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PORTOROZ-PORTOROSE INTERNATIONAL BALLET COMPETITION

Venue — Avditorij Portorož-Portorose Amphitheatre

A Stage Like No Other

The Portorož-Portorose International Ballet Competition takes place at one of the most distinctive performance venues in Europe — the open-air Amphitheatre of Avditorij Portorož-Portorose, set against the shimmering backdrop of the Adriatic Sea on the Slovenian coast.
 
This is not merely a competition venue. It is a stage where the Mediterranean sky becomes the ceiling, the sea breeze accompanies each performance, and 1,800 spectators witness ballet under the stars. For dancers who have competed on indoor stages throughout their careers, performing at Avditorij Portorož is an experience unlike any other in the international ballet competition circuit.

The Amphitheatre

Avditorij Portoroz amfiteater
Avditorij Portorož-Portorose
 
Founded in 1973, Avditorij Portorož-Portorose is one of Slovenia’s most prestigious cultural institutions, serving as the primary cultural and congress centre of the Slovenian Adriatic coast. It hosts major international festivals including the Piran Musical Evenings, the Festival of Sea and Sun Melodies, and the Festival of Slovenian Film — and now, as of 2026, the Portorož-Portorose International Ballet Competition.
The Amphitheatre is the crown jewel of Avditorij Portorož — an open-air theatre of 2,500 square metres with a seating capacity of 1,800 seats, set in the heart of Portorož.
Stage Specifications
 
Specification
Detail
Stage Width
20 metres
Stage Depth
15 metres
Stage Height
10–12 metres
Stage Slope
None (flat stage)
Dance Floor
Harlequin Allegro vinyl dance floor
Sub-floor
Wooden Harlequin floor
Seating Capacity
1,800
Weather Protection
Full canvas roof covering the entire Amphitheatre
Performances
Open to the public
The stage is fitted with a professional Harlequin Liberty wooden floor and Harlequin vinyl dance floor — one of the most respected surfaces in professional ballet, used in major ballet companies and competitions worldwide. The flat, sprung surface ensures optimal conditions for classical technique and contemporary performance alike.
All-Weather Venue
 
The entire Amphitheatre is protected by a canvas roof, ensuring that performances take place regardless of weather conditions. In the event of heavy rain or wind, the organiser may adjust start times — but the show goes on.

Portorož-Portorose — The Setting

The Pearl of the Slovenian Adriatic
 
Portorož-Portorose — whose name translates as Port of Roses — is Slovenia’s premier resort town on the Adriatic coast. Set within the Municipality of Piran, one of the most beautifully preserved medieval coastal towns in the Mediterranean, Portorož offers a rare combination of cultural richness, natural beauty, and cosmopolitan comfort.
With a warm Mediterranean climate, crystal-clear Adriatic waters, and an atmosphere that has attracted artists, musicians, and performers for over a century, Portorož is the perfect setting for an international gathering of ballet talent.
Why Portorož Is Special for Competitors
Participating in IBC Portorož-Portorose is not only a competition — it is a complete artistic and personal experience:
      • Perform under the open sky — the sensation of dancing beneath the stars before 1,800 spectators is unique to this competition
      • Mediterranean atmosphere — warm evenings, sea air, and the distinctive light of the Adriatic create an environment of exceptional beauty and inspiration
      • Cultural immersion — the medieval old town of Piran, just minutes from Portorož, is one of the most atmospheric destinations in the region
      • International community — competitors, coaches, jury members and families from across the world gather in an intimate, welcoming setting
Location & Accessibility
 
Avditorij Portorož-Portorose
Senčna pot 4
6320 Portorož, Slovenia
 
From
Distance
Travel Time
Ljubljana (Slovenia)
120 km
~1 hour 20 minutes
Venice, Italy (Marco Polo Airport)
~130 km
~1 hour 30 minutes
Trieste, Italy
45 km
~45 minutes
Zagreb, Croatia
250 km
~2 hours 30 minutes
Pula, Croatia
100 km
~1 hour 15 minutes
Nearest airports:
 
          • Trieste Airport (TRS) — 45 km (~40 minutes) — closest international airport
          • Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) — ~130 km (~1 hour 30 minutes)
          • Ljubljana Airport (LJU) — ~120 km (~1 hour 20 minutes)
          • Pula Airport (PUY) — ~100 km (~1 hour 15 minutes)
Accommodation
Portorož offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from luxury sea-view hotels to comfortable apartments and guesthouses — all within walking distance or a short drive from Avditorij Portorož.
Portorož is a popular summer destination and availability during July is limited but IBC Portorož-Portorose has limited  pre-booked accommodation for competitors, their companions and family members.
👉 Book Accommodation → 
About Avditorij Portorož-Portorose
Avditorij Portorož-Portorose is a public cultural institution of the Municipality of Piran and one of Slovenia’s most active cultural centres. In addition to the open-air Amphitheatre, it manages the historic Tartini Theatre in the medieval old town of Piran — a venue of exceptional architectural and cultural significance.
Website:  www.avditorij.si 
 
Ready to Take the Stage?
The 1st Portorož-Portorose International Ballet Competition accepts a maximum of 120 participants. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Apply Now →