Dance Grand Prix Sofia Special Edition is an event designed for for young dancers with the ambition and discipline required for a professional career. This exclusive two‑day experience brings together coaching, learning, expert evaluation, and exceptional opportunities for growth.
Our GRAND PRIX award includes substantial cash prize dedicated to supporting the winners’ dance education.
Outstanding participants will also receive scholarships and special recognition from our jury and from our partners.
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to audition for some of Europe’s leading dance institutions?
Are you ready for the next step toward becoming a world‑class dance professional?
Join us for this Special Edition of Dance Grand Prix Sofia and show your potential and dedication.
Find out more:
- Date & location
- The event in brief
- Jury
- Rules
- Prices
- Registration
- Categories and styles
- Scoring and awards
GENERAL INFORMATION
DATE: 17 - 18 October 2026
LOCATION: St. George International School and Preschool, Sofia
FEATURES
Dance Grand Prix Special Edition is an international dance competition dedicated exclusively to solo dancers.
Day 1 - Studio work
Participants take part in intensive masterclasses led by distinguished European teachers. Classes incorporate methodologies and best practices from leading dance academies worldwide. Dancers receive expert guidance throughout the sessions, along with detailed personalized feedback on their studio performance.
Day 2 - Stage performances
To showcase their artistic and technical abilities, dancers present their selected variations and choreographies on stage.
Two-Component Scoring
Final rankings are based on a combined evaluation of studio work and overall stage performance.
AWARDS
All participants receive a certificate of recognition including their total scores, as well as personalised feedback from the jury.
First, second and third place in each style and age category are awarded with medals.
The GRAND PRIX CASH PRIZE is presented to the participant with the highest total score.
Scholarships for training and education will be announced in due course.
Special gifts from sponsors will also to be announced closer to the event.
PARTNERS
To be announced
- Date & location
- The event in brief
- Jury
- Rules
- Prices
- Registration
- Categories and styles
- Scoring and awards
EVENT DESCRIPTION
DGPS Special Edition welcomes dancers aged 10 to 16, divided in the following groups:
Group A - 10 to 12 years
Group B - 12.5 to 14 years (12 years 6 months to 14 years)
Group C - 14.5 to 16 years (14 years 6 month to 16 years)
Styles
Participants may compete in Ballet (classical or neoclassical; repertoire or free choreography) and Modern Dance (contemporary or lyrical). Detailed style descriptions are provided in Appendix 1.
Format
All dancers take part in graded studio work and perform on stage before an audience. The final score reflects the dancer’s performance across both components of the event.
Organization
Information regarding the studio (incl. access, dimensions, registration hours, and class schedule) will be provided in due course.
Details about the theater (incl. access, open stage times, backstage procedures, dressing rooms, and line‑up) will also be announced closer to the event.
- Date & location
- The event in brief
- Jury
- Rules
- Prices
- Registration
- Categories and styles
- Scoring and awards
JURY
Mr. Paul Kay, Royal Ballet School, London
prof. Geraldine Wiart, École de Danse de l’Opéra National de Paris
prof. Grant Martin Scruggs, Akademie det Tanzes, Mennheim
For more information about our adjudicators, please refer to our Jury page.
- Date & location
- The event in brief
- Jury
- Rules
- Prices
- Registration
- Categories and styles
- Scoring and awards
RULES
1. Participants
1.1 Dancers of all nationalities are welcome to apply for participation in DGPS Special Edition.
1.2 Entries must be submitted individually, either by the dancer, the dance teacher, or an authorized school representative. If the dancer is minor according to the Bulgarian Law (under 18 years of age), the application must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian.
2. Application
2.1 Detailed information about DGPS Special Edition application process is available on the official website or upon request via email at contest@thousand-smiles.com.
2.2 DGPS Special participants must complete their registration on the event website. Registrations must be submitted no later than September 20th of the competition year. This deadline does not apply to dancers and/or schools with special invitations and/or scholarships.
2.3 Registrations of participants in Dance Grand Prix Sofia 2026 May Edition are processed with PRIORITY if submitted by July 15th.
After this date, all registrations will be processed as non-priority.
2.4 All registrations are processed in order of submission.
Priority entries processed first, followed by non-priority entries, until all available places are filled.
2.5 DGPS reserves the right to invite any dancer to participate in the DGPS Special Edition at its discretion.
3. Country representation
3.1 Participants may represent their country of citizenship or the country in which they currently reside.
3.2 Each dancer may represent only one country at DGPS Special Edition.
3.3 The country selected during registration will be used for all official materials, announcements and results.
4. Age
4.1 For DGPS Special Edition, the participant’s age is determined as of September 1st in the year of the competition.
4.2 The minimum age of competitors is 10 years as of September 1st in the year of the competition.
4.3 The maximum age of competitors is 16 years as of September 1st in the year of the competition.
4.4 Dancers are assigned to the following age groups:
Group A: 10 to 12 years
Group B: 12.5 to 14 years (12 years 6 months to 14 years)
Group C: 14.5 to 16 years (14 years 6 months to 16 years)
4.5 DGPS reserves the right to ask for proof of age by means of an official ID document with photo at either registration or at the contest.
4.6 All dancers must compete in the age group corresponding to their age as defined above, regardless of training level or experience.
5. Entry Submission
5.1 Entry information for the DGPS Special Edition, including fees and deadlines, is available on the official DGPS website.
5.2 The participant, teacher or legal representative is responsible for submitting the correct information through the DGPS online entry system.
All submitted information will be used for official competition documents, incl. programme, certificates, etc.
5.3 By entering in DGPS Special Edition, all dancers consent to being filmed, photograped and recorded at any time during the event, including during performances, studio work and throughout the venue.
DGPS and its partners may use this material for promotional purposes, including but not limited to advertising, social media press distribution, and DGPS website.
6. Registration Deadlines
6.1 For 2026, the registration closing date for PRIORITY registrations is July 15th 2026.
6.2 For 2026, the registration closing date for non-priority registrations is September 20th 2026 or until all available places are filled. This deadline does not apply to applicants holding an exclusive invitation (see art. 2).
6.3 All entries for DGPS Special Edition 2026 must be fully finalized by 1 October 2026, unless a dancer has received a special invitation with an extended deadline granted by DGPS.
7. Fees
7.1 Fees must be paid at the time of registration, following the instructions sent to each applicant.
All fees are compulsory and must be settled for the registration to be considered valid.
7.2 Participation fees for DGPS Special Edition 2026 are listed in the table below. Any additional fees published on the official DGPS website apply as described and considered part of the registration terms.
7.3 FEES ARE NON REFUNDABLE.
8. Restrictions in participation
8.1 Only dancers who have successfully completed registration and paid all required fees may participate in DGPS Special Edition.
8.2 Participants in DGPS 2026 May Edition, scholarship recipients, and dancers holding special invitations by DGPS have priority in processing of registrations.
8.3 Each dancer must perform ONE SOLO in Classical Ballet. Participation in the Modern Dance category is optional.
8.4 Each dancer may perform a maximum of two solos at DGPS Special Edition.
8.5 Plagiarism of choreography is strictly prohibited. If a formal complaint is submitted and verified, DGPS reserves the right to take appropriate action, incl. disqualification.
9. Dance categories
9.1 DGPS Special Edition includes two dance categories:
- Ballet
- Modern Dance
(please refer to APPENDIX 1 for more details)
9.2 Participation in Ballet is mandatory for all dancers. Participation in Modern Dance is optional.
9.3 Categories order will run with the youngest competitor dancing first and the oldest dancing last.
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. Time limits
10.1 Time limits apply to all dances at the DGPS Special Edition.
10.2 The maximum duration for each solo in all styles is 2 min 10 sec.
10.3 Dances may be shorter than the maximum time limit, but must not exceed it.
11. Time penalties
11.1 Timing begins at the first sound of the music or at the first movement of the dancer, whichever occurs first, and ends at the last movement of the dancer or the end of the music, whichever occurs last.
11.2 If a performance exceeds the time limit by more than 5 seconds, a 5‑point deduction will be applied to the total score.
11.3 Any performance exceeding the time limit by more than 30 seconds will result in immediate disqualification.
11.4 Dancers have 25 seconds to place props on stage and 25 seconds to remove them after the performance. Failure to comply results in a 5‑point deduction for each violation.
12. Pointe shoes
12.1 Dancers in Group A are NOT permitted to wear pointe shoes in any categories.
12.2 Dancers in Group B may wear pointe shoes optionally in Classical Ballet and Ballet Repertoire.
12.3 Dancers in Group C are required to wear pointe shoes for Ballet Repertoire and may use them optionally in Classical Ballet.
13. Music
13.1 Music containing swearing, explicit content, or offensive language is strictly prohibited. If such content is identified, DGPS may apply point deductions or disqualify the performance. Teachers and representatives may contact contest@thousand-smiles.com for clarification regarding acceptable language.
13.2 All music files must be uploaded to the DGPS online entry system by the deadline specified by DGPS.
Late submissions may result in removal from the contest line‑up.
13.3 DGPS may request a new file if the submitted music does not meet requirements for length, audio quality, or file format.
13.4 Participants who fail to submit a correct music file on time may be excluded from the competition. In such cases, DGPS does not owe compensation or refunds.
13.5 Teachers or dancers must bring a backup USB containing all music files to the event. For additional instructions, please contact contest@thousand-smiles.com.
14. Costumes
14.1 Costumes must support and underline the artistic character of the dance.
14.2 Costumes must be age‑appropriate and suitable for the dancer’s category and choreography.
15. Conditions of performance
15.1 Special lighting effects are not permitted for any performance at DGPS Special Edition.
15.2 Live props (including animals or living beings) are strictly prohibited.
15.3 Glass props such as mirrors, vases, or windows are not allowed.
15.4 Open flames, lit candles, or any fire‑based effects are prohibited.
15.5 No liquids or substances may be used on stage at any time. This includes water, bubbles, powders, glitter, or any material that may affect stage safety.
15.6 Confetti or any item requiring the stage to be swept or cleaned is not permitted.
15.7 Props must be simple and carried on and off stage only by the competitors.
15.8 DGPS is not responsible for the safekeeping of any props during the event.
15.9 DGPS is not responsible for injuries or accidents involving props during transport, setup, removal, or backstage handling. Props are used entirely at the dancer’s and teacher’s risk.
15.10 Props must be integral to the performance. The judging panel may deduct points if a prop is deemed unsuitable or unnecessary.
15.11 If music stops due to a technical issue in the theater, the dancer will be allowed to perform again.
However, dancers may NOT repeat a performance if they forget their choreography.
15.12 If a music file fails to play due to a technical issue, the dancer may perform without music.
16. Scoring
16.1 The final total score of each participant is determined by two components:
a) the score from the studio work (Day 1), and
b) the score from the stage performance(s) (Day 2).
16.2 The studio work score reflects the participant’s performance during the masterclasses and is evaluated according to the criteria listed in Appendix 2.
16.3 The stage performance score reflects the participant’s performance on stage and is evaluated according to the criteria listed in Appendix 2.
16.4 Participants may present up to two dances on stage. When two dances are performed, only the higher of the two stage scores will be taken into consideration when calculating the final total score.
16.5 The final total score is calculated as follows: Final Total Score = Studio Work Score + Highest Stage Score.
16.6 Based solely on the stage performance scores, DGPS will determine the dance‑only rankings in each age group and style as follows:
a) Ballet – Repertoire: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place
b) Ballet – Non‑Repertoire: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place
c) Modern / Contemporary: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place
16.7 Based on the final total scores, DGPS will determine the Overall Top 3 dancers in each age group.
16.8 First, second and third place in each style and age category (dance‑only rankings) will receive certificate of merit and gold, silver and bronze medals accordingly.
16.9 First, second and third place overall will receive certificate of merit and special awards.
16.10 Tied scores will result in tied placements.
16.11 Special awards and scholarships will be announced in due time.
16.12 The Jury reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to review and adjust scores and/or rankings prior to the official announcement of results, should it deem such action necessary to ensure fairness and accuracy.
17. Judging
17.1 The judging panel at the DGPS Special Edition 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.
17.2 Points are given to every dancer. The maximum total score at the DGPS Special contest is 100.
17.3 The judging criteria for studio work and stage performances are defined in APPENDIX 2:
17.4 Criteria for evaluating dancers during STUDIO WORK include their execution of exercises on barre and center, adaptability to new teaching approaches and working environments, musicality, and overall motivation.
17.5 Criteria for evaluating dancers during STAGE PERFORMANCES include their technical execution, artistic interpretation and musicality, suitability and structure of the choreography, and the dancer’s expression and overall stage presence.
17.6 The decision of the judging panel is final and cannot be changed after the official announcement of results.
18. Studio and Stage
18.1 All participants will receive detailed information regarding event registration, studio and theater admission. Participants who fail to register on time for a studio work or stage performance may be disqualified. No refunds will be issued.
18.2 Information regarding the studio and stage dimensions will be published on the DGPS official website in due course.
18.3 The studio and stage dimensions are provided to DGPS by the venue and may be subject to change. DGPS cannot be held responsible for any such changes.
18.4 DGPS reserves the right to change the venue of the competition if necessary.
19. Dressing Room / Backstage
19.1 Competitors and registered companions (dance teachers, school representatives or parents) will have access to the dressing room area during the DGPS Special contest. Detailed information regarding access will be provided closer to the competition date.
19.2 Parents do not have access to the dressing rooms or backstage unless they are registered as legal representatives of minor dancers. In such cases, the parent will be registered as a dancer assistant.
19.3 All minor dancers must be accompanied to the side of the stage by a teacher or assistant. The teacher/assistant is responsible for ensuring that the dancer is on time for their performance. The backstage manager on duty reserves the right to ask the teacher/assistant to leave the stage area if deemed necessary.
19.4 Every minor (under 18 years old) participant must be accompanied by one adult in the backstage area. Each school with up to 10 participants may be accompanied by one adult (teacher/choreographer/representative/assistant). If additional backstage assistants are required, additional charges for backstage passes may apply.
Note: Backstage passes are not valid for theater entry.
19.5 All dancers and companions must respect backstage order, avoid disturbing other participants, remain quiet during performances, and keep the backstage area clean. Littering or causing damage is strictly prohibited. Food consumption in the backstage area and in the theater hall is not permitted.
19.6 If a competitor requires assistance with props on or off the stage, details must be emailed to contest@thousand-smiles.com no later than one month before the start of the DGPS Special contest.
19.7 Dressing or preparation in the theater hall is strictly prohibited.
19.8 Studio work is not open to the public. Teachers and parents will not have access to the studio.
20. Theater Admission
20.1 The DGPS Special Edition is open to the general public. Ticket prices and purchase instructions will be published on the DGPS website in due course.
20.2 Adults holding backstage passes may enter the theater with reduced-price tickets.
20.3 Ticket prices and purchase instructions will be published on the DGPS website in due course.
20.4 All participants, teachers, assistants, parents, audience must follow DGPS rules and venue access schedule. If a participant arrives earlier than the scheduled access time, DGPS reserves the right to request that the participant wait outside the venue until entry is permitted.
20.5 In case of a misconduct, disrespect of DGPS rules or disturbance of others, DGPS has the right to ask the individual to leave the venue and/or the ban a participant from performing. No refunds will be issued in such case.
21. Insurance
21.1 THOUSAND SMILES EOOD is not responsible for any injuries that may occur to any person, including participants, teachers or audience members, while in the theater, dressing rooms, backstage, on stage, or in any other area of the venue.
21.2 It is the responsibility of the dance school or the accompanying legal representative to obtain appropriate insurance coverage for their school and/or dancer for participation in the DGPS Special contest.
22. Travel and accommodation
22.1 DGPS is not responsible for any travel and accommodation costs in relation to participation in DGPS Special Edition.
22.2 DGPS cannot assist with visa applications. It is the responsibility of the dance school or the accompanying legal representative to arrange any required travel documents.
22.3 DGPS shall not be liable to any parent, teacher, student, competitor or any other third party for any loss arising from an event or series of events (including but not limited to Acts of God, government intervention, recommendations against organized gatherings or 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 or attend the event; or
b) the event being postponed or cancelled by DGPS; or
c) the hosting of the event by DGPS being rendered impossible, impractical or illegal.
23. Refunds and Cancellation
23.1 By registering for DGPS Special Edition, you are confirming that you have read and understood the DGPS no-refund policy.
23.2 The registration fee is non‑refundable under any circumstances.
23.3 No refunds will be issued for cancellations of entries for any reason other than a medical condition or serious personal circumstances (e.g., family bereavement).
23.4 In the event that a dancer cannot participate due to a medical reason or serious personal circumstance, a request for compensation may be submitted. DGPS may request supporting documentation at its discretion. Compensation, if granted, will be issued in the form of a voucher for participation in a future DGPS edition, under terms defined by DGPS for each individual case.
23.5 Should DGPS be required to cancel the event for any reason, a credit note equal to 100% of the entry fees paid will be issued to each dancer. Entries will automatically be transferred to the next DGPS contest. The credit note may be used toward entry fees at future DGPS contests. Any disputes arising shall be governed by the laws of the Republic of Bulgaria.
Any disputes that arise against the company will be under the laws of Bulgarian Court of Law.
- Date & location
- The event in brief
- Jury
- Rules
- Prices
- Registration
- Categories and styles
- Scoring and awards
PRICES
For 2026 the prices for participating in DGPS Special Edition are:
| Item | NON PRIORITY (price per dancer per dance) | PRIORITY (price per dancer per dance for DGPS & CID members*) |
| Registration fee | 30.00 Euro | - Euro |
| Studio work + 1 Solo Performance | 170.00 Euro | 160.00 Euro |
| Additional Solo | 45.00 Euro | 40.00 Euro |
| Media package | 30.00 Euro | 30.00 Euro |
*DGPS and CID members receive PRIORITY in registration and an EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT. DGPS members include all dancers registered for Dance Grand Prix 2026 May edition.
Each dancer has the right of one backstage assistant.
Schools may register one assistant per 10 dancers.
Additional backstage passes may be requested from DGPS team.
Backstage passes do not grant access to theater audience area.
MEDIA PACKAGE (PHOTO & VIDEO materials) will be available for order after the event. The price for media package includes photos from studio work, photos from stage performance, video from stage performance, photos from awarding ceremony.
THEATER TICKETS are sold on location.
Standard ticket: to be announced
Reduced ticket (for backstage pass owners): to be announced
- Date & location
- The event in brief
- Jury
- Rules
- Prices
- Registration
- Categories and styles
- Scoring and awards
REGISTRATION
Registration of DGPS25 MEMBERS closes on July 15th 2026.
Registration of NON PRIORITY applicants opens on July 16th 2026 and closes on September 20th 2026 or when all available places are filled.
Registration of non priority applicants may not open if all available places are filled in by DGPS26 Members.
Sign up for DGPS Sepcial Edition
Please, make sure the information you provide is correct. It will be used in programming the events and on official documents.
Application
Please fill in all details correctly. This information is important for your performance on stage.
Terms and Conditions
Before you finish, as an official representative of the applicants, you have to agree with our Terms and Conditions, as well as with our Child Protection Policy.
Payment
Please, provide proof of payment. If a scholarship is applicable, please attach your certificate as well. Registration is valid only if payment is received.
Your details
First name
Last name
Birth date
Sex
School/Club/Association's name
Teacher's name
Headshot
Max. size: 200.0 MB
Contact details
Country
City
Email (for confirmation and further comunication)
Repeat to confirm
Phone
Dance 1
Style 1
Dance name
Choreographer (if original choreography)
Starting from
The music file you upload should be named as follows: DancerName-DanceName-Style. Files in unsupported format or with wrong name will not be used. To generate a link, you can use wetransfer, google drive, swisstransfer, abv dox or similar.
Link 1 to music file
Dance 2 (optional)
Style 2
Dance name
Choreographer (if original choreography)
Starting from
Link 2 to music file
Contest terms
Proof of payment
DGPS Special 26 fees:
| Registration | 30 Euro |
| Studio work + 1 Solo | 170 Euro |
| Additional solo | 45 Euro |
Proof of payment
Max. size: 200.0 MB
- Date & location
- The event in brief
- Jury
- Rules
- Prices
- Registration
- Categories and styles
- Scoring and awards
APPENDIX 1 - CATEGORIES
List of categories in DGPS Special Edition
Group A: Age 10 to 12
| CODE | CLASS TITLE |
| A-B | Solo Age group A - Ballet (any style) |
| A-Bm | Solo Age group A - Ballet (any style) - boys |
| A-BR | Solo Age group A - Ballet Repertoire (soft shoes only) |
| A-BRm | Solo Age group A - Ballet Repertoire - boys |
| A-M | Solo Age group A - Modern |
| A-Mm | Solo Age group A - Modern - boys |
Group B: Age 12.5 to 14
| CODE | CLASS TITLE |
| B-B | Solo Age group B - Ballet (any style) |
| B-Bm | Solo Age group B - Ballet (any style) - boys |
| B-BR | Solo Age group B - Ballet Repertoire (pointe - optional) |
| B-BRm | Solo Age group B - Ballet Repertoire - boys |
| B-M | Solo Age group B - Modern |
| B-Mm | Solo Age group B - Modern - boys |
Group C: Age 14.5 to 16
| CODE | CLASS TITLE |
| C-B | Solo Age group C - Ballet (any style) |
| C-Bm | Solo Age group C - Ballet (any style) - boys |
| C-BR | Solo Age group C - Ballet Repertoire (on pointe) |
| C-BRm | Solo Age group C - Ballet Repertoire - boys |
| C-M | Solo Age group C - Modern |
| C-Mm | Solo Age group C - Modern - boys |
Classical ballet
Classical ballet is the foundation of all ballet styles. It emphasizes precise and formalized movements, often characterized by pointe work, graceful arm positions, and intricate footwork. This style is rooted in tradition and showcases the beauty and grace of ballet in its purest form. At DGPS Special Edition, dancers are welcome to perform Repertoire variation or a solo choreographed for them. The use of pointes is NOT permitted for dancers in Age Group A. Pointe shoes are OPTIONAL for dancers in Age Group B. Pointe shoes are COMPULSORY for Repertoire variation by dancers in Age Group C.
Neoclassical ballet
Neoclassical ballet is a contemporary take on classical ballet, characterized by its abstract and minimalist approach. It emphasizes clean lines, speed, and technical precision, often accompanied by avant-garde music. Neoclassical ballet seeks to deconstruct traditional narrative-driven ballets and focuses on the pure movement and physicality of dance.
Contemporary
Contemporary pushes the boundaries of traditional ballet techniques, incorporating elements of modern dance and experimentation. It blends fluidity and athleticism, allowing dancers to explore their creativity and expressiveness through a fusion of classical and contemporary movements. This style often incorporates improvisation and encourages dancers to think outside the box, challenging traditional ballet norms.
Lyrical
Lyrical dance is a dance style that blends elements of ballet and modern. A lyrical dancer will use movements to express strong emotions such as love, joy, romance etc. The dancer often performs to music with lyrics as this serves as inspiration for the dancer’s movements and expressions. Movements in lyrical dance are characterized by fluidity and grace , with the dancer flowing seamlessly from one movement to another. Leaps are high and turns are fluid and continuous.
- Date & location
- The event in brief
- Jury
- Rules
- Prices
- Registration
- Categories and styles
- Scoring and awards
APPENDIX 2 - SCORING
Scoring Criteria for Studio
Studio Work is evaluated during the masterclass and reflects the dancer’s technical foundation, learning ability, and artistic responsiveness.
Total score 50 points maximum
| CRITERIA | POINTS maximum |
| Body alignment & technical skill, incl. posture, body control and placement during the entire class, accuracy in movement, control and balance, strength, quality of footwork | 10 |
| Potential, incl. natural facility, physical aptitude, long-term development indicators, ability to grow | 15 |
| Adaptability, incl. ability to learn and apply corrections, responsiveness to new combinations, concentration and focus, ability to adjust to different teaching styles | 15 |
| Musicality, incl. timing, phrasing, dynamic sensitivity, coordination with rhythm and accents | 10 |
Scoring Criteria for Stage Performance
Stage Performance reflects how the dancer transforms technique into artistry, demonstrating clarity, musicality, and expressive presence in their solo.
Total score 50 points maximum
| CRITERIA | POINTS maximum |
| Technical execution, incl. clarity and precision of movement, control, balance, strength, flexibility, quality of footwork, turns and jumps, and pointe work where applicable | 10 |
| Quality of performance, incl. confidence, projection, consistency, energy, stage presence, and overall control throughout the choreography | 10 |
| Artistic interpretation & musicality, incl. emotional expression, character portrayal, phrasing, timing, dynamic variation, and use of musical accents | 10 |
| Choreographic suitability & variety, incl. how well the choreography fits the dancer’s level and style, originality, structure, and effective use of space | 10 |
| Expression & overall impact, incl. expressive communication, personality, audience engagement, and overall impression of the performance | 10 |