Mediteranian Folklore Festivals

Explore Our Dance Competitions Across Europe

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Discover Upcoming Dance Competitions

May 2026

June 2026

July 2026

August 2026

September 2026

October 2026

November 2026

December 2026

Categories

Open

Includes all techniques that cannot be clearly classified into another category or a combination of various dance techniques. Acrobatic elements, props, and sets are allowed.

Classical Ballet

Historical dances, classical, neoclassical and post-classical ballet, and Character Dance. Authentic choreography (e.g. Swan Lake, La Bayadère) and new ones are allowed. Pure classical technique using soft or pointe shoes (not allowed in Baby and Mini categories).

Contemporary / Modern Dance

Modern: expressive dance without fixed structure like ballet.
Lyrical: blends ballet, modern and jazz techniques; faster than ballet but slower than jazz.

Jazz

Rhythmic and expressive dance rooted in tap and African-American jazz music. Incorporates turns (chaînés, piqué, pirouettes) and jumps (grand jeté). Choreography should include distinct jazz steps, spins, and leaps.

Art

Combines techniques like Jazz, Ballet, and Contemporary. Other disciplines may be included but not dominant. Allows acrobatics, lifts, lip-sync, and theatrical effects — but acrobatics should never dominate. Judged on music, originality, costumes, performance, and choreography. Presentation must have a clear idea or story.

Musical Theatre

No live singing. Music must come from famous musicals or movies (e.g. Chicago, Mamma Mia, Cabaret). All styles are allowed; choreography, costumes, and theme should represent the chosen show.

Traditional Dance

Original choreography allowed, but must retain authentic character of the traditional dance. Music and costumes must reflect the tradition.

Acro Style

Combines dance and gymnastics with acrobatic elements. Acrobatics should flow naturally within the choreography — dancers are judged on the full dance, not only gymnastics.

Tap

Tap dance or Irish dance. Steps from CDs or pre-recorded sounds are not allowed.

B-Boying

Breakdance style with elements like Toprock, Downrock, Power Moves, and Freezes. Incorporates Hip-Hop and breakbeat music. Acrobatics are allowed but not required.

Hip Hop

Includes Oldschool (popping, locking, hype) and Newschool (krump, dancehall, house, waacking, vogue, experimental). Be creative, vulgarity prohibited. Acrobatics allowed but dance must dominate.

Street Style

Fusion of multiple styles such as Modern Ballet, Hip-Hop, Funk, R&B, and Pop. Storytelling and full performance concept are important. Scenic effects and acrobatics are allowed.

Disco

Tempo: 130–140 BPM. All disco steps, spins, and jumps allowed. Focus on originality and rhythm; gymnastics and acrobatics are forbidden.

Jazz / Funk-Jazz / MTV / City Jazz

Fusion of styles inspired by pop culture and MTV performances. Emphasis on showmanship, style, expression, and performance quality.

Free Style

Theme or content must be clearly defined. All dance styles allowed, but only groups with 11+ dancers may participate. Live singing is permitted.

Other Categories

Oriental / Belly Dance, Latin Show, Standard Show, Majorettes, Cheerleading, Latin Fitness, Fit Kid.

Rules

Music

You must bring a CD with one track per choreography, in audio format and labeled. Groups are responsible for their own music preparation and playback. Collect your CDs after the awards ceremony.

Judges & Scoring

Panel of 3–5 judges. Each judge scores from 1 to 10 for:

  • Technique
  • Choreography
  • Difficulty level
  • Overall impression

Age Categories

Each dancer can compete in the same dance and age category up to twice. Categories:

  • Baby – up to 5.6 years
  • Mini – 5.6 to 8.5 years
  • Children – 8.6 to 12.5 years
  • Junior – 12.6 to 16.5 years
  • Senior – 16.6+ years (no limit)

Average age is calculated for duets, trios, and formations. Certain category combinations are allowed as exceptions (Baby–Mini, Mini–Children, etc.).

Performance Categories

  • Solo dancer
  • Duet / Trio
  • Group (4–10 dancers)
  • Formation (11+ dancers)

Performance Duration

  • Solo, Duet / Trio – 1–2 min
  • Group (4–10 dancers) – 2–3 min
  • Formation (11+ dancers) – 3–4 min

A 5-second tolerance above the time limit is acceptable. Exceeding that may lead to disqualification. Contact the DJ if your track starts before dancers are on stage.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Folklore ensembles, dance troupes, choirs, orchestras, and cultural associations of all ages are welcome. Mixed-age groups are also accepted.
Click “Apply” on a festival page or email us at info@mediteranian-folklore-festivals.org with your group profile, videos, preferred dates, and group size.
Visa requirements depend on nationality. If needed, we provide official invitation letters after your participation is confirmed and the deposit is received.
Accommodation (BB/HB/FB options), performance slots, parade participation, certificates, and on-site coordination. Details are listed for each festival.
A deposit (20–30%) confirms participation. Deposits are non-refundable. Balance is due 15–30 days before arrival. Refunds depend on hotel and notice period.

What Our Participants Say

“An unforgettable experience! The organization, the energy, and the people were amazing. Truly a celebration of culture and friendship.”

— Maria, Spain

“Beautifully organized festivals! We made friends from all over the world and shared our traditions with pride.”

— Ivan, Croatia

“A perfect blend of music, dance, and emotion. Our group can’t wait to join again next year!”

— Elena, Greece

Become part of us!