June 23 @ 8:00 am – June 30 @ 5:00 pm
XLV International Arts Festival “MORNING STAR” Golden Sands 23 – 30.06.2026
ORGANIZERS:
Art Academy “Morning Star” Section of the International Dance Council /CID UNESCO/
Total prize fund: 8,000 euros
GRAND PRIX – 500 euros.
We invite you to the International Arts Festival “Morning Star”, held in the most beautiful Bulgarian resorts – in summer at the seaside resorts Golden Sands, Sunny Beach; in winter in Bansko; in Sofia and Pernik. It is one of the leading and most prestigious festivals in Bulgaria! Each new edition attracts thousands of participants and gains increasing popularity in Bulgaria and abroad!
Regulations
Objectives of the organizers:
- Providing an opportunity for talented children and adults to fully express their abilities
- Development of various arts and encouraging children and youth to engage in artistic activities
- Exchange of creative experience
- Cooperation between leaders and friendship between groups
- Promotion of world and national cultural values
Required documents to apply for participation:
- online application via the website
- copy of the payment document sent to email – utrinazvezda@abv.bg
- list of participants with dates of birth.
Participants in the competition:
The competition is open to everyone – individual participants, community centers, children’s development centers, youth centers, academies, children’s palaces, private schools, studios, clubs, wellness schools and others.
Age categories:
I. Category
| I. Category (MINI) | 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 4 months |
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
DANCE ART SECTION
STYLES:
- CLASSICAL BALLET. NEOCLASSICAL
- CHARACTER DANCES. ETHNO SHOW. STYLIZED FOLKLORE
- BULGARIAN FOLK DANCES
- SPORTS 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 sets, accessories and props is allowed.
In “classical choreography” compositions may be presented to classical music. They are performed in traditional costumes for the style. Shoes – demi-pointe, pointe shoes. Dancers in this category must perform classical choreography.
In “Neoclassical” performances may include classical, stylized classical or contemporary music. The basis of the choreography must be classical, but with original elements from other styles. Costumes may include originality and stylization. Performing barefoot is also possible.
CHARACTER, FOLK-STYLIZED, ETHNO SHOW.
*The choreography must be created based on original folk dances.
This discipline includes traditional dances of each nationality, passed down from generation to generation. Dances may be chosen from any geographical or ethnic territory and may represent any historical period. *The use of characteristic costumes and music is mandatory. *Folk-stylized dance – the choreography should compete with folk dance, but must not use authentic folk techniques. The costume must convey a characteristic image but may be simplified/stylized.
BULGARIAN FOLK DANCES
Bulgarian folk dances are extremely diverse. They differ in rhythm, tempo, movement, formations and style of performance. The characteristic features of the dances are most strongly expressed in each region from which they originate. Therefore, they are divided into six main groups according to the folkloric regions of Bulgaria – Northern, Dobrudzha, Shopluk, Thracian, Pirin and Rhodope dances. Key stylistic features include springing movements, squats (especially in Dobrudzha), rhythmic stamping and complex figures reflecting the Bulgarian spirit – strength, temperament, mastery and emotionality, often accompanied by shouts and whistles. The group presents dances or songs with a total duration of up to 10 minutes per category / composition or 2 dances / .
DANCE SHOW
*The dance must be story-based or image-based, with choreography that builds meaningfully, emotionally or in tempo. Accessories, decorations and stage materials are allowed.
*Use of acrobatic elements is allowed, but does not provide an advantage.
*Dance lifts, strength and other elements are allowed.
Dance show is a complex synthesized dance direction based on free combinations of elements of classical choreography, jazz, modern, contemporary choreography, folk stylization, variety, cabaret, acrobatic elements, etc. A musical-choreographic miniature structured in a way that reveals meaning and emotional development. The composition may be emotional and include show elements. The basis of the dance must include a dramaturgical action consisting of three compositional elements: exposition, climax and finale.
OPEN
“Open” is a free and eclectic category, mixing elements from multiple dance styles (hip-hop, jazz, ballet, etc.) and emphasizing creativity, uniqueness and individual expression, without strict rules, with a focus on musicality and freedom of movement. The emphasis is on the dancer combining elements in a unique way, expressing themselves. – Use of stage sets and decorations is not allowed. – Use of acrobatic elements is allowed, but does not provide an advantage. – Use of accessories that are part of the costume or the dancer’s image is allowed.
SOCIAL AND SPORTS DANCES:
- Sports dances.
- Latin show
- Salsa
- Bachata
- Merengue
- Rueda
- Argentine tango
- Hustle
JAZZ.
*All dance movements must comply with jazz dance technique. Typical leg, arm and body positions. – Decorations and stage materials are allowed; accessories that are part of the costume or dancer’s image are allowed.
Jazz originated in the USA in the 1960s and combines African-American folklore and dances of other immigrants. It is distinguished by freedom of movement of the body and its parts both horizontally and vertically. – coordination of movements with the rhythm of music; – syncopation – rhythm between strong beats; – isolated movements – mobility of only one part of the body while the rest remains still or moves in another direction.
CONTEMPORARY
Contemporary – choreography includes elements of modern, jazz, folk dances, classical ballet with Eastern techniques and culture (yoga, martial arts). This style is constantly evolving and focuses on body plasticity, stretching all muscle groups, jumps, falls, slides on the floor, contact improvisation. A characteristic feature is alternating tense muscles with sudden relaxation, sharp stops, falling and rising, balancing. Contemporary contains elements of classical dance, but while classical is strict form and a precise script, in contemporary it is important for the dancer to listen to their body, expressing emotional experiences.
HIP-HOP / STREET DANCE
Hip-hop and street dance are umbrella terms for dance styles that emerged outside studios in an urban environment and are connected to hip-hop culture, focusing on freestyle, improvisation, personal expression and rhythm, including elements such as break, locking, popping, house and others, developing around hip-hop music. They originated in urban conditions (streets, clubs) in New York in the 1960s/70s, with roots in the African-American and Latino communities. Street Dance: general term for styles such as breakdancing, locking, popping, house, krump and others. Hip-hop: broader concept including various combinations of street styles oriented to hip-hop music, emphasizing groove and rhythmic movement. Hip-hop dance is a social and expressive style linked to hip-hop culture and music. It evolves through freedom and improvisation (freestyle). – Use of props is not recommended. – Use of accessories is allowed. – Acrobatic elements are allowed but should not dominate.
MTV COMMERCIAL
MTV COMMERCIAL is a highly visual and energetic dance style created specifically 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 even Dancehall or Waacking, and is oriented toward the audience. Important aspects include stage presence, facial expressions (“facials”) and working with the camera. Choreography often follows not only the beat, but also lyrics or specific sounds in the song. Movements are clean, sharp and accented to look good on screen. The style often highlights individuality, charisma and confidence, and may include provocative or high-intensity elements.
MAJORETTE TEAMS.
Majorette dance is a colorful, energetic and disciplined style requiring both physical endurance and artistry, while creating a festive atmosphere. Emphasis is placed on synchronization, coordinated work with pom-poms or batons and composition with attractive costumes, aiming to entertain and create настроение through energetic choreographies and impressive performances, typical for parades, sports events and celebrations. Perfect synchronization of the whole group creates a strong visual effect. It includes tosses, pyramids and other acrobatic figures. Any music may be used – from pop and rock to folklore, adapted for rhythmic performance. – Parade and sports majorettes. – Use of stage sets and decorations is not allowed. – Acrobatic elements are allowed. – Dance lifts, strength and other elements are allowed.
ACRO DANCE.
Acro dance is a performance requiring high physical and coordination training, turning acrobatic tricks into part of an elegant dance choreography. It blends the precision and strength of acrobatics with the grace and musicality of dance. It includes complex lifts, balances and throws between partners. – Use of stage sets and decorations is not allowed. – Dance lifts, strength and other elements are allowed.
*Solo, duo and trio performances must not exceed 2 minutes / groups and formations: 8 minutes.
*Incorrect reporting of the duration of performances will be penalized by stopping the performance and deducting points!!!
*Music must be attached to the online application or sent by e-mail – utrinazvezda@abv.bg The file must be RENAMED according to the template specified in General Terms item 7.
EVALUATION CRITERIA. DANCE ART SECTION
“INTERPRETATION”: the dancer’s ability to follow the rhythm and musicality of the melody and express them through body movement; the ability to use movements and technical elements adequately according to the musical pattern; the ability to smoothly continue the dance pattern after a “stop”, “pause” and other figures. “Interpretation” may also mean the ability to adapt movements to the music.
“TECHNIQUE”: performance of movements must match the music; execution of technical elements, movements and figures (position, accuracy, coordination, balance and body control); use of the entire space both individually and collectively in vertical, horizontal and diagonal planes; synchrony.
“CHOREOGRAPHY”: distribution of movements and figures according to the dance context, costume and music. Repertoire must match the performers’ age.
“IMAGE”: acting skills, presentation on stage. Ability to demonstrate emotions and feelings. Intro and final presentation of the dancers.
MUSIC SECTION
FOLK SINGING
POP AND POPULAR SONG
JAZZ, ROCK, R&B
INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMERS /SOLO, ORCHESTRAS, ENSEMBLES/
Performers present songs or instrumental compositions in total:
- Duration: up to 8 minutes per category /compositions or 2 songs/;
- Individual and group performers may present up to 2 songs;
- Accompaniment of up to 5 people is allowed;
- Original songs have priority;
- Orchestras and groups present 2 compositions;
Participation format
- Solo
- Duo / Trio
- Small groups (4-8 people)
- Ensembles (more than 8 people)
- Choir
EVALUATION CRITERIA
- Intonation and timbre (vocalists) / instrumentalists technical performance precision: purity of intonation; articulation, conveying character; tempo matching the musical model; phrasing logically dictated by musical development; dynamics according to the logic of image development; metric-rhythmic stability; breathing and sound support (for singers and wind instruments).
- Interpretation and style
- Repertoire selection (for ensembles, duos, trios – unison and polyphony performance, choral intonation, ensemble sense. Repertoire must match performance capabilities.)
- Stage culture, artistry.
THEATRE ARTS SECTION.
Theatre performance
Recital – solo/duo/trio
PERFORMANCE DURATION:
- Theatre performance – duration up to 40 minutes.
- Recital – duration 5 minutes.
EVALUATION CRITERIA Theatre performance
- ARTISTRY
- DIRECTION
- STAGING
- SCENOGRAPHY
EVALUATION CRITERIA – Recital
- Technique and clarity: Diction: clearly pronounced words, comprehensibility. Dynamics: skillful alternation of loud and quiet speech. Tempo: appropriate rhythm and pauses. Voice qualities: strength, tone, expressiveness.
- Interpretation: Emotionality: conveying the feelings in the text. Artistry: gestures, facial expressions, connection with the audience, overall presence. Understanding of the text: showing depth and meaning.
- Content and structure: Repertoire selection: relevance to the theme (if any) and originality. Overall impact: artistic value, attractiveness, memorable performance. Musical/Stage design: use of music, lighting, sets (if applicable).
- Stage behavior
VISUAL ARTS
- Graphics / painting
- Short film / animation
- Digital works
- Participants present one film, painting or digital work.
- Film, animation and digital works will be presented to the jury during the competition.
- Works will be exhibited at the Gala concert.
- Paintings will be created during the festival; technique is free choice.
- The theme will be announced on site.
- Organizers provide surfaces for painting (paper/canvas).
EVALUATION CRITERIA
- Composition
- Painting style
- Originality / depth of theme interpretation, cognitive and cultural component.
- Emotional impact
- Direction and cinematography (complexity of filming, technical
- quality, editing artistry).
- Musical accompaniment
- Screenwriting work
FOLKLORE-ETHNOGRAPHIC GENRE
Folklore-ethnographic groups present numbers and programs created on a folklore basis, folk (regional, local) customs. Duration up to 8 minutes.
Age categories:
- up to 20 years
- over 20 years
EVALUATION CRITERIA:
- quality of the folklore material (artistic value, ethnographic accuracy);
- matching style and manner of performance, accompaniment, attributes, costumes to folk (regional, local) traditions; – performance quality;
- spectacular solution, brightness and authenticity, originality of performance;
- matching costumes, musical instruments and props to the theme of the performance;
CIRCUS ARTS
- Acrobatics.
- Juggling
- Illusion genre
- Original genre
- Contortion
- Clowning
- Balance
- Gymnastics
- Show program, etc.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
- Direction;
- Originality;
- Trick complexity, performance technique;
- Artistry, stage culture
PRIZE FUND:
Total prize fund of the festival “Morning Star” in the amount of 8000 euros !!!
Special awards are presented in all competition sections!
“GRAND PRIX” – a check worth 500 euros.
SPECIAL AWARDS: vouchers for participation in IAF “Morning Star” Golden Sands – 2027.
vouchers for participation in IAF “Morning Star” Bansko – 2026.
The competition for the GRAND PRIX will consist of two parts:
- On 29.06.26 in the Grand Prix Nomination competition, only groups and formations selected by the jury members based on their performances during the festival days will participate. Nominees will present one performance to the audience. Then the jury will determine the TOP 3.
2. Voting: The audience will vote for the Top 3
via Instagram voting in the profile morningstar.artfest. At the same time each jury member gives their vote. Voting ends simultaneously for all and points are calculated as follows:
Audience: 1st place – 6 points; 2nd place – 4 points; 3rd place – 2 points Jury: 1 point from each jury member.
The group with the highest number of points after calculating the final result wins the Grand Prix.
We can’t wait to see all of you there! We are looking forward to welcoming you!
Award from Art Academy “Morning Star” – laureates receive an invitation to represent Bulgaria at European and world competitions and festivals!
Awards are given at the discretion of the jury, organizers and partners of the competition. The right is reserved not to award any of the above prizes.
RANKING
| 1st place | 37-40 points |
| 2nd place | 31-36 points |
| 3rd place | 26-30 points. |
*Therefore, in a given group there may be no 1st, 2nd or 3rd place, and it is also possible that several participants rank in the same place.
JUDGING IS CLOSED /IN THE PROGRAM AND IN THE JURY PROTOCOLS ONLY THE START NUMBER AND THE NAME OF THE PERFORMANCE ARE INDICATED/.
| Item 1 | The organizers reserve the right to record and broadcast festival performances. |
| Item 2 | Leaders of the groups are responsible for accidents and injuries of performers. |
| Item 3 | Accommodation costs of groups and accompanying persons – travel, daily allowances – are at their own expense. |
| Item 4 | Costs for the prize fund, technical, stage and medical support are covered by the organizers. |
| Item 5 | Leaders of the groups are responsible for the behavior of their groups during the event and pay for damages caused. |
| Item 6 | Participants are responsible for their costumes, props and personal belongings. |
| Item 7 | The method of conducting and publishing is reserved and is subject to copyright. |
| Item 8 | Copyright must be arranged by the users. Each leader is responsible for copyright and related rights, in accordance with the current legislation of the Republic of Bulgaria, related to the participation of the group in the festival. |
| Item 9 | A performer who has not sent music for their participation will not be admitted to the competition. A performer who sends music after the stated deadline must pay an additional 10 euros. |
| Item 10 | The duration of performances must be specified in the application. |
| Item 11 | The festival program is determined by the organizational and production team and is not subject to comment. |
| Item 12 | The organizers reserve the right, if necessary, to change the program. |
| Item 13 | The decision of the jury regarding final ranking is not subject to comment. |
| Item 14 | By submitting the application, you declare your agreement with the festival terms. The leader agrees to provide personal data to the Organizer in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). |
| Item 15 | The method of conducting and judging is reserved and is subject to copyright |
GENERAL TERMS ITEM 7. TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FESTIVAL, THE MUSIC ACCOMPANIMENT MUST BE ATTACHED TO THE ONLINE APPLICATION OR SENT BY E-MAIL: utrinazvezda@abv.bg
The music or video file must be renamed as follows:
The music or video file must be renamed as follows:
1. Dance style or music style:
| CB | classical ballet, neoclassical |
| CD | character dances, ethno show, belly dance |
| MT | majorette teams |
| open | jazz contemporary |
| DS | dance show |
| O | open |
| SD | sports and social dances |
| HH MTV | hip-hop / street dance MTV COMMERCIAL |
| AD | acro dance |
| FD | folk dances |
| PPS | pop and popular singing |
| FS | folk singing |
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 |
| E | ensemble |
| C | choir |
4. Performer / group name.
5. Name of the dance / song.
*FOR THE MUSIC SECTION: Before the song name put number 1 or 2 depending on which song you want to sing first.
Example DANCE: CB, II, F, Ballet Feeria, Pas de deux from the ballet Swan Lake.
Example MUSIC: FS, III, S, Petya Petrova, 1 Hubava si moya goro
Deadline for sending – 15.05.26
*A performer who has not sent music for their participation will not be admitted to the competition.
* A performer who sends music after the stated deadline will have to pay an additional 10 euros.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 15.05.2026
Program
23.06.26
Arrival and accommodation of the groups.
24.06.26
Festival opening.
Master classes
25.06.26
Competition program – Theatre section.
Competition program – Music section.
Master classes
Entertainment program
26.06.26
Competition program – Dance art section.
Master classes
Entertainment program
27.06.26
Competition program – Dance art section.
Master classes
Entertainment program
28.06.26
Master classes
Entertainment program
29.06.26
Grand Prix Nomination Competition. Award Ceremony.
30.06.26
Festival closing.
Financial terms
ACCOMMODATION IN HOTELS IS ONLY THROUGH THE ORGANIZERS:
Hotels 2*/3*/4* Resort Golden Sands:
Full board – overnight stay, breakfast + lunch + dinner buffet, does NOT include: soft drinks and alcoholic beverages and others!
Prices are preferential only for festival participants and include VAT and tourist tax – upon request.
For a group of over 15 people – 1 leader stays free of charge! Deadline for final reservation – 15 days before arrival.
IMPORTANT: You have the right to cancel the hotel reservation only by e-mail, no later than 10 days before arrival; after this deadline you owe the cost of one day for each canceled reservation.
*Advance payment is non-refundable.
Participation fees:
| Solo / Duo / Trio | 30 euros / person |
| Small group / Formations | 25 euros / person |
| Bulgarian folk dances and folklore-ethnographic genre competition fee | 15 euros / person |
*The participation fee gives the performer the right to participate in all styles within ONE section!
*A performer who has paid a festival fee of 25 euros for group performances and wishes to participate additionally in solo/duo-trio category pays extra 10 euros per performance.
Master class fee /certificates issued/: . per style/genre/.
Package price /participation in all master classes/ –
***
PARTICIPATION IN THE COMPETITION PROGRAM AND MASTER CLASSES IS ALLOWED FOR GROUPS AND SOLOISTS WHO ARE NOT ACCOMMODATED THROUGH THE ORGANIZERS UNDER THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
Participation in the competition program:
| Solo / duo / trio | 60 euros / person |
| Small group / formation | 50 euros / person |
| Master classes /certificates issued/: | |
| Package price /participation in all master classes/ |
Addresses for submitting applications and required documents:
utrinazvezda@abv.bg or online: http://www.utrinnazvezda.com
- use the online form on the website www.utrinnazvezda.com
- scanned copy of payment document
- group list with dates of birth
IMPORTANT:
APPLICATION DEADLINE – until 15.05.2026
Deadline for advance payment transfer 30% of the hotel reservation amount – until 15.05.2026
The festival fee is paid upon submitting the application.
After sending a copy of the payment document by e-mail, your participation is confirmed!
Bank account: Bank account: BULBANK AD
BIC: UNCRBGSF
IBAN: BG74UNCR70001526297618
Association “Art Academy “Morning Star”
Payment reason:Participation in XLV IAF “Morning Star” – /name of group/soloist/ Good preparation!
Festival President: Kiril Kostadinov
Mobile: 0899108875
Program Director: Elena Valerieva
Mobile: 0896063105
June 23 @ 8:00 am – June 30 @ 5:00 pm
