applied.
10.2 You cannot exchange/substitute any solo entry dancer at the DGPS contest. If a solo dancer who has been admitted to the contest cannot perform for whatever reason, this dancer cannot be replaced by another dancer with the same routine.
11. Time limits
11.1 Time limits apply to all dances at the DGPS contest.
11.2 DGPS will not permit music to be submitted which is over the time limit.
| CLASSES | TIME LIMITS |
| BABY, MINI AND CHILDREN SOLO, DUET AND TRIO* | 2 MIN 10 SEC |
| BABY, MINI AND CHILDREN SMALL GROUP AND QUARTET | 2 MIN 40 SEC |
| BABY, MINI AND CHILDREN LARGE FORMATIONS | 3 MIN 10 SEC |
| JUNIOR AND SENIOR SOLO* | 2 MIN 10 SEC |
| JUNIOR AND SENIOR DUET AND TRIO | 2 MIN 40 SEC |
| JUNIOR AND SENIOR SMALL GROUP AND QUARTET | 3 MIN 10 SEC |
| JUNIOR AND SENIOR LARGE FORMATIONS | 3 MIN 40 SEC |
* The time limit for the following classes is 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
SnSBR – Senior Solo Ballet Repertoire
KDPDD – Children Duet/Trio Pas de Deux/Trois
SnDPDD – Junior and Senior Duet/Trio Pas de Deux/Trios
11.3 Extra time is permitted to all entries to take into account any silence before or after the music on the track. The following extra time is allowed on the music tracks that are submitted on the DGPS entries system:
- Solo, duet/trio and quartet classes - 5 seconds
- Small groups and large formations - 10 seconds
11.4 Dances must not exceed the time limit, but may be shorter.
11.5 Performances in large formation categories could exceed the time limit if there is an explicit consent from DGPS.
12. Time penalties
12.1 The start of the timing of the dance is determined either by the first movement of the dancer(s) or the beginning of the music, whichever is first, up to the last movement of the dancer(s) or the ending of the music, whichever is last.
12.2 The following time penalties will be applied if a dance overruns:
| TIME LIMIT | PENALTY APPLIED AT | PENALTY |
| Solo, Duet/Trio and Quartet Classes | Over 5 seconds | 5 points |
| Group Classes | Over 10 seconds | 5 points |
| Solo Repertoire Ballet | Over 5 seconds | 5 points |
12.3 Any dances more than 30 seconds over the time limit will be immediately disqualified.
12.4 There will be a 25 second time limit for any prop to be placed on stage and removed from the stage. Failure to comply with this will result in a 5 point penalty for each violation.
13. Pointe shoes
13.1 Dancers under the age of 12 years (as on January 1st of the year of the competition) are NOT permitted to wear pointe shoes at the DGPS contest in any circumstances.
13.2 Pointe shoes are not encouraged in CHILDREN’s categories for participants 13 years and under.
13.3 Dancers aged 12-13 years can wear pointe shoes in:
- KSPBR - Children Solo Ballet Repertoire with pointe shoes (age 12-13 years only) and/or KSPB - Children Solo Ballet (any style – not repertoire) (age 12-13 years only). Please note that in KSPBR pointe shoes are compulsory but in KSPB they are optional.
- KDPDD - Children Duet/Trio Pas de Deux/Trois (age 12-13 only). Pointe shoes are compulsory for girls in KDPDD.
13.4 Only 10 – 12 year olds can enter KSB and KSBR. 13 year olds are not permitted to enter KSB or KSBR.
13.5 If a dancer(s) aged 12-13 years wears pointe shoes in a duet, trio, small group or large group dance then the dance must be entered in the relevant JUNIOR category.
14. Music
14.1 If music contains swearing or offensive language the dance may be disqualified or points may be deducted. Dance teachers/representatives can email contest@thousand-smiles.com for guidance on what words will be considered swearing or offensive language.
14.2 Music must be submitted to the DGPS online entry system by the date specified by DGPS.
14.3 DGPS may ask a participant to resend a music file if it does not comply with DGPS requirements for length, quality or file format.
14.4 In case a participant fails to submit a correct music file on time, DGPS may exclude the entry from the contest line-up. In this case DGPS does not owe any compensations or refund to the participant.
14.5 Dance teachers or dancers must have a backup USB for all dances and this must be brought with them to the contest. For further instructions, please email DGPS at contest@thousand-smiles.com.
14.6 In Song and Dance / Musical categories, singback and playback are acceptable. Younger and less-experienced performers are encouraged to use playback.
14.6a If the performer(s) will sing live at the contest, they have to inform DGPS at least one week in advance. DGPS will in this case appoint exclusive soundcheck time for them. If the performer(s) fail to arrive on time for soundcheck, DGPS cannot be held responsible for possible technical failures and poor quality of the microphone sound during the performance.
14.6b All participants in Song and Dance / Musical categories must have a backup USB for all songs fully pre-recorded (playback).
14.6c Participants should only use playback of their own voice. DGPS reserves the right to ask for proof that the recorded voice(s) are authentic.
15. Costumes
15.1 Costumes worn at the DGPS contest competition do not have to be the same as the ones worn in the application video.
15.2 Costumes at the DGPS contest should underline the character of the dance.
15.3 Costumes must be age appropriate.
16. Conditions of performance
16.1 Special lighting effects are not permitted for any performance at DGPS.
16.2 No live props can be used during a performance at DGPS.
16.3 No glass props (e.g. mirrors, vases, windows) can be used at DGPS.
16.4 No flames or lit candles can be used at DGPS.
16.5 No liquids or any other substances are allowed on stage at any time, this includes bubbles, water or other substances that may affect the stage.
16.6 No confetti or any item that requires the stage to be cleaned/swept may be used during a performance at DGPS.
16.7 Props must be simple and be able to be carried on stage by the competitors (excluding BABY and MINI who may have help from a dance teacher).
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/accidents to a competitor/teacher 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.
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.
16.11 If the music stops during a performance due to a technical issue in the theatre the dancer will be allowed to dance again. However, dancers cannot dance again if they forget their dance.
16.12 If a dancer’s music will 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.
17. Genre specific rules
17.1 BALLET
17.1.a The solo ballet classes are as follows:
| 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 other ballet style |
| MiniSB | Mini Solo Ballet (any style) | 6–9 YEARS | Soft ballet shoes Bare feet | Classical Neoclassical Any other ballet style |
| MiniSBR | Mini Solo Ballet Repertoire | 6-9 YEARS | Soft ballet shoes | Repertoire |
| KSB | Children Solo Ballet (any style, not repertoire), (age 10 – 12 years only) | 10–12 YEARS | Soft ballet shoes Bare feet | Classical Neoclassical Any other ballet style |
| KSBR | Children Solo Ballet Repertoire (age 10 – 12 years only) | 10–12 YEARS | Soft ballet shoes | Repertoire |
| KSPB | Children Solo Ballet (any style –not repertoire) (age 12-13 years only) | 12–13 YEARS | Soft ballet shoes Bare feet Pointe shoes | Classical Neoclassical Any other ballet style |
| KSPBR | Children Solo Ballet Repertoire with pointe shoes (age 12-13 only) | 12–13 YEARS | Pointe shoes (C)* | Repertoire |
| JSB | Junior Solo Ballet (any style – not repertoire) | 14-17 YEARS | Soft ballet shoes Bare feet Pointe shoes | Classical Neoclassical Any other ballet style |
| JSBR | Junior Solo Ballet Repertoire | 14-17 YEARS | Pointe shoes (C) | Repertoire |
| SnSB | Senior Solo Ballet (any style – not repertoire) | 18-25 YEARS | Soft ballet shoes Bare feet Pointe shoes | Classical Neoclassical Any other ballet style |
| SnSBR | Senior Solo Ballet Repertoire | 18-25 YEARS | Pointe shoes (C) | Repertoire |
17.1.b The duet ballet classes are as follows:
| BabyDB | Baby Duet/Trio Ballet - any style | 4-6 YEARS | Soft ballet shoes Bare feet | Classical Neoclassical Repertoire Any other ballet style | |
| MiniDB | Mini Duet/Trio Ballet - any style | 6-9 YEARS | Soft ballet shoes Bare feet | Classical Neoclassical Repertoire Any other ballet style | |
| KDB | Children Duet/Trio Ballet – any style (not repertoire) | 10-13 YEARS | Soft ballet shoes Bare feet | Classical Neoclassical Any other ballet style NOT Repertoire | Can also enter KDPDD |
| KDPDD | Children Duet/Trio Pas de Deux/Trois (age 12-13 only) | 12-13 YEARS | Pointe shoes (C) for girls | Repertoire | Can also enter KDB |
| JDB | Junior Duet/Trio Ballet – any style | 14-17 YEARS | Soft ballet shoes Bare feet Pointe shoes | Classical Neoclassical Any other ballet style NOT Repertoire | Can also enter SnDPDD |
| SnDB | Senior Duet/Trio Ballet – any style | 18-25 YEARS | Soft ballet shoes Bare feet Pointe shoes | Classical Neoclassical Any other ballet style NOT Repertoire | Can also enter SnDPDD |
| SnDPDD | Junior and Senior Duet/Trio Pas de Deux/Trois | 14-25 YEARS | Pointe shoes (C) for girls | Repertoire | Can also enter SnDB/JDB |
17.1.c Soft ballet shoes, pointe shoes and bare feet are permitted in ballet classes at DGPS. Please see the table above.
17.1.d In classes JSBR and SnSBR, all female dancers aged 14 or over must wear pointe shoes.
17.1.e In the JUNIOR and SENIOR ballet group classes it is recommended but not compulsory that some of the female dancers wear pointe shoes. The judging panel may take this into account in their scoring. Please note rule 18.1 applies.
17.1.f Dancers are allowed to enter a solo in both a ballet repertoire class (eg JSBR) and a ballet - any style class (eg JSB) with respects of rule 8.4.
17.1.g It’s strictly prohibited to use any kind of protected original choreographies, unless the dance teacher or the dancer sends DGPS the written permission from the designated organization.
17.1.h Repertoire dances are allowed in Solo Ballet, but the choreographic mark will be based on the original steps.
17.1.i Dancers are allowed to enter a duet in both a duet ballet class (eg KDB) and a pas de deux class (eg KDPDD). Note rule 8.6)
17.2 NATIONAL AND FOLKLORE
17.2.a National or folklore dances from any country may be presented by dance students from any country.
17.2.b A traditional dance wearing traditional shoes should be entered into the national and folklore sections.
17.2.c Due to the variety of interpretations in the national classes, no marks are awarded for authenticity of the dance.
17.3 LYRICAL, JAZZ, SHOW DANCE, CONTEMPORARY AND ACRO
17.3.a Please see APPENDIX 3 for a description of these classes.
17.3.b Pointe shoes can be worn in the Lyrical, Jazz, Show Dance, Contemporart and Acro sections if the choreography is enhanced by the wearing of pointe shoes and the dancer is 12 years old and above by January 1st. Please note rule 13.
17.3.c Acrobatic moves in the Lyrical, Jazz Show Dance and Contemporary classes should be kept to a minimum and only used if they enhance the choreography. Excessive use of acrobatic moves in these categories may be penalised.
18. Scores
18.1 First, second and third place will be awarded a gold, silver and bronze medal accordingly, regardless of the number of points received.
18.2 If two dances receive the same number of marks at the DGPS contest then a tied place is awarded.
18.3 The rules for the special awards will be released in April of the competition year.
19. Judging
19.1 The judging panel at the DGPS contest will consist of internationally acclaimed dancers, dance teachers or registered adjudicators. Each class will be judged by a minimum of 3 members of the judging panel.
19.2 Points are given to every dance. The maximum score at the DGPS application and contest is 100.
19.3 The following judging criteria will be applied (for a breakdown of the scoring please see APPENDIX 2):
| CRITERIA | POINTS |
| Technical level of the dance | 20 points maximum |
| Quality in executing the dance and the showing harmony in the group in technique | 20 points maximum |
| Artistic interpretation and musicality of the dancer(s) | 20 points maximum |
| Choreographic variety to include suitability to the dancer(s) and/or originality and innovative work | 20 points maximum |
| Expression and personality of the dancers and the entertainment value of the performance | 20 points maximum |
19.4 The decision of the judging panel is final and cannot be changed, there will be no discussions.
20. Stage
20.1 The Stage dimensions information will be available on the DGPS website (www.contest.thousand-smiles.com) in due course.
20.2 These dimensions are advised by the venue to DGPS and may be subject to change. DGPS cannot be held responsible for any changes.
20.3 DGPS reserves the right to change the venue of the competition or to use multiple venues if necessary.
21. Dressing room / backstage
21.1 Competitors and registered dance teachers of participating schools will have access to the dressing rooms area during the DGPS contest. More information on this will be sent to the dance schools nearer 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 by a teacher/assistant to the side of the stage. The teacher/assistant is responsible for this dancer to be in time for their performance. The backstage manager on duty has the right to ask the teacher/assistant to leave the stage area if they find suitable.
21.4 Every minor (under 18 years old) independent participant should be accompanied by ONE adult at the back stage area. Every school/group with up to 10 participants should be accompanied by ONE adult (teacher/choreographer/representative/assistant) at the backstage area. In case, there is need for additional assistants backstage, additional charges for backstage passes may apply.
21.5 All dancers and companions should respect the order, should not disturb other participants, keep quiet during performances and keep the backstage area clean. Littering and damaging is not allowed. Food consumption in the backstage area and in the theater hall is not allowed.
21.6 If a competitor needs assistance during a performance with props on and off the stage, then details must be emailed to contest@thousand-smiles.com no later than a month before the start of the DGPS contest.
21.7 Dressing or preparation in the theater hall is NOT allowed.
22. Theater admission
22.1 Details on theater admissions for teachers and parents will be confirmed in due course. This information will be emailed to all participants and/or published on DGPS website.
22.2 The DGPS contest is open to the general public. Ticket prices and where to purchase them, will be available on the DGPS website in due course.
22.3 All participants, teachers, assistants, parents, audience should follow DGPS rules and venue access schedule. In case a participant arrives earlier than the provided schedule, DGPS reserves the right to ask this participant to wait outside of the event venue until suitable.
22.4 In case of a misconduct, disrespect of DGPS rules or disturbance of others, DGPS has the right to ask the disturber to leave and/or the ban a participant from performing. No refunds will be made in this case.
23. Insurance
23.1 THOUSAND SMILES EOOD is not responsible for any injuries that may occur to any person including a participant, teacher or audience member whilst in the theatre, dressing rooms, back stage or on the stage, or anywhere else.
23.2 It is the dance school’s or the accompanying legal representative's responsibility to take out their own insurance(s) for their school/dancer to attend DGPS contest.
24. Travel and accommodation
24.1 DGPS is not responsible for any travel and accommodation costs in relation to the DGPS contest.
24.2 DGPS cannot assist in the organisation of any visa applications, it is the responsibility of the dance school/parent to arrange these if needed.
24.3 DGPS shall not be liable to any parent or other members, teachers, students competitors or any other party (a Third Party) for any loss that may suffer as a result of the occurrence of an event or a series of events (including but not limited to Acts of God, Government intervention or advise against organized social gatherings or the undertaking of sporting events, political unrest, war or threat of war, riots, civil strife, closure of airports or ports, natural disasters, fire epidemic or pandemic) which results in:a) the Third Party being unable or unwilling to travel to and or attend the event; orb) the event having to be postponed or cancelled by DGPS; orc) the hosting of the event by DGPS being rendered impossible, impractical or illegal.
25. Refunds and cancellations
25.1 By registering for DGPS, you are confirming that you have read and understood our no cash refunds policy.
25.2 Registration fee is non refundable.
25.3 There will be no refunds made to participants for a cancellation of an entry, for any other reason other than a medical reason or personal circumstances (ie: family bereavement or similar).
25.4 In the event that a dancer cannot compete either for a medical reason or for a personal circumstance (ie: family bereavement), a request for a compensation will be considered on presentation of such supporting evidence as DGPS may at their discretion request. Compensation may be voucher for participation in a next edition of DGPS and in terms, explicitly defined by DGPS for each case.
25.5 Should DGPS have to cancel an event for whatever reason, a credit note will be issued to each dancer for 100% of the entries paid and their entries will automatically be transferred to the next DGPS contest. This credit note can be used at future DGPS contests towards entry fees.
Any disputes that arise against the company will be under the laws of Bulgarian Court of Law.