National Dance Festival Pernik 25-26.04.2026

NATIONAL DANCE FESTIVAL “UTRINNA ZVEZDA” 2026

25-26.04.2026, Pernik

For the Cup of the Mayor of Pernik Municipality

GRAND PRIX – 500 EUR

SPECIAL AWARDS – TOTAL AMOUNT 2000 EUR

ORGANIZERS:

• Art Academy “Utrinna Zvezda”
• Pernik Section of the International Dance Council UNESCO
• Municipality of Pernik

April 29 – World Dance Day.

The International Dance Day aims, by celebrating Dance Day, to draw attention to the universality of this art form, to overcome political, cultural and ethnic barriers, and to bring people closer together through a common language – the language of dance. This day is festive for those who recognize the value and importance of the art form DANCE.

We invite you to the National Dance Festival “Utrinna Zvezda” on the occasion of World Dance Day – April 29, part of the International Festival of Arts “Utrinna Zvezda”, held in Sofia, and at the most beautiful Bulgarian resorts – in summer at the seaside resorts Golden Sands, Chernomorets, Sozopol, and in winter in Bansko. It is one of the leading and prestigious festivals in Bulgaria! Each new edition attracts thousands of participants and gains growing popularity in Bulgaria and abroad!

Regulations

Organizers’ goals:

• Providing an opportunity for talented children and adults to fully demonstrate their abilities
• Developing different dance styles and encouraging children and youth to engage in arts-related activities
• Exchange of creative experience
• Cooperation between leaders and friendship between groups
• Promotion of national cultural values

Participants in the competition:

The competition is open to everyone – individual participants, community centers, children’s development centers, youth houses, academies, children’s palaces, private schools, studios, clubs, relaxation schools and others.

Age categories:

I. MINI category	up to 8 years and 4 months
II. Category	from 8 years 4 months to 12 years 4 months
III. Category	from 12 years 4 months to 15 years
IV. Category	15–18 years
V. Category	18–25 years
VI. Category	over 25 years
VII. Mixed	/for productions/

Participation format:

• Solo
• Duo / Trio
• Small groups (4–8 people)
• Formations (more than 8 people)
• Production (more than 20 people)

JUDGING IS CLOSED /In the program and jury protocols only the starting number and the performer’s name are indicated/.

DANCE ART SECTION

STYLES:

• CLASSICAL BALLET. NEOCLASSICAL
• BULGARIAN FOLK DANCES
• CHARACTER DANCES, ETHNO SHOW, STYLIZED FOLKLORE
• SPORT AND SOCIAL DANCES
• DANCE SHOW
• OPEN
• JAZZ
• CONTEMPORARY
• HIP HOP / STREET DANCE
• MTV COMMERCIAL
• MAJORETTE TEAMS
• ACRO DANCE

CLASSICAL BALLET. NEOCLASSICAL

*Pointe shoes are not approved for dancers in the MINI category.

*Use of stage design, props and supports is allowed.

In “Classical choreography” compositions may be presented to classical music. Performances are in traditional costumes for the style. Footwear – demi-pointe or pointe shoes. Dancers in this category must perform classical choreography.

In “Neoclassical” compositions may be presented using classical, stylized classical or contemporary music. The basis of the choreography must be classical, with original elements from other styles. Costumes may include originality and stylization. Performing barefoot is possible.

CHARACTER, FOLK-STYLIZED, ETHNO SHOW

*The choreography must be based on authentic folk dances of nations.

This discipline includes the traditional dances of each nationality, passed down from generation to generation. Dances may be selected from any geographical or ethnic region and may represent any historical period.

*Use of traditional costumes and music is mandatory.

*Folk-stylized dance – choreography must correspond to the traditional dance, but modern dance techniques may be used. The costume must reflect the characteristic image, but may be simplified/stylized.

DANCE SHOW

*The dance must be narrative or concept-based, with choreography arranged to create meaningful, emotional or tempo development. Props, decorations and stage materials are allowed.

*Use of acrobatic elements is allowed but does not give an advantage.

*Dance lifts and strength elements are allowed.

Dance Show is a complex synthesized dance direction based on free combinations of elements from classical choreography, jazz, modern, contemporary choreography, folk stylization, variety, cabaret, acrobatic elements, etc. It is a musical-choreographic miniature structured to reveal meaning and emotion. The composition may be emotional and contain show elements. The basis of the dance must include dramaturgical action with three compositional elements: introduction, climax, and finale.

SOCIAL AND SPORT DANCES

• Sport dances
• Latin show
• Salsa
• Bachata
• Merengue
• Rueda
• Argentine tango
• Hustle

JAZZ. CONTEMPORARY.

*All dance movements must follow the respective technique. Style-specific leg, arm and body positions. Decorations and stage materials are allowed. Accessories that are part of the costume or dancer’s character are allowed.

Jazz originated in the USA in the 1960s and combines Afro-American folklore and dances of other immigrants. It is characterized by freedom of movement of the body and its parts both horizontally and vertically, coordination with the rhythm of the music, syncopation, and isolation movements.

Contemporary includes elements of modern, jazz, folk dances, classical ballet with Eastern techniques and culture (yoga, martial arts elements). The style constantly develops and focuses on plasticity, grace, stretching, jumps, falls, slides, contact improvisation, alternating tension and relaxation, balance, etc.

OPEN

In this category there are no restrictions in dance styles. Styles may be performed in pure form or in combination.

Use of stage scenery and decorations is not allowed.

Use of acrobatic elements is allowed but does not give an advantage.

Use of accessories that are part of the costume or dancer’s character is allowed.

STREET DANCE / HIP HOP

Use of props is not recommended.

Use of accessories is allowed.

Acrobatic elements are allowed, but must not be dominant.

MTV COMMERCIAL

MTV COMMERCIAL is a highly visual and energetic dance style created for the entertainment industry – music videos, concerts, commercials and TV shows. The style is not strictly fixed. It combines elements of Hip-Hop, Jazz Funk, Street Jazz, and sometimes Dancehall or Waacking, and is audience-oriented. Stage presence, facial expressions, and camera work are important. Choreography often follows the beat, lyrics or specific sounds. Movements are clean, sharp and accented to look good on screen. The style highlights individuality, charisma and confidence and may include provocative or high-intensity elements.

MAJORETTE TEAMS

Parade and sport majorettes.

Use of stage scenery and decorations is not allowed.

Use of acrobatic elements is allowed.

Dance lifts and strength elements are allowed.

ACRO DANCE

Use of stage scenery and decorations is not allowed.

Use of acrobatic elements is allowed.

Dance lifts and strength elements are allowed.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

DANCE ART SECTION

“INTERPRETATION”: the dancer’s ability to follow rhythm and musicality, express them through body movement, use technical elements appropriately to the musical pattern, and smoothly continue the dance after pauses or stops.

“TECHNIQUE”: movements must correspond to the music; execution of technical elements, precision, coordination, balance and body control; use of space (vertical, horizontal and diagonal planes); synchronization.

“CHOREOGRAPHY”: distribution of movements and figures according to dance context, costume and music; repertoire suitability to performers’ age.

“IMAGE”: acting skills and stage presentation; ability to demonstrate emotions; opening and closing presentation.

AWARDS FUND:

GRAND PRIX – 500 EUR.

Special awards:

2 checks worth 200 EUR each for participation in the International Festival of Arts “Utrinna Zvezda” – Golden Sands Resort 23–30.06.2026 / 15–23.08.2025.

Cups, medals and plaques for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.

Award for best choreography and staging.

Award of Art Academy “Utrinna Zvezda” – laureates receive an invitation to represent Bulgaria at European and world competitions and festivals!

Awards are granted at the discretion of the jury, organizers and partners. The right is reserved not to award each of them.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION APPLICATION:

• Application submitted through the festival website
• Copy of payment document, sent to: utrinazvezda@abv.bg
• List of participants with birth dates

GENERAL TERMS

1.	The organizers reserve the right to record and broadcast festival performances.
2.	Group leaders are responsible for accidents and injuries of participants.
3.	All travel and accommodation expenses are at the participants’ own expense.
4.	The organizers cover the costs for awards fund, technical, stage and medical support.
5.	Group leaders are responsible for the behavior of their groups and for any damages.
6.	Participants are responsible for their costumes, props and personal belongings.
7.	A performer who has not sent music will not be admitted. Music sent after the deadline requires an additional fee of 20 BGN.
8.	Copyright must be arranged by the participants.
9.	Performance duration: Solo/Duo/Trio – 2 min. Small group/Formation – 4 min. Total duration per category – 8 min. Bulgarian folk dances – 10 min.
10.	Duration must be stated in the application. *Incorrect duration may lead to stopping the performance!
11.	The festival program is determined by the organizing team and is not subject to comments.
12.	The organizers reserve the right to change the program if necessary.
13.	The jury’s decision is final and not subject to comments.
14.	By submitting the application, you declare your agreement with the festival terms.
15.	The format and judging method are protected by copyright.

FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE COMPETITION, THE MUSIC MUST BE SENT TO E-MAIL: utrinazvezda@abv.bg

The music file must be renamed as follows:

1. Dance style:

KB	Classical ballet, neoclassical
HT	Character dances, ethno show, belly dance
MS	Majorette teams
MDK	Modern/Jazz/Contemporary
TS	Dance show
O	Open
ST	Sport and social dances
HH	Hip-hop / Street dance
AD	Acro dance and rhythmic gymnastics
NT	Folk dances

2. Age category: I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII

3. Participation format:

S	Solo
DT	Duo/Trio
SG	Small group
F	Formation
P	Production
A	Ensemble
H	Choir

4. Name of performer/group.

5. Name of the dance.

Example: KB, II, F, Ballet Feeria, Pas de deux from Swan Lake.

Deadline for sending: 15.04.2026

*A performer who has not sent music will not be admitted to the competition.

*A performer who sends music after the deadline must pay an additional 20 BGN.

Application and required documents should be sent to:

utrinazvezda@abv.bg or online: http://www.utrinnazvezda.com

IMPORTANT:

APPLICATION DEADLINE – UNTIL 15.04.2026

Upon submitting the application, the competition fee must be paid.

After sending a copy of the payment document by e-mail, your participation is confirmed!

Program

The program will be uploaded on 16.04.2026.

*The organizers reserve the right to make changes to the program.

Financial terms

Participation fees:

Solo / Duo / Trio	25 EUR/person
Small group / Formation	20 EUR/person
Bulgarian folk dances	10 EUR/person

*Festival fee for small group/formation allows participation in all styles.
*Performers who have paid a festival fee for group performances and want to participate in solo/duo/trio pay an additional 10 EUR per performance.

Bank account: BULBANK AD

BIC: UNCRBGSF

IBAN: BG74UNCR70001526297618

Association “Art Academy ‘Utrinna Zvezda’”

Reason for payment:

Participation in NDF “Utrinna Zvezda” /name of group/soloist/

Successful preparation!

Festival President: Kiril Kostadinov

Mobile: 0899108875

Program Director: Elena Valerieva

Mobile: 0896063105