COMPETITION GUIDELINES

1. Age Categories

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Participants are divided into age divisions to ensure fair and balanced judging:

• Minis: Ages 4–8

• Pre-Competitive: Ages 9–11

• Juniors: Ages 12–13

• Teens: Ages 14–15

• Seniors: Ages 16–18

• Adults: Ages 19–29

Age is calculated from the date of competition. That means whatever age they are at the time of the competition is the age category they will be registered in. At check-in, the organization reserves the right to verify ages. All participants must bring a valid ID (passport, national ID card, or other official document) as proof.

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Pointe Shoe Regulations (Classical & Neoclassical categories)

To ensure dancer safety and fair judging, pointe shoe usage is regulated:

• Minis and Pre-Competitive: Pointe shoes are not permitted.

• Juniors: Pointe shoes are optional. However, dancers on pointe and those in flat shoes will be evaluated in the same group. Judges will take into account whether a dancer performed on pointe in the choreography category (worth 10% of the total score).

• Teens, Seniors, Adults: Pointe work is generally expected. Flat shoes may be worn, but dancers should be aware that this choice may negatively influence their overall score, as pointe ability is considered part of the technical expectations at these levels.

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2. Dance Styles

IDC Berlin welcomes a wide variety of dance styles. Entries may be submitted in the following categories:

• Classical Ballet / Neoclassical

• Contemporary

• Modern Dance

• Character Dance / National Dance / Folklore

• Jazz Dance / Showdance / Musical

• Hip Hop / Street / Commercial / Funk

• Choreographic Composition (abstract or experimental works)

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3. Ensemble Classification

Performances are grouped according to the number of dancers on stage:

• Solo: 1 dancer

• Duet / Trio: 2 or 3 dancers

• Group: 4 or more dancers

Depending on overall participation numbers, the competition reserves the right to combine or adjust categories to ensure a balanced schedule.

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Age Calculation for Groups

For groups with mixed ages, the official competition age category is determined by calculating the average age of all group members, rounded down to the nearest whole number.

Example:
Participants aged 14, 14, 13, 11, and 15 → total = 67.
67 ÷ 5 = 13.4.
The group competes in the 13-year-old category (rounded down).

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Multiple Solos

A dancer may perform more than one solo in the same style/age category. Each solo will receive its own adjudication. However, for purposes of announcing the Top 5 highest scores, only the dancer’s single highest-scoring solo will be included.

 

4. Time Limits

Time restrictions are strictly enforced to maintain fairness and scheduling efficiency:

• Solos: 2:30 minutes

• Duets / Trios: 3:00 minutes

• Groups (up to 11 dancers): 3:30 minutes

• Large Groups (12+ dancers): 4:00 minutes

Performances exceeding the limit may purchase up to 30 seconds of extra time with a 30% surcharge. If a routine exceeds the time limit without advance registration of overtime, the entry will have a point deduction or be disqualified.

 

5. Registration & Entry Fees

Fees

• Solo: €60 (general) / €65 (Classical category)

• Duet: €50 per person / Trio: €45 per person

• Groups (4–7 dancers): €30 per person

• Groups (8+ dancers): €25 per person

Deadlines

• Registration closes on January 31, 2026.

• All music files must be uploaded by February 2, 2026.

Entries are only considered valid once payment and completed registration forms are received.

 

6. Music Requirements

• All music must be uploaded through the registration form by the deadline.

• Each participant or school must also bring a USB stick with a backup copy of all music files.

• It is the responsibility of the dancer, teacher, or school to ensure that they have the legal right to use the chosen music. IDC Berlin cannot be held liable for unauthorized use of copyrighted works. If claims or fees arise from the misuse of copyrighted material, the responsibility lies entirely with the participant or school that submitted the entry.

 

7. Competition Rules & Procedures

• All performances are live before the jury and audience.

• Exceeding the time limit without permission will result in disqualification.

• Costumes and props must be appropriate for all ages and audiences. Performances may not include offensive, discriminatory, or suggestive content.

• Dancers are expected to treat one another, as well as staff and judges, with respect. Any inappropriate behavior, including bullying, verbal abuse, or obstruction of another competitor’s performance, will lead to disqualification.

• The jury’s decision is final and cannot be appealed.

 

Rehearsals

Private rehearsals on the stage are not allowed. All dancers should prepare in advance at their schools. To ensure that younger participants have a chance to orient themselves, there will be one 30-minute shared spacing block before the competition begins, reserved for all Minis. This time is for spacing only, not for full rehearsals.

 

8. Backstage & Supervisors

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• Each school is allowed 1 supervisor backstage per 8 registered dancers (e.g., a school with 24 dancers may register 3 adults).

• Supervisors may be teachers, parents, or guardians. Their responsibilities are:

  • Accompany the dancer backstage.

  • Ensure the dancer arrives on stage on time.

  • Leave the backstage area immediately with the dancer after the performance.

• Supervisors must be pre-registered. Information about supervisor registration will be provided after the school completes the main registration.

• Unregistered adults will not be allowed backstage under any circumstances. Failure to respect this policy will result in disqualification of the school or participant concerned.

 

9. Judging Criteria

 

Scoring System

Each dancer is evaluated on a 100-point scale:

• Technique (30%) – Accuracy, control, and mastery of movements.

• Artistry & Stage Presence (30%) – Emotional expression, interpretation, confidence, and engagement with the audience.

• Choreography (10%) – Creativity, originality, and effectiveness of the piece.

• Staging & Performance Execution (30%) – Cleanliness of formations, synchronization, spacing, timing, and the overall polish of the performance.

Each entry is judged by four jurors. The lowest of the four scores is dropped, and the remaining three are combined for a total maximum of 300 points.

 

Adjudications

• 150-179 points = Bronze

• 180–209 points = Silver

• 210–239 points = High Silver

• 240–267 points = Gold

• 268–291 points = Platinum

• 291–300 points = IDC Legend

All entries receive an adjudication regardless of placement.

 

10. Awards & Prizes

At the end of each age division, the following distinctions will be announced:

• Top 3 Solos

• Top 3 Duets / Trios

• Top 3 Groups

In addition, the highest overall solo score in each age division will receive the Best Overall Talent Award.

 

Special Awards

• Most Improvement

• Greatest Artistry

• Best Choreography

• Scholarships to schools, intensives, or workshops

• Gift vouchers

• Dancewear

• Cash prizes

 

11. Audience & Tickets

• The competition is open to the public. Seating is limited; advance purchase is highly recommended.

• Tickets may be purchased online or at the door (subject to availability).

• Photography and video recording by audience members is strictly prohibited. IDC Berlin will provide professional media coverage, which will be available after the event.

 

12. Schedule & Masterclasses

• The detailed order of the competition will be published 1–2 weeks before the event.

• Masterclasses will be available for sign-up from February 1, 2026. Participation in the competition is not required to attend masterclasses; they are open to all interested dancers.

 

13. Rights & Choreography Permissions

Choreographic works fall under copyright protection. To comply with international copyright law:

• Works by choreographers who have been deceased for more than 70 years may be performed freely (public domain).

• Works by living choreographers, or choreographers deceased less than 70 years, require written permission from the choreographer or their legal heirs.

• Unauthorized performances may lead to legal claims for usage fees. If such claims arise, the responsibility rests solely with the registering school or dancer. IDC Berlin accepts no liability.

• Works by George Balanchine are specifically noted as requiring proper authorization.

 

14. Disclaimer & Liability

• IDC Berlin and the hosting venue are not responsible for any injuries, accidents, or property loss during the event.

• IDC reserves the right to adjust logistics if necessary, including:

  • Relocating the competition to a different venue.

  • Changing the date or time.

  • Extending the event across multiple days.

• IDC may cancel an event due to insufficient registrations, severe weather, or other unforeseen circumstances. If the event is cancelled and cannot be rescheduled, participants will receive either a refund or a credit for the following year. If the event is rescheduled, no refunds will be issued.

• Participants must regularly check their email and the official IDC website for any updates.

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15. Credits and Refunds

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A refund (limited to the entry fees only) will be granted solely in cases of physical injury. Any request for a credit must be supported by an official letter from a specialist physician (a note from a family doctor will not be sufficient and will not be accepted). The letter must be written on the doctor’s official letterhead, include an ink signature and practice stamp, and must be sent directly to kontakt@idc-dance.com no later than two weeks before the first day of the competition.
If IDC Berlin is notified later than two weeks prior to the first competition day, only 50% of the entry fee(s) will be issued as a credit.

 

Media Release

By registering, all competitors agree that IDC Berlin may record and distribute photos and videos of the competition. These materials may be used for television, online promotion, social media, websites, or other outlets deemed appropriate. All rights to this material remain the sole property of IDC Berlin. Participants and their guardians waive any claims regarding the use of such media.