Helsinki International Ballet Competition

The ninth Helsinki International Ballet Competition will be held at the Finnish National Opera and Ballet from 27 May to 5 June 2026.

The application period for the next competition opens on 1 November 2025. The competition program consists of both classical and modern repertoire. In Round I all competitors present classical variations and in Round II a contemporary piece. In the final round (Round III) competitors will perform both classical variations and modern dance. HIBC has three divisions: junior division (age 15 to 18), young professional division (age 19 to 22) and senior division (age 22 to 25). The competition is open to dancers of all nationalities.

Javier Torres, the Artistic Director of the Finnish National Ballet is the President of the HIBC Jury. Read more about the jury.

The organizer of HIBC is the Helsinki International Ballet Competition Association. The chair of the board is Hannele Niiranen-MattssonRead more about the association.

The first Helsinki International Ballet Competition was held in 1984. Read more about the history of HIBC.