Competitors participate in the competition as individuals, in pairs or as soloists.
Ages 15 –18
Age is determined on the opening day of the Competition, 13 July 2027.
Eligible dancers must have been born between 14 July 2008 and 13 July 2012, inclusive.
Ages 19 – 22
Age is determined on the opening day of the Competition, 13 July 2027.
Eligible dancers must have been born between 14 July 2004 and 13 July 2008, inclusive.
Ages 23 – 26
Age is determined on the opening day of the Competition, 13 July 2027.
Eligible dancers must have been born between 14 July 2000 and 13 July 2004, inclusive.
Competitors participate in the competition as individuals, in pairs or as soloists.
Ages 15 –18
Age is determined on the opening day of the Competition, 13 July 2027.
Eligible dancers must have been born between 14 July 2008 and 13 July 2012, inclusive.
Ages 19 – 22
Age is determined on the opening day of the Competition, 13 July 2027.
Eligible dancers must have been born between 14 July 2004 and 13 July 2008, inclusive.
Ages 23 – 26
Age is determined on the opening day of the Competition, 13 July 2027.
Eligible dancers must have been born between 14 July 2000 and 13 July 2004, inclusive.
one classical variation selected from the official Competition repertoire
and
one contemporary solo choreography
one pas de deux from the compulsory classical ballet repertoire, comprising an adagio, variation and coda
or
two classical variations from the compulsory Competition repertoire.
one pas de deux or two classical variations
and
one contemporary solo or duet.
🏆 Grand Prix Awards & Cash Prizes up to €6,000
🎓 Scholarships and Special Awards
🌍 International Exposure and Recognition
👨⚖️ Renowned International Jury
🎭 Professional Open-Air Stage Experience
🌊 Unique Adriatic Seaside Destination
Become part of competitors and help establish an international ballet tradition on the Adriatic coast.
Our jury consists of internationally acclaimed ballet artists, artistic directors, educators and former principal dancers from renowned ballet companies and institutions around the world.
Beyond evaluating performances, the jury offers competitors a unique opportunity to gain visibility, receive professional feedback and connect with influential figures from the international ballet community.
For many young dancers, participation is not only a competition experience, but also an important step in their artistic and professional development.
Meet the professionals who help shape the future of ballet.
More than a competition, the Portorož-Portorose International Ballet Competition is a platform for artistic growth and future career development.
Competitors can compete for Grand Prix awards, cash prizes, scholarships, special awards and invitations offered by international ballet schools, academies and professional institutions.
Whether pursuing professional training or a stage career, participants gain valuable exposure before an international jury and the opportunity to establish important connections within the global ballet community.
🏆 Cash Prizes up to €6,000
🎓 Scholarships and Training Opportunities
🌍 International Recognition and Visibility
⭐ Special Awards and Invitations
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Adriatic coast, the Portorož-Portorose International Ballet Competition offers competitors an exceptional artistic environment.
Performances take place at the magnificent Avditorij Portorož Open-Air Amphitheatre, where dancers have the opportunity to appear on a professional stage before an international jury and audience. Daily classes, rehearsals and coaching sessions are held in fully equipped ballet studios, providing ideal conditions for artistic growth and preparation.
The combination of outstanding facilities, seaside beauty and an international atmosphere makes Portorož a truly inspiring destination for young dancers from around the world.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Adriatic coast, the Portorož-Portorose International Ballet Competition offers competitors an exceptional artistic environment.
Performances take place at the magnificent Avditorij Portorož Open-Air Amphitheatre, where dancers have the opportunity to appear on a professional stage before an international jury and audience. Daily classes, rehearsals and coaching sessions are held in fully equipped ballet studios, providing ideal conditions for artistic growth and preparation.
The combination of outstanding facilities, seaside beauty and an international atmosphere makes Portorož a truly inspiring destination for young dancers from around the world.
🏠 Portorož Student Residence – Complimentary Accommodation for Competitors
The Organiser provides all selected competitors and their registered non-competing dance partners with:
This benefit applies during the official accommodation period, from arrival on 12 July 2027 until departure on 19 July 2027.
The Organiser covers these costs for the entire official accommodation period, including for competitors who do not advance to the Final.
Dinner is not included and must be paid for by the participants.
Accommodation capacity at the Portorož Student Residence is reserved as a priority for selected competitors and their registered non-competing dance partners.
Coaches, teachers, family members and other accompanying persons must pay for their own accommodation and meals.
Subject to availability, they may book accommodation and meals at the Portorož Student Residence at their own expense. Competitors and registered non-competing dance partners have priority when accommodation is allocated.
If the Student Residence is fully booked, the Organising Committee may assist coaches and accompanying persons in finding alternative accommodation.
🏨 Boutique Hotel – Special Competition Discount
Competitors and accompanying persons who prefer to stay at a boutique hotel may book accommodation with selected hotel partners at a special discounted rate.
Accommodation, breakfast and any other hotel services are paid by the guests themselves. The Organiser’s complimentary accommodation offer applies only to eligible competitors and registered non-competing dance partners staying at the Portorož Student Residence.
⭐ Luxury Seaside Hotel – Special Competition Discount
Special discounted rates are also available at selected luxury seaside hotels in Portorož.
Guests choosing this option are responsible for all accommodation and meal costs. The Organiser does not cover accommodation in boutique or luxury hotels but provides access to special rates negotiated for Competition participants.
Complimentary accommodation, breakfast and lunch are provided exclusively:
provided that they stay at the Portorož Student Residence during the official accommodation period.
Competitors who choose to stay in another hotel are responsible for the full cost of their stay but may use the special Competition discount offered by selected hotel partners.
The Organising Committee is available to assist competitors, partners, coaches and accompanying persons with accommodation information and reservations.
🏠 Portorož Student Residence – Complimentary Accommodation for Competitors
The Organiser provides all selected competitors and their registered non-competing dance partners with:
This benefit applies during the official accommodation period, from arrival on 12 July 2027 until departure on 19 July 2027.
The Organiser covers these costs for the entire official accommodation period, including for competitors who do not advance to the Final.
Dinner is not included and must be paid for by the participants.
Accommodation capacity at the Portorož Student Residence is reserved as a priority for selected competitors and their registered non-competing dance partners.
Coaches, teachers, family members and other accompanying persons must pay for their own accommodation and meals.
Subject to availability, they may book accommodation and meals at the Portorož Student Residence at their own expense. Competitors and registered non-competing dance partners have priority when accommodation is allocated.
If the Student Residence is fully booked, the Organising Committee may assist coaches and accompanying persons in finding alternative accommodation.
🏨 Boutique Hotel – Special Competition Discount
Competitors and accompanying persons who prefer to stay at a boutique hotel may book accommodation with selected hotel partners at a special discounted rate.
Accommodation, breakfast and any other hotel services are paid by the guests themselves. The Organiser’s complimentary accommodation offer applies only to eligible competitors and registered non-competing dance partners staying at the Portorož Student Residence.
⭐ Luxury Seaside Hotel – Special Competition Discount
Special discounted rates are also available at selected luxury seaside hotels in Portorož.
Guests choosing this option are responsible for all accommodation and meal costs. The Organiser does not cover accommodation in boutique or luxury hotels but provides access to special rates negotiated for Competition participants.
Complimentary accommodation, breakfast and lunch are provided exclusively:
provided that they stay at the Portorož Student Residence during the official accommodation period.
Competitors who choose to stay in another hotel are responsible for the full cost of their stay but may use the special Competition discount offered by selected hotel partners.
The Organising Committee is available to assist competitors, partners, coaches and accompanying persons with accommodation information and reservations.
Yes. The Portorož-Portorose International Ballet Competition is open to eligible dancers of all nationalities.
Yes. Competitors may perform their classical programme as soloists or with a registered non-competing dance partner in a pas de deux.
All competitors are entered, adjudicated and ranked individually. A dance partner who is not competing does not receive a separate score or ranking.
Any requested change to the registered Competition programme must be submitted to the Organiser in writing and is subject to prior approval.
Competitors should therefore select their repertoire carefully before submitting it. Replacing an audio recording does not automatically authorise a change of repertoire.
Yes. Competitors admitted to the live Competition must submit their Competition music through the dedicated online form no later than 14 days before the Competition begins.
Each item must be submitted as a separate, high-quality MP3 or WAV file and clearly labelled in accordance with the Competition Regulations.
Competitors must also bring backup copies of all music files on a USB storage device.
Yes. Teachers, coaches, family members and other accompanying persons are welcome.
They must be registered where accreditation or access to Competition activities is required. They are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and meal expenses.
Yes.
The Organiser provides complimentary accommodation, breakfast and lunch at the Portorož Student Residence for:
This benefit applies throughout the official accommodation period, from arrival on 12 July 2027 until departure on 19 July 2027, including for competitors who do not advance to the Final.
Dinner is not included.
Coaches, teachers, family members and other accompanying persons must pay for their own accommodation and meals. Subject to availability, they may reserve accommodation and meals at the Portorož Student Residence at their own expense.
If the Student Residence is fully booked, the Organiser may assist them in finding alternative accommodation. Selected boutique and luxury hotels also offer special Competition rates, but all costs at these hotels must be paid by the guests.
Yes. Scholarships, training opportunities, invitations and other special awards may be offered by participating ballet schools, academies, companies and members or partner institutions of the Competition.
The exact awards will be announced during the Competition. Unless otherwise stated, the Organiser cannot guarantee that a particular scholarship or invitation will be awarded.
Yes. Competitors are welcome to continue their summer training at the DANCS International Summer Ballet Camp, which takes place in Portorož immediately after the Competition.
The programme includes intensive ballet training, coaching, workshops, rehearsals and performance opportunities with internationally recognised teachers and artists.
For more information, please visit www.dancs.net.
Yes. Competitors admitted to the Portorož-Portorose International Ballet Competition are eligible for a 50% discount on the DANCS tuition fee.
Accommodation, meals and any additional services connected with DANCS are not included unless expressly stated by the camp organiser.
Competition performances will take place at the Avditorij Portorož Open-Air Amphitheatre in Portorož, Slovenia.
Classes, rehearsals and other Competition activities may also take place in designated studios and other venues specified by the Organiser.
All applications are applications for Video Pre-Selection.
To apply, candidates must complete the online application form, submit all required documents and photographs, provide an accessible link to the required video recordings and pay the EUR 100 Video Pre-Selection fee.
Submitting an application does not mean that the candidate has been admitted to the live Competition. Competitors for the live Competition in Portorož will be selected by the Pre-selection Committee on the basis of the submitted videos.
The application deadline for Video Pre-Selection is:
15 February 2027
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
There are two separate fees:
Video Pre-Selection fee: EUR 100
This fee must be paid when the Video Pre-Selection application is submitted. It is non-refundable, regardless of the selection result, withdrawal or non-participation.
Competition participation fee: EUR 250
This fee is payable only by candidates selected through Video Pre-Selection and invited to the live Competition. It must be paid no later than 1 June 2027.
Payment of the EUR 100 Video Pre-Selection fee does not guarantee admission to the Competition.
The official arrival and registration date is 12 July 2027. All admitted competitors should arrange their travel so that they can complete registration and all other required formalities on that date.
A competitor who cannot arrive on 12 July for a justified reason must contact the Organiser in advance and obtain written approval for a later arrival.
Late arrival must not interfere with registration, rehearsals, classes or the competitor’s scheduled performance. Without prior written approval, late arrival may result in the loss of the right to participate.
No. The online application is an application for Video Pre-Selection only.
The Pre-selection Committee will assess the submitted videos and select the dancers who will be invited to participate in the live Competition in Portorož.
A candidate becomes an admitted competitor only after:
The deadline for submitting the complete Video Pre-Selection application is:
15 February 2027
The application, video links, required documents and proof of payment of the EUR 100 fee must all be submitted by this deadline.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Each candidate must submit:
Only the candidate applying for the Competition may appear in the pre-selection videos.
Each required item must be recorded in one continuous take.
Cuts, editing, splicing, visual effects, replacement of the original audio and alteration of the playback speed are not permitted.
The camera should remain stationary wherever possible and must show the candidate’s entire body and the complete dance area throughout the performance. The image and sound must be clear enough for professional assessment.
The recordings must be no more than 12 months old on the application deadline of 15 February 2027.
The submitted video link must be accessible without a password and must remain active until the pre-selection results have been announced.
A video that cannot be opened or professionally assessed may be treated as part of an incomplete application.
No. There is no limit on the number of candidates who may apply for Video Pre-Selection.
However, the Pre-selection Committee will select a maximum of 80 competitors across all three age categories for admission to the live Competition.
There is no predetermined quota for an individual age category, and the Organiser may admit fewer than 80 competitors.
Candidates will be informed of the result no later than:
15 March 2027
The decisions of the Pre-selection Committee are final and cannot be appealed. Individual scores, rankings and written evaluations from Video Pre-Selection will not be issued.
Age is determined on the opening day of the Competition, 13 July 2027.
The live Competition will take place from:
13 to 18 July 2027
The official arrival and registration date is 12 July 2027. The official departure date is 19 July 2027.
The Gala Performance will take place on 18 July 2027.
The live Competition consists of two rounds:
Video Pre-Selection is an admission procedure and is not counted as a Competition round. Scores or assessments from Video Pre-Selection are not carried forward to the First Round.
A maximum of 10 competitors from each age category may advance to the Second Round – Final, with a maximum of 30 finalists in total.
Only competitors who achieve at least 75.00 points in the First Round may advance.
If competitors are tied at the qualification boundary, the Jury will determine who advances in accordance with the adjudication rules.
No.
In the Final, a competitor may not repeat the pas de deux performed in the First Round or either of the two classical variations performed in the First Round.
The classical programme performed in the Final must therefore be entirely different from the classical programme performed in the First Round.
No. All competitors are adjudicated and ranked individually.
A registered non-competing dance partner supports the competitor’s performance but is not separately entered, scored or ranked unless that partner has also been independently admitted as a competitor.
A registered non-competing dance partner does not pay the competitor’s Video Pre-Selection or Competition participation fee unless the partner is also applying and competing independently.
The partner must nevertheless be properly registered in the competitor’s application and comply with all applicable accreditation and organisational requirements.
For admitted competitors and their registered non-competing dance partners staying at the Portorož Student Residence, the Organiser covers:
Coverage applies from arrival on 12 July until departure on 19 July 2027 and continues for the entire official accommodation period, even if the competitor does not advance to the Final.
Dinner, travel expenses and personal expenses are not covered.
No. Dinner is not included in the accommodation benefit and must be paid for by competitors and their partners.
Subject to advance booking and availability, dinner may be ordered at the Portorož Student Residence at the participant’s own expense.
No. Complimentary accommodation is available only to admitted competitors and their registered non-competing dance partners staying at the Portorož Student Residence.
Competitors who choose a boutique hotel, luxury seaside hotel or any other accommodation must pay the full cost themselves. Selected hotel partners may offer special discounted rates to Competition participants.
Subject to availability, yes.
Competitors and their registered non-competing dance partners have priority. Any remaining accommodation capacity may be offered to coaches, teachers, family members and other accompanying persons at their own expense.
Indicative 2026 prices are:
The Portorož Student Residence reserves the right to change these prices for 2027.
Submitting an accommodation request does not constitute a confirmed reservation. A reservation is confirmed only when written confirmation is issued.
Competitors, non-competing dance partners, coaches and other accompanying persons are responsible for their own travel expenses to and from Portorož.
They are also responsible for any local transport expenses between their accommodation and the Competition venues.
No. There is one Grand Prix for the entire Competition.
It may be awarded to an outstanding competitor from any of the three age categories. The Grand Prix amounts to EUR 6,000.
The Jury is not obliged to award the Grand Prix if, in its professional judgement, no performance reaches the required exceptional standard.
A selected candidate must confirm participation in the manner and by the deadline stated in the Organiser’s acceptance notice.
The EUR 250 Competition participation fee must also be paid by 1 June 2027.
If confirmation or payment is not completed on time, the Organiser may withdraw the candidate’s place and offer it to another dancer.
No.
The EUR 100 Video Pre-Selection fee is non-refundable regardless of the selection result, withdrawal or non-participation.
The EUR 250 Competition participation fee is also non-refundable after payment.
Competitors, partners and accompanying persons are responsible for arranging their own:
The Organiser may provide a confirmation of participation for visa purposes but cannot guarantee that a visa will be issued.
The full Competition Regulations contain the official and binding requirements concerning eligibility, Video Pre-Selection, repertoire, music, adjudication, accommodation, fees, awards and participation.
If information in the FAQ differs from the official Competition Regulations, the Regulations shall prevail.
Join dancers from around the world and become part of the founding edition of the Portorož-Portorose International Ballet Competition.
Competitors are invited to attend organised daily ballet classes throughout the Competition. The classes are led by experienced ballet teachers and are designed to help dancers maintain their technique, prepare their bodies for rehearsals and performances, and begin each Competition day focused and ready.
Daily training provides a structured and professional environment in which competitors can warm up safely, strengthen their technical preparation and remain in optimal performing condition. The schedule will be coordinated with rehearsals and Competition appearances whenever possible.
Participation in the organised daily ballet classes is free of charge for all admitted competitors. Detailed schedules, studio locations and registration information will be provided before the Competition and upon arrival in Portorož.
During the Competition, competitors may reserve a studio for individual rehearsals free of charge, subject to availability.
Priority will be given to competitors who are not performing that day and, among them, to those scheduled to compete the following day.
Detailed schedules, studio locations and reservation instructions will be provided before the Competition and upon arrival in Portorož.
The mission of the Portorož-Portorose International Ballet Competition is to celebrate excellence, artistry, and innovation in the art of classical and contemporary ballet. By providing a prestigious and supportive platform for talented dancers from around the world, the competition aims to:
The mission of the Portorož-Portorose International Ballet Competition is to celebrate excellence, artistry, and innovation in the art of classical and contemporary ballet. By providing a prestigious and supportive platform for talented dancers from around the world, the competition aims to:
Avditorij Portorož Open-Air Amphitheatre
Professional open-air stage overlooking the Adriatic coast.
Ballet Studios
Daily classes, rehearsals and coaching sessions throughout the competition week.
Thanks to your donations every 2 years young dancers from worldwide will receive the opportunity to demonstrate their talent on the Portorož-Portorose International Ballet competition.
Many of them will become world class stars. We count on you to carry on together our mission to find and promote young ballet talents.
Support the Portorož-Portorose International Ballet competition.
