Pre-Selection
The online application for HIBC 2026 is now closed.
Dancers Chosen from the Pre-Selection
Selected candidates are listed here.
Dancers selected for the competition have received a link by email 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 May 27, 2026
- Young Professionals, aged 19‒21 years when the Competition begins on May 27, 2026
- Seniors, aged 22‒25 years when the Competition begins on May 27, 2026
There is no gender categories in the competition.
Accommodation and Travels
Competitors and their partners will be provided with free hotel accommodation in shared twin/double rooms close to the competition venue for the duration of the competition from May 26 to June 6, 2026. In addition to the accommodation, we provide also daily training classes and lunch for the competitors.
Competitors will 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. If you need a visa invitation letter, please email info@ibchelsinki.fi.
Competition Repertoire
Please note that competitors may not perform the same selection from a classical ballet work or contemporary dance work twice during the competition. However, the variation in the pre-selection video can be performed again on the competition rounds 1 or 3 if dancer is approved to the competition.
No props allowed.
Accepted 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
Requirements for Contemporary Dance Works:
The choreography of contemporary dance works must include elements that are clearly different from classical ballet technique.
Competitors can perform either alone or as a couple. The contestant will perform a solo and couples a duet from a contemporary dance work choreographed after 2020. The length of the performance must be 2.5–4 minutes.
If the choreographer of a contemporary dance work performed by a competitor wishes to participate in the choreography competition, this must be entered on the registration form. The choreography competition will take place in the Second Round and only the contemporary dance works performed in the Second Round will be evaluated for the Choreography Prize.
Competition Rounds
- First Round (May 28 to 30, 2026)
- Competitors perform two (2)variations from the accepted classical ballet repertoire from the 19th or 20th century
- Second Round (June 1 to 2, 2026)
- Approximately 40 participants will be accepted for the Second Round
- Competitors perform a contemporary dance piece choreographed after 2020 (duration 2.5–4 min)
- Competitors can perform either alone or as a couple
- Competitors or their choreographer can participate to the Choreography Competition
- Finals (June 3 to 4, 2026)
- Appoximately 20 participants will be accepted to the Final Round.
- Soloist competitors perform two (2) variations from the accepted classical ballet repertoire from the 19th or 20th century (duration of two variations together max 13 min) and a solo contemporary work created after 2020 (duration 2.5–4 min)
- Couples perform one pas de deux from the accepted 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)
- Gala and Prize Ceremony (June 5, 2026)
- Highlights from competition performances along with guest dancers
- Prize Ceremony
Competition Order
Contestants will find out their order no later than the opening ceremony of the competition on May 27, 2026, which they must attend in person. The competition order will remain the same throughout the competition. For couples, the smaller number drawn will determine their performance slot.
Music Recordings
Music recordings of all competition numbers to be presented in the competition must be delivered to the organizer as music files no later than March 31, 2026. The music recordings must meet the quality criteria specified in the registration form. A contestant may be denied entry on the basis of a low-quality music recording.
Prizes
See information about the prizes here.
Jury
See information about the Jury here.
Safer Place Principles
It is vital that the Helsinki International Ballet Competition be an open and transparent event where everyone can be themselves and respect others.
- We treat others with respect and honesty.
- Together, we create a positive and encouraging atmosphere.
- We actively avoid making assumptions about anyone’s life situation, identity, background, abilities, or gender in our words or actions. Everyone’s experiences and identity are theirs to define.
- We do not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment.
Rules
Please read the official rules of the Helsinki International Ballet Competition carefully.
Any Questions?
We are happy to help! Don’t hesitate to contact us at info@ibchelsinki.fi.
Changes are possible.