Pre-selection
The online application for HIBC 2026 is open from 1.11.2025 9:00 AM to 31.1.2026 23:59 PM
Applicants for the competition are required to submit:
– a video recording of one variation listed below
– a photo (headshoot)
– a signed relase form – load the form here
You also have to pay the application fee of EUR 100 which is non-refundable.
The selection will be primarily conducted by video auditioning.
Video requirements for pre-selection
Video recording should be of high technical quality. The dancer should be filmed from the front, with full body kept in view, and not too far away.
Dance studio environment, normal studio lights, cover the mirror if seen in the background.
Videos of live performances are not accepted. Edited or cut videos are not accepted.
Video format should be avi, mov, mp4 or mpg.
Attire for video
Tights covering entire leg and foot
No performance costumes, skirts or practise tutus allowed
Competitors performing female variations:
pointe shoes and a leotard in a contrasting colour from the studio’s background.
Competitors performing male variations:
soft shoes and a solid colour shirt in a contrasting colour from the studio’s background.
Dancer chosen from the pre-selection
Selected participants will be announced by 15 February 2026.
Dancers selected for the competition will be sent a link through which the dancer confirms their participation by March 31.
At the same time, the dancer will declare their program, provide the music recordings for the competition numbers, and pay the participation fee of 250€. The fee is non-refundable.
When registering for the competition, the dancer undertakes to comply with the competition rules, performance regulations and the jury’s decisions. Registration for the competition also means an assurance that the dancer has no other professional obligations during the competition.
Competition categories
Juniors, aged 15‒18 years when the Competition begins on 27.5.2026
Young professionals, aged 19-21 years when the Competition begins on 27.5.2026
Seniors, aged 22‒25 years when the Competition begins on 27.5.2026
Accommodation and travel of competitors
Competitors and their partners shall be provided with free hotel accommodation in shared twin rooms. Competitors shall be liable for the arranging and cost of their travel to and from Helsinki. Competitors who require a visa in order to enter Finland shall themselves be responsible for obtaining such a visa.
We provide competitors hotel accommodation (in twin/double rooms) close to the competition venue for the duration of the competition 27.5‒6.6.2026, as well as daily training classes and lunch.
Competiton repertoire
Please note that competitors may not perform the same selection from a classical ballet work or contemporary dance work twice. No props allowed.
First round
28.5.‒30.5.2026, Almi Hall
Approximately 60-80 participants will be accepted for the First round.
Competitors shall perform two variations chosen from the classical ballet repertoire listed below from the 19th or 20th century.
Second round
1.‒2.6.2026, Almi Hall
Approximately 40 participants will be accepted for the Second round
Competitors can perform either alone or as a couple.
- Competitors perform a solo and or a duet (couples) from a contemporary dance work choreographed after 2020 (duration 2.5–4 min)
- Competitors can take part also to the comtemporary choreography competition
Final round
3.‒4.6.2026, Main stage
Appoximately 20 participants will be accepted to the Final round.
- Soloist Competitors perform two (2) variations from the classical ballet repertoire from the 19th or 20th century (duration max 13 min) and a solo contemporary work created after 2020 (duration 2.5 to 4 min)
- Couples perform one pas de deux from the classical ballet repertoire from the 19th or 20th century (duration max 13 min) and a contemporary duet created after 2020 (duration 2.5 – 4 min)
Prize Ceremony and Gala
5.6.2026, Main Stage
Classical ballet repertoire:
The Awakening of Flora
La Bayadère
The Cavalry Halt
Coppélia
Le Corsaire
Don Quixote
Esmeralda
La Fille Mal Gardée
The Flames of Paris
The Flower Festival in Genzano
Giselle
Grand Pas Classique
Harlequinade
Napoli
The Nutcracker
Paquita
Raymonda
Satanella
The Sleeping Beauty
Swan Lake
La Sylphide
Talisman
More information: info@ibchelsinki.fi
Changes are possible.