The rules of the competition have been renewed
The competition rules have been revised, and next year there will be three categories: juniors aged 15-18, young professionals aged 19-21, and seniors aged 22-25. Additionally, the gender categories (men/women) have been removed.
The competition will feature seven performances, during which an international jury will evaluate the competitors: three preliminary rounds of classical ballet, two semi-finals of contemporary dance, and two final performances. During the semi-finals, there will also be a contemporary dance choreography competition.
The chairman of the international jury is Javier Torres, the artistic director of the Finnish National Ballet.
The competition culminates in a Gala on June 5, where prizes will be awarded, and performances by competitors and guest stars will be seen. The total prize amount is 90,000 euros, with the main prize – the Jane Erkko Award – being 20,000 euros.
Ballet professionals will gather in Helsinki
During the competition, there will also be a six-day training course for ballet teachers organized by The Royal Ballet School.
In conjunction with the competition, the Positioning Ballet Conference will take place from June 5 to June 7, 2026, bringing together directors of ballet companies and institutions to Helsinki. The event held alongside the Helsinki International Ballet Competition supports the competition’s goal of promoting networking and employment for young dancers.
The aim of the Positioning Ballet Foundation is to provide a sustainable network supporting Artistic Artistic Directors of ballet
and dance around the world, who come together in a private environment to share issues, challenges, successes and concerns with their peers.
More Information : Positioning Ballet Conference 2026 – Companies & Schools | Positioningballet