Regulations

1. GENERAL
1.1.	The 1th Portoroz-Portorose International Ballet Competition will be held by Slovenian Ballet artists association and Avditorij Portoroz-Portorose (hereinafter as “the Organizer”), supported by Ministry of Culture of Republic of Slovenia, with the kind cooperation of the Piran Municipality, from 13 through 21 July, 2026. The Competition is open to ballet dancers of all nationalities, provided they comply with the requirements of these Regulations.
1.2.	Dancers take part in the Competition in two age categories and separate prizes and titles are awarded to each category: Category JUNIORS – for Ballet dancers – girls and boys aged 14 to 18, born between July 13, 2008 and July 13, 2012. Category SENIORS – for Ballet dancers – Female and Male aged 19 to 26, born between July 13, 2000 and July 13, 2007.
1.3.	The Competition will take place in three rounds at the Open-Air Theatre called Amphitheatre of Avditorij Portoroz-Portorose in the city of Portoroz-Portorose on a stage covered with a wooden Harlequine floor covered with Harlequin Allegro vinil dance floor. Stage size is 20 × 15 m, height 10–12 m, no slope.
1.4.	The maximum number of candidates to be allowed to take part in the 1th Portoroz-Portorose International ballet competition shall be 120 in both Categories. After receiving the application documents of the 120th candidate the Organizer shall stop accepting any documents.
1.5.	30 dancers from Category JUNIORS and 30 dancers from Category SENIORS with the highest score from the First Round, but no lower than 75.00 points, shall be allowed to participate in the Second Round. Each group shall have a guaranteed minimum of 25 competitors, but with score not lower than 75.00 points.
1.6.	15 competitors from Category JUNIORS and 15 competitors from Category SENIORS with the highest score in the Second Round, but not lower than 80.00 points shall be admitted to the Third Round.
1.7.	Competitors may compete in a single round as soloists or in Pas de deux, meaning they may perform variations in one round and Pas de deux in the next. Competitors may also perform variations in all three rounds or Pas de deux in all three rounds. In both cases classification is done individually. Competitors may perform contemporary choreography in the second and third rounds of the competition as solos or as a duet. Couples may be formed from members of the same or different categories, i.e. one of the competitors may be from Category JUNIORS, the other from Category SENIORS.
1.8.	Competitors may participate also with a partner who is not a competitor at all, when they perform a pas-de-deux or contemporary choreography in duet.
1.9.	In case of bad weather, the Competition will also take place on the Open Air stage, as the entire Amphitheater is protected by a canvas roof. In case of heavy rain and wind, the organizer may postpone the start time of the competition on a particular day.
1.10.	All performances included in the Competition Programme are open to the public.

2. CALENDAR PROGRAMME
July 13th	11.30am 8pm 9pm or 9.30pm	Stage rehearsals – competitors competing on this day Opening ceremony First round / First day
July 14th	11.30am 9pm or 9.30pm	Stage rehearsals – competitors competing on this day First round / Second day
July 15th	11.30am 9pm or 9.30pm	Stage rehearsals – competitors competing on this day First round / Third day
July 16th	11.30am 9pm or 9.30 pm	Stage rehearsals – competitors competing on this day Second round / First day
July 17th	11.30am 9pm or 9.30pm	Stage rehearsals – competitors competing on this day Second round / Second day
July 18th	11.30am 9pm or 9.30pm	Stage rehearsals – competitors competing on this day Second round / Third day
July 19th	11.30am 9pm or 9.30pm	Stage rehearsals – competitors competing on this day Third round / First day
July 20th	11.30am 9pm or 9.30pm	Stage rehearsals – competitors competing on this day Third round / Second day
July 21th	12am 8pm 9.30pm	Stage rehearsal – GALA AWARD CEREMONY BALLET GALA PORTOROZ-PORTOROSE INTERNATIONAL BALLET COMPETITION

3. OBLIGATORY COMPETITION PROGRAMME
FIRST ROUND	Obligatory classical choreography: Competitors perform, at their own choice: either one pas de deux (adagio, variation and coda), either two variations, from the obligatory Competition repertoire listed below.
SECOND ROUND	In the Second Round all competitors in one night perform competition program not performed in the First round: either a pas de deux (adagio, variation and coda; of the competitor’s choice) from the classical ballet repertoire created by the end of the 19th century, either two variations (of the competitor’s choice) from the classical ballet repertoire created by the end of the 19th century; plus a contemporary work of the competitor’s choice (solo or duet) choreographed in the last 15 years, this is after July 13, 2011, not exceeding three (3) minutes when danced as solo and not exceeding five (5) minutes when danced as duet – the tolerance for both solo and duet is 10 seconds.
THIRD ROUND	In the third round of the competition, competitors may repeat any pas de deux or any variation from the first or second round of the competition, or they may choose a new pas de deux or a new variation of their own choice, in one night: JUNIORS Category: either a pas de deux (adagio, variation and coda) performed either in the first or in second round of the Competition or new pas de deux not performed yet, or two variations from the classical ballet repertoire performed in either the first or second round of the competition or two variations not performed yet – can be also one new and one already performed. (Pas de deux or variations must be from the classical ballet repertoire created by the end of the 19th century) plus a contemporary work performed in the second round of the competition and must not exceed three (3) minutes if danced as a solo and five (5) minutes if danced as a duet – a tolerance of 10 seconds for solos and duets. SENIORS Category: either a pas de deux (adagio, variation and coda) performed either in the first or in second round of the Competition or new pas de deux not performed yet, or two variations from the classical ballet repertoire performed in either the first or second round of the competition or two variations not performed yet – can be also one new and one already performed. (Pas de deux or variations must be from the classical ballet repertoire created by the end of the 19th century) plus a contemporary work of the competitor’s choice (solo or duet) choreographed in the last 10 years, this is after July 13, 2016, not exceeding three (3) minutes when danced as solo and not exceeding five (5) minutes when danced as duet – the tolerance for both solo and duet is 10 seconds.

OTHER CONDITIONS
In all three rounds dancers perform their two variations plus contemporary work or Pas de deux plus contemporary work in the Second and in the Third round in one competition night.
Besides the three rounds the Competition programme includes: One Award ceremony One Gala ballet concert of the laureates and optional other competitors by Jury choice.
In the Gala ballet concert the dancers shall perform the programme selected by the Jury or Organizer and for no fee.
The competitors take part in the Competition with their own ballet costumes, rehearsal ones, point-shoes and slippers. The Organizer is not providing wig-makers, make-up artists or wardrobe keepers.

4. OBLIGATORY COMPETITION REPERTOIRE

Each pas de deux must be performed in its full: Entre (if any), adagio, male variation, female variation and coda in full.

Competitors perform, at their own choice, one pas de deux (adagio, variation and coda) or two variations from the obligatory repertoire listed below (variations can be also from any of the pas de deux listed):

A. Ch. Adam	GISELLE	Variation of Giselle, Act I, Chor. Petipa, music Minkus Pas de deux, Act I, Chor. Perrot, Coralli, Petipa Entree and variation of Myrtha, Act II, Chor. Perrot, Coralli, Petipa Grand pas de deux of Giselle and Albert, Act II, Chor. Perrot, Coralli, Petipa
A. Ch. Adam	LE CORSAIRE	Pas de deux of Medora and the Slave (Pas d’esclave), Act I, Chor. Petipa Any variation from Odaliskque, Act II, Chor. Petipa Grand Pas de deux, Act II, Chor. Petipa, music Drigo
J. Armsheimer	THE CAVALRY CAMP	Pas de deux of Maria and Peter, Chor. Petipa
J. Bayer	THE FAIRY DOLL	Female variation from Pas de trois, Chor. S.&N. Legat
F. Chopin	LES SYLPHIDES	Any variation, Chor. Fokine
R. Drigo	AWAKENING OF FLORA	Flora variation, Chor. Petipa
R. Drigo	THE PHARAOH’S DAUGHTER	Variation of First, Second or Third river from Act 3, Chor. Petipa Aspicia variation from Act 2, Chor. Petipa Fisherman variation, Chor. Petipa Taor variation, Chor. Petipa
R. Drigo	THE TALISMAN	Pas de deux, Chor. Petipa
R. Drigo	HARLEQUINADE	Pas de deux, Chor. Petipa
B. Assafyev	THE FLAMES OF PARIS	Pas de deux, Chor. Vainonen
L. Delibes	COPPELIA	Pas de deux of Swanilda and Franz, Act III, Chor. Saint -Leon, Petipa
A. Glazounov	RAYMONDA	Any Raymonda variation, Chor. Petipa Grand pas de deux of Raymonda and de Brienne, Act III, Chor. Petipa
C. Pugni	ESMERALDA	Grand Pas de deux, Chor. Petipa Pas de deux of Diana and Acteon, Chor. Vaganova
C. Pugni	THE LITTLE HUMPBACKED HORSE	Male variation from Pas de trois, Chor. Gorsky/Petipa Male variation from Finale, Chor. Gorsky/Petipa
C. Pugni	THE CARNIVAL OF VENICE	Pas de deux, Chor. Petipa
H. S. Løvenskjold	LA SYLPHIDE	Pas de deux of Sylphide and James, Act II, Chor. Bournonville
L. Minkus	LA BAYADERE	Variation of Gamzatti, Act II, Chor. Petipa Variation of Solor, Act II, Chor. Petipa Variation of Nikia, Act II, Chor. Petipa Any of three variations of the Shades, Act III Chor. Petipa
L. Minkus	DON QUIXOTE	Grand pas de deux of Kitri and Basil, Act IV, Chor. Petipa, Gorsky Variation of Kitri, Act I, Chor. Petipa Variation of the Queen of the Driads, Chor. Petipa Variation of the Bridemade, Act III, Chor. Petipa
L. Minkus	PAQUITA	Variations from the pas de trois, Chor. Petipa Variations from the Grand pas, Chor. Petipa or V. Gsovsky Any other woman variation, Chor. Petipa
D. F. E. Auber	GRAND PAS CLASSIQUE	Grand Pas classique, Chor. Gsovsky
H. S. Paulli	NAPOLI	Variations, Chor. Bournonville
H. S. Paulli	THE KERMESSE IN BRUGES or THE THREE GIFTS	Pas de deux, Chor. Bournonville
C. Pugni	SATANELLA	Pas de deux, Chor. Petipa
E. Helsted	FESTIVAL OF THE FLOWERS IN GENZANO	Pas de deux, Chor. Bournonville
P. L. Hertel	LA FILLE MAL GARDÉE	Pas de deux of Lisa and Colin, Act II, Chor. Petipa, Gorsky
A. Saint-Léon	LA VIVANDIERE	Any of variation
P. I. Tchaikovsky	SWAN LAKE	Variation of Odette , Act II, Chor. Lev Ivanov Variation from pas de trois, Act I, Chor. Petipa Pas de deux of Odile and Siegfried, Act III, Chor. Petipa
P. I. Tchaikovsky	THE SLEEPING BEAUTY	Variation of Lilac Fairy, Act I, Chor. Petipa Variation of Aurora, Act I, Chor. Petipa Variation of Prince Charming (Desire), Act II, Chor. Petipa Variation of Lilac Fairy, Act III, Chor. Petipa Any of variations of precious stones: Gold, Silver, Diamond, Sapphire, Chor. Petipa Pas de deux of Florina and the Blue Bird, Act III, Chor. Petipa Pas de deux of Aurora and Desire, Act III, Chor. Petipa, Sergeev
P. I. Tchaikovsky	THE NUTCRACKER	Pas de deux of Sugar Plum Fairy and the Prince, Act II, Chor. Vainonen

According the George Balanchine Trust the choreography of George Balanchine is not permitted to be used for competitions. This was Mr. Balanchine wish which the George Balanchine Trust continues to honor.

For all other choreographies that are copyrighted, the competitors must obtain the copyright themselves in order to perform them.

5. COMPETITORS' PROGRAMME SELECTION
5.1.	Competitors must perform different dances (variations, pas de deux and contemporary) in the three Competition rounds. Competitors may perform in single round of the Competition either Pas de deux either solo variations. Regardless of whether the competitors compete in a pas de deux or solo in the classical part of the program in the single round, they may compete in a solo or in a pair in the contemporary choreography in the same round. If they compete in a pair in the contemporary choreography, the partner may be a competitor from the same or another category, or from outside the competition.
5.2.	When evaluating the competitors, the jury will also take into account the choice of their repertoire, namely with regard to the expressive diversity of the selected dances as a demonstration of the competitor’s broad performing abilities.
5.3.	The duration of the pas de deux from the classical repertoire should not exceed 15 minutes.
5.4.	Contemporary choreography is a creative and expressive dance form that reflects the choreographer’s vision and the performer’s individuality. It moves beyond classical ballet and draws from modern dance, jazz, physical theatre, and other contemporary techniques. The focus is on conveying ideas, emotions, and atmosphere rather than following strict academic form. Movement may be fluid, grounded, improvisational, and innovative in timing, rhythm, and spatial design, performed to music, sound, voice, or silence. A contemporary piece should show originality, a clear concept, and artistic integrity, while highlighting the dancer’s technique, creativity, and emotional depth. It may explore social, psychological, or abstract themes and should express the choreographer’s unique artistic language. Within the International Ballet Competition Portorož 2026, contemporary choreography offers dancers a chance to show versatility and interpretative skill, linking classical training with modern artistic freedom.
5.5.	There may not be more than 5 changes in the lighting of the contemporary choreography works.
5.6.	The duration of contemporary choreography in the Second and Third Rounds should not exceed 3 minutes when danced as a solo and 5 minutes when danced in couple. The tolerance in both cases is a maximum of 10 seconds.
5.7.	Contemporary work performance may be danced only as a solo or duet, so not more than two dancers are allowed to take part in a contemporary work performance.
5.8.	In Contemporary choreography, competitors competing with variations can also perform in pairs (the partner can be a competitor from any category or outside the competition), while competitors competing with pas de deux can perform as individuals – soloists.
5.8.	If the beginning of the contemporary choreography is without music, a representative of the competitor must be present in the sound booth during the competition performances and the gala concert.

6. MUSIC RECORDINGS
6.1.	Competitors will submit their audio recordings prior to arrival at the competition using the form published on the website.
6.2.	For music recordings, competitors must submit high-quality audio recordings.
6.3.	The audio recordings that the competitors will use in the competition must meet the following technical requirements: supported audio formats: mp3 with a bit rate greater than or equal to 128 Kbps; or wave with 16 bits and a sampling frequency of 44.1 kHz; despite the fact that the competitors will send the music recordings to the organizer before arriving at the competition, they must also have them with them on a USB stick, just in case – the music recordings on the USB stick must be the same as the recordings that the competitors send before arriving at the competition; the audio recordings must have an SNR > 65 dB (signal/noise ratio greater than 65 decibels); additional compression or other modification of the original music recording is not allowed; no music recording may contain audible errors such as clicks, noise, wow, flickering, applause, cutting the end of the music without fade out, etc.
6.4.	Each music clip must be recorded separately. The name of each music file must clearly state: the name of the competitor, the title of the dance number, the title of the song, in which round it will be performed.
6.5.	For rehearsals on stage, speakers will be available to which competitors can connect music via Bluetooth. Competitors provide their own music recordings for rehearsals, connect them to the speakers, and play them themselves.

7. DIRECTOR REQUIREMENTS
7.1.	For each competition performance, competitors must submit directing requirements, which determine the order of arrival on stage, lights, start of music, etc., on a form published on the competition website before the start of the competition.
7.2.	If the lighting changes during the performance of a contemporary choreography are related to the music or the competitor’s movement, a representative of the competitor must be present at the stage manager’s desk during the performance.

8. JURY
8.1.	The competitors will be judged by an international jury of renowned ballet artists.
8.2.	The jury will act in accordance with the rules set or approved by the organizer.
8.3.	The jury’s decisions are final and cannot be appealed, and the jury’s decisions cannot be revised after the results have been submitted to the organizer.

9. SCORING
9.1.	The jury will evaluate the competitors according to a 100-point system, where the lowest score can be 50 points. Full computer processing of the voting is ensured by a special computer system, in which the members of the international jury enter their scores into the computer immediately after the performance of each dancer. After the completion of the individual competition round of each group, the president of the professional jury convenes a jury meeting, at which the members of the jury discuss the scores and confirm the final decision. Scoring and evaluation are carried out in accordance with special regulations adopted by the executive committee of the organizer, individually, separately for men and women, for both age groups, regardless of whether they perform as soloists or in pairs.
9.2.	When competitors compete with two classical variations in the First round, the international jury evaluates each variation separately, and the two scores are then divided by two to give a single score for both variations.
9.3.	When competitors compete in the pas de deux in the First round, the international jury evaluates each competitor individually with one score for the entire pas de deux performance.
9.4.	In the second and third rounds, the jury evaluates each performance (classical and modern number) separately, and then the scores are divided by the number of performances of the competitor in each round (two variations and a contemporary choreography are divided by three, pas de deux and a contemporary choreography are divided by two etc.), which represents the competitor’s final score in each round.
9.5.	Competitors are evaluated separately in each competition round.
9.6.	The international jury will consider the presentation of the competitors in all three rounds and the average of the total points received in all three rounds in their discussions for awarding the prizes.

10. DISQUALIFICATION
10.1.	The International Jury may, by public vote by a 2/3 majority, disqualify competitors who: do not perform generally known conventional versions of classical choreographic works; do not use sound recordings of the original orchestral performance when performing the classical competition program; use sound recordings of poor quality that do not meet the requirements of point 6 – Musical accompaniment; do not perform a program that meets the requirements and selection of the compulsory competition program; perform contemporary choreography whose duration exceeds the permitted length specified in these rules by more than 10 seconds.

11. AWARDS
Category JUNIORS	The title “1ST INTERNATIONAL BALLET COMPETITION PORTOROZ-PORTOROSE 2026 JUNIOR LAUREATE” shall be awarded: THE PORTOROZ-PORTOROSE JUNIOR GRAND PRIX EUR 5,000, Gold Medal and Diploma The following prizes of the 1ST INTERNATIONAL BALLET COMPETITION PORTOROZ-PORTOROSE 2026 will be awarded: GIRLS One First Prize – EUR 2,000, Gold Medal and Diploma One Second Prize – EUR 1,500, Silver Medal and Diploma One Third Prize – EUR 1,000, Bronze Medal and Diploma BOYS One First Prize – EUR 2,000, Gold Medal and Diploma One Second Prize – EUR 1,500, Silver Medal and Diploma One Third Prize – EUR 1,000, Bronze Medal and Diploma
Category SENIORS	The title “1ST INTERNATIONAL BALLET COMPETITION PORTOROZ-PORTOROSE 2026 LAUREATE” shall be awarded: THE PORTOROZ-PORTOROSE GRAND PRIX EUR 6,000, Gold Medal and Diploma The following prizes of the 1ST INTERNATIONAL BALLET COMPETITION PORTOROZ-PORTOROSE 2026 will be awarded: FEMALE One First Prize – EUR 3,000, Gold Medal and Diploma One Second Prize – EUR 2,500, Silver Medal and Diploma One Third Prize – EUR 2,000, Bronze Medal and Diploma MALE One First Prize – EUR 3,000, Gold Medal and Diploma One Second Prize – EUR 2,500, Silver Medal and Diploma One Third Prize – EUR 2,000, Bronze Medal and Diploma
SPECIAL AWARDS BY ORGANISER	Special award from the Slovenian Ballet Artists Association for an exceptional performance by a couple in the JUNIOR category: invitation to perform at the International Ballet Gala Concert in Ljubljana, which will take place on March 7, 2027 on the stage of the Gallus Hall of Cankarjev Dom (the award may be given to one or more couples, the award is decided by the artistic council of the Slovenian Ballet Artists Association). Special award of the Slovenian Ballet Artists Association for an exceptional performance by a couple in the SENIORS category: invitation to perform at the International Ballet Gala Concert in Ljubljana, which will take place on March 7, 2027 on the stage of the Gallus Hall of Cankarjev dom (the award may be given to one or more couples, the award is decided by the artistic council of the Slovenian Ballet Artists Association). Special award of the Slovenian Ballet Artists Association in the Category JUNIORS: free participation in the International Summer Ballet Camp “DANCS Ballet Intensive” in 2027 in Portorož, Slovenia, scheduled from July 26 to August 7, 2027 (the award may be given to max. three dancers, the award is decided by the artistic council of the Slovenian Ballet Artists Association). Special award of the Slovenian Ballet Artists Association in the Category SENIORS: free participation in the International Summer Ballet Camp “DANCS Ballet Intensive” in 2027 in Portorož, Slovenia, scheduled from July 26 to August 7, 2027 (the award may be given to max. three dancers, the award is decided by the artistic council of the Slovenian Ballet Artists Association).
ADDITIONAL AWARDS	A. FOR PERFORMANCE Award for exceptional and diverse artistic interpretation of all dances in the third round of the competition in the Category JUNIORS: 300 EUR and a certificate for solo dancer or 600 EUR and a certificate for a couple; Award for exceptional and diverse artistic interpretation of all dances in the third round of the competition in the Category SENIORS: 300 EUR and a certificate for solo dancer or 600 EUR and a certificate for a couple; Awards for the best partner, a competitor or non-competitor who participated in all three rounds of the competition: 300 EUR and a certificate; Awards for the youngest competitors, a girl and a boy, who participated in the third round in the Category JUNIORS: 200 EUR and a certificate for the girl and 200 EUR and a certificate for the boy. B. FOR CHOREOGRAPHY Award for the best performance of an original contemporary choreography created in the last 5 years, i.e. after July 13, 2021: one prize of 500 EUR and a certificate; Award for the best original contemporary choreography created in the last 5 years, i.e. after July 13, 2021, distinguished by the choreographer’s personal recognizable choreographic language, musicality and narrative: one prize of EUR 500 and a certificate; Award for the performance of an original choreography by a Slovenian choreographer created in the last 5 years, i.e. after July 13, 2021: one prize of EUR 500 and a certificate; Award for the performance of an original choreography to music by a Slovenian composer, created in the last 5 years, i.e. after July 13, 2021: one prize of EUR 500 and a certificate. All competitors who participate in the third round of the competition will receive a diploma for a dancer-finalist. Note: Natural and legal persons from Slovenia and abroad will also be invited to present their individual awards. The organizer will be happy to consider their proposals for the awards, which will be awarded by the jury.
NOTES	All prizes are individual and indivisible. The jury is not obliged to award the Grand Prix, any other cash prizes or any other prizes and awards. If, in the case of the first three places, several competitors achieve the same number of points, the jury decides, based on artistic impression, which of them takes first place, which of them takes second place, and which of them takes third place/award. All prizes, recognitions and awards will be paid in euros, with appropriate tax deductions in accordance with applicable Slovenian legislation. All prizes, recognitions and awards will be paid to the winners’ bank accounts after the winners’ participation in the Gala Ballet Concert Portoroz-Portorose International ballet competition, by transfer on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. In case of bad weather on the specified date, a reserve date of July 22, 2026 will be used for the concert and the payment of prizes will also be postponed to Thursday, July 23, 2026. Dancers included in the program of the Gala Ballet Concert Portoroz-Portorose International ballet competition who decide not to participate in the concert lose all rights to cash prizes.

12. COMPETITION ORDER
12.1.	The order of performance of each competitor in the three competition rounds will be in alphabetical order, starting with the letter of the competitors’ last name, which will be determined by the competitors through a draw that will be held via a form published on the competition website and to which the competitors will receive a link by e-mail. Candidates from the Category JUNIORS and candidates from the Category SENIORS will draw separately.
12.2.	Participation in the online draw of the first letter of the competitors’ last names, which will determine the order of performance of the competitors is not mandatory. The first letter will be the letter for which the most competitors will vote.
12.3.	Each candidate will then receive an individual competition number, with which she or he will participate in the three competition rounds. Competitors performing in pairs will compete under the order of the competition number that the ballerina will receive.
12.4.	After the draw, the competition secretariat will publish the competition schedule for the first round, which will determine the day, time and order of the candidates’ performances.
12.5.	Competitors who are unable to compete at the scheduled time due to illness, proven by a medical certificate from a hospital or medical diagnostic center, or for any other valid reason, may, after considering their written request, be allowed by the International Jury to compete after the last competitor in a given round or day, in alphabetical order of their surnames. Such written requests and such changes are only possible during the duration of a particular round of the competition.

13. APPLICATION
Candidates apply to the Portoroz-Portorose International ballet competition 2026 via the online application form which is published on the competition website. The application form with all required attachments must be sent no later than June 1, 2026. After receiving a complete application form, the organizer will send the competitors an application form with the same content for electronic signature using the BetrSign program, which does not require the use of a digital electronic certificate. The following documents must be attached to the application form as attachments: A copy of the receipt of payment of the registration fee in the amount of EUR 200 to the bank account of the Slovenian Ballet Artists’ Association, listed under point 14.1, which must be paid no later than June 1, 2026. A short CV, including information about the candidate’s education, professional training, artistic activities, awards received, etc. in Slovenian or English; Scan of any media reviews; Scan of the competitor’s personal document for residents of any of the European Community countries or the competitor’s passport for competitors who do not have permanent residence or a permanent visa for residence in one of the European Community member states; A copy of the partner’s passport, if they come from a country for which an entry visa for Slovenia is valid. The same applies to all other persons accompanying the competitor and for whom the same visa regime is valid; Two color photographs in stage costumes and a dance pose and two color portrait photographs of the competitor and a portrait of the partner and mentor for issuing tickets for free entry. The photographs should be of the following sizes: 2000 x 3000 pixels for photographs in stage costumes and a dance pose; 1000 x 1500 pixels for portrait photographs. The deadline for applications is June 1, 2026

14. FINANCIAL TERMS
14.1.	The participation fee is EUR 200 for single competitor. The amount must be transferred to the bank account of the Slovenian Ballet Artists Association no later than June 1, 2026. If the payer of participation fee is not the competitor himself, as the reason for the transfer must state the name of the competitor for whom the participation fee is paid. All bank transfer fees are covered by the participants. A copy of the document confirming the bank transfer must be enclosed with the application form. The organizer will not consider or confirm the participation in the Portoroz-Portorose International Ballet Competition 2026 of those candidates who do not enclose the appropriate document confirming the paid participation fee. The competition fee must be paid in EURO to the following bank account: Nova Ljubljanska banka d.d. Trg republike 2 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia IBAN: SI56 0201 0025 3272 398 BIC: LJBASI2X Beneficiary: Slovenian Ballet Artists’ Association, Zupanciceva 1, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia The entry fee is non-refundable.
14.2.	All competitors and their partners shall cover their own return travel costs to Portoroz-Portorose, as well as accommodation and food costs.
14.3.	All participants are responsible for their own health insurance and possibly other needed or wished insurances.
14.4.	The competitors shall cover their own medical care costs for chronic and other long-term illnesses and acute illnesses and injuries shall be covered by their own health insurance.
14.5.	All money prizes will be paid after the winners attend the Gala Ballet Concert which will be held on 21 July 2026 to the bank accounts of the prize winners. Payment date is Wednesday, 22 July 2026 at latest. In case of bad weather on the specified date, a reserve date of July 22, 2026 will be used for the concert and the payment of prizes will also be postponed to Thursday, July 23, 2026.
14.6.	Dancers included in the program of the laureates’ concerts who decide not to perform at them lose all right to the money prizes.

15. ORGANISATION
15.1.	The entire organization: preparation, implementation and financing of the competition will be carried out by the Slovenian Ballet Artists Association and the Avditorij Portorož-Portorose with the kind assistance of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia and the Municipality of Piran and the generous sponsorships of Slovenian and foreign legal entities or individuals.
15.2.	For the duration of the competition, the organizer will establish a secretariat in the Avditorij Portoroz-Portorose. Competitors should contact the secretariat with any questions they may have during the competition. All official announcements, rehearsal schedules and results will be published in the lobby of the Avditorij Portoroz-Portorose .
15.3.	The organizer of the competition will primarily publish all official announcements, all rehearsal and competition schedules and competition results on the competition website ibc-portoroz.org.
15.4.	All participants should plan their travel so that they arrive at the Avditorij Portorož-Portorose and announce their arrival to the secretariat no later than 9:00 a.m. on the first day of their participation, taking into account the competition schedule.
15.5.	Upon their first arrival (on the first day of their participation on the competition), competitors must register at the competition secretariat. Competitors who, according to the competition schedule, planned to arrive in Portorož after 9:00 a.m. on the first day of their competition must make prior arrangements with the organizer, otherwise they will not be able to compete.
15.6.	Due to the high tourist season during the competition, the organizer strongly recommends that participants and their companions secure accommodation on time.
15.7.	The organizer will assist participants in booking accommodation at the Dijaški dom Portorož Sončna pot 20 6320 Portorož Each competitor must book a hotel room themselves, both for themselves and for their partners, coaches and other companions. Accommodation reservations must be made via the online form located at the website address BOOK ACCOMMODATION. After receiving a copy of the request for accommodation reservation, the organizer will be able to confirm favorable accommodation prices for participants and their accompanying persons. The number of nights at favorable prices is limited and the offer is valid as long as such accommodation is available. Upon request, the organizer can help with placing participants in double or triple rooms. The number of places in the Dijaški dom Portorož is limited, so the organizer does not guarantee that it will be able to provide reservations for everyone who wishes. Participants, partners, mentors and companions who wish to be assisted with their booking must submit a request by April 15, 2026, stating the period of stay, the number and type of rooms they wish to stay in. If the rooms are available, those who have submitted a request will receive written confirmation. If there will be no more room for accommodation in the Portorož Student House, the organizer will assist competitors and their companions in finding affordable accommodation.
15.8.	Participants who have not received confirmation of their accommodation reservation from the organizer must arrange their own accommodation for the duration of the competition.

16. TRANSPORT
All competitors must organize and pay for their own return trip to Portorož.

17. CONFIRMATION AND CORRESPONDENCES
By signing the application form, candidates confirm that they agree to all the provisions of these rules. After reviewing the received documents, the competition organizer will respond to all candidates by e-mail no later than June 15, 2026, confirming or rejecting their participation. The organizer will inform those competitors who require entry visas for Slovenia or the European Community and send them an official invitation to the Portoroz-Portorose International ballet competition. Requests for assistance in booking accommodation at the Dijaški dom Portorož should be sent to the organizer’s e-mail address: ibc-portoroz@ibc-portoroz.org. The request is considered accepted only after confirmation by the organizer to the e-mail address from which the request was sent.

18. GENERAL PROVISIONS
The organizer has the exclusive right to video recording and photographing the competition and all competitors, as at the Gala concert and at any subsequent performances of competitors that were awarded; The organizer of the Portorož-Portorož International Ballet Competition, the Slovenian Ballet Artists Association and the Portorož-Portorož Auditorium, has the exclusive right to conclude contracts for the full or partial recording and photographing of the competition, rehearsals and other activities of the competitors related to the competition, with video, film or photo cameras, cameras or mobile phones or any other recording or photographic equipment by Slovenian and foreign film and television companies, any agencies or media, private individuals, professionals and amateurs, as well as for any direct publication and broadcasting thereof or for the production of printed matter, broadcast media, advertising materials and the like. The competitors and their partners do not receive any royalties or compensation for the above-mentioned recordings and their broadcasting or reproduction on broadcast media, as well as for the production of photo, video and printed materials. Any photo, video and film recordings, amateur or professional, are permitted during the competition only with the special permission of the organizer and against payment of a fee. Only the organizer has the full right to publicly broadcast videos of the competition and publish all photos from the competition or to give rights to do so to the third party legal or natural persons; By submitting and accepting the Application form for Portoroz-Portorose International ballet competition, the competitors waive all copyrights for their performances at the competition, as they transfer all copyrights for the use of photo, video and television recordings from the Portoroz-Portorose International ballet competition to the organizer; Competitors are required to bear the costs of any copyright for use of choreography, music, costumes etc. themselves; The competitors have to obtain the consent and permission to use copyrighted choreography or music etc. from the author or the trust; It is strictly forbidden to perform copyrighted choreography or use the copyrighted music in a competition unless the competitor or group obtains consent of the author or Trust! In the case that the competitor uses copyrighted music or choreography to perform in the competition, the organizer is not responsible for any consequences; The production of any objects with the trademark and name of the competition or its constituent elements is possible only after obtaining the prior permission of the organizer of the competition and after signing a contract, which also stipulates payment. In case of any disputes regarding the interpretation of these rules for participation in the 1st Portoroz-Portorose International Ballet Competition 2026, the Slovenian text shall prevail. The Organizer takes no responsibility for any injuries and damages incurred during the competition; An international press center will be set up during the competition. Journalists and photojournalists can apply to the organizer for accreditation in advance using the form that will be available on the competition website by attaching an accreditation letter, application form and one photograph. For the duration of the competition, journalists and photojournalists may apply for accreditation at the competition secretariat. A maximum of one journalist from each editorial office will be accredited. All accredited journalists and photojournalists will receive a special badge, which will allow them to cover all competition events.

19. COMPETITION PUBLIC VISIT
All rounds of the competition, rehearsals for the stage competition, the award ceremony and the Gala concert will be open to the public. Visitors must purchase a ticket for each individual day and event (rehearsal or competition). For competitors, their companions – mentors and their partners outside the competition, viewing the rehearsals and all competition rounds is free of charge, and entry is secured exclusively with the accreditation that they will receive upon arrival at the competition. The organizer will determine a certain number of seats for competitors, their companions – mentors and their partners outside the competition for each event. Competitors who do not participate in the Gala concert program, as well as their mentors and partners outside the competition, purchase a ticket at a special price to view the Gala concert. For organized groups of visitors, the organizer will provide assistance in purchasing tickets at more favorable prices and with special discounts. For information and reservations, please contact the competition organizer by email at ibc-portoroz@ibc-portoroz.org.

20. ORGANIZED DAILY BALLET TRAININGS FOR COMPETITORS
Simultaneously with the competition, from 13 to 21 July 2026 Ballet training sessions will be organized daily for competitors, led by teachers from Slovenia and abroad. Competitors competing on a given day will have an organized ballet training session at 9:30 am on the stage of the Avditorij Portorož-Portorose. Competitors who do not compete on a given day will have an organized ballet training session at Magazin Grando. BALLET TRAINING REGISTRATION AND FEE: Competitors must register for their first ballet training session (the first ballet training session they will attend) by completing the registration form available on the competition website. For each subsequent ballet training session, they must register in person at the Competition Secretariat. Registration for ballet training must be completed no later than two days before each individual ballet training session, with the exception of competitors competing on the last day of each competition round who may register for ballet training after the conclusion of the last day of each competition round. After submitting the online application, candidates will receive a confirmation from the organizer. Competitors do not have to pay a fee for participating in ballet training on the day they compete, but on days when they do not compete, the fee for participating in individual ballet training is 10 EUR per competitor. Competitors will pay the fee for participation in ballet trainings for which they registered using the online registration form at the Competition secretariat upon their arrival, and the fee for participation in other ballet trainings at the Competition secretariat upon registration. The entry fee is non-refundable.

21. STUDIO RENTAL FOR INDIVIDUAL REHEARSALS OF COMPETITORS
Competitors may rent a studio for individual rehearsals during the competition. Priority for renting a studio is given to competitors who are not competing on a given day, and among these, those who are competing the following day will be given priority. The shortest rental period applies to the first and second days of the competition, when rental will be available to at least 40 competitors per day: Competitors competing with variations will have at least 10 minutes available for rehearsals for the first round of the competition; Competitors competing in pas de deux will have at least 20 minutes available for rehearsals for the first round of the competition. The rental period will then be extended depending on the round of the competition and the number of competitors who qualify for the next round. Competitors who do not qualify for the next round are no longer entitled to rent a studio for individual rehearsals. Rental price: 10 minutes: 15 EUR 20 minutes: 30 EUR Each additional minute: 1.5 EUR. Competitors will have a sound system available for practice, and they must bring music recordings with them either on a USB stick, computer or mobile phone.

22. FURTHER INFORMATION
Slovenian Ballet Artists Association Župančičeva 1 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia ibc-portoroz@ibc-portoroz.org www.ibc-portoroz.org Competition Organizing and Management Council: Tomaž Rode, Matjaz Marin, Anton Bogov e-mail: council@ibc-portoroz.org Executive Secretary: Zala Erent e-mail: zala.erent@ibc-portoroz.org For questions related to the professional implementation of the competition please write to: council@ibc-portoroz.org For administrative questions, please write to: zala.erent@ibc-portoroz.org

1. GENERAL

1.1.

The 1th Portoroz-Portorose International Ballet Competition will be held by Slovenian Ballet artists association and Avditorij Portoroz- Portorose (hereinafter as “the Organizer”), supported by Ministry of Culture of Republic of Slovenia , with the kind cooperation of the Piran Municipality, from 13 through 21 July, 2026. The Competition is open to ballet dancers of all nationalities, provided they comply with the requirements of these Regulations.

1.2.

Dancers take part in the Competition in two age categories and separate prizes and titles are awarded to each category:

- Category JUNIORS – for
  Ballet dancers – girls and boys aged 14 to 18, born between July 13, 2008 and July 13, 2012.
- Category SENIORS – for
  Ballet dancers – Female and Male aged 19 to 26, born between July 13, 2000 and July 13, 2007.

1.3.

The maximum number of candidates to be allowed to take part in the 1th Portoroz-Portorose International ballet competition shall be 120 in both Categories. After receiving the application documents of the 120th candidate the Organizer shall stop accepting any documents.

1.4.

30 dancers from Category JUNIORS and 30 dancers from Category SENIORS with the highest score from the First Round, but no lower than 75.00 points, shall be allowed to participate in the Second Round. Each group shall have a guaranteed minimum of 25 competitors, but with score not lower than 75.00 points.

1.5.

15 competitors from Category JUNIORS and 15 competitors from Category SENIORS with the highest score in the Second Round, but not lower than 80.00 points shall be admitted to the Third Round.

1.6.

Competitors may compete in a single round as soloists or in Pas de deux, meaning they may perform variations in one round and Pas de deux in the next. Competitors may also perform variations in all three rounds or Pas de deux in all three rounds. In both cases classification is done individually. Competitors may perform contemporary choreography in the second and third rounds of the competition as solos or as a duet. Couples may be formed from members of the same or different categories, i.e. one of the competitors may be from Category JUNIORS, the other from Category SENIORS.

1.7.

Competitors may participate also with a partner who is not a competitor at all, when they perform a pas-de-deux or contemporary choreography in duet.

1.8.

The Competition will take place in three rounds at the Open-Air Theatre called Amphitheatre of Avditorij Portoroz-Portorose in the city of Portoroz-Portorose on a stage covered with a wooden Harlequine coor covered with Harlequin Allegro vinil dance coor. Stage size is 20 × 15 m, height 10–12 m, no slope.

1.9.

In case of bad weather, the Competition will also take place on the Open Air stage, as the entire Amphitheater is protected by a canvas roof. In case of heavy rain and wind, the organizer may postpone the start time of the competition on a particular day.

1.10.

All performances included in the Competition Programme are open to the public.