National Art Festival Sofia 13-15.02.2026

NATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL–COMPETITION “MORNING STAR”

13–15.02.2026, Sofia

ORGANIZERS:

• Art Academy “Morning Star”
• Pernik Section of the International Dance Council CID UNESCO
• Venue: Iskar Cultural Center, Druzhba district, Sofia

www.utrinnazvezda.com

TOTAL PRIZE FUND: 4000 EUR

GRAND PRIX: 500 EUR

SPECIAL PRIZES: Participation vouchers for the International Festival of Arts “Morning Star” Golden Sands – 2026.

Participation vouchers for Art Camp Bansko 04–08.04.2026.

The competition for determining the GRAND PRIX will take place in two stages:

1. On 15.02.26, the Grand Prix Nomination Contest includes only the teams and groups selected by the jury members based on their performances during the festival days. The nominees will present one performance to the audience. Afterwards, the jury will determine the TOP 3.

2. Voting: The audience will vote for the Top 3 via Instagram voting on the profile morningstar.artfest. At the same time, each jury member gives their vote. Voting ends simultaneously for everyone and the points are awarded as follows:

Audience: 1st place – 6 points; 2nd place – 4 points; 3rd place – 2 points. Jury: 1 point from each jury member.

The team that collects the highest number of points after the final calculation wins the Grand Prix.

We can’t wait to see all of you there! We are looking forward to welcoming you!

COMPETITION SECTIONS:

• MUSIC SECTION
• DANCE ARTS SECTION
• CIRCUS ARTS SECTION

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 04.02.2026

Rules & Regulations

Organizers’ goals:

• Providing talented children and adults the opportunity to fully showcase their abilities
• Developing various art forms and encouraging children and youth to participate in art-related activities
• Exchange of creative experience
• Cooperation between leaders and friendship between groups
• Promoting global and national cultural values

Participants:

The competition is open to everyone – individual participants, community centers, children’s development centers, youth centers, 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 – over 8 people
• Production – over 20 people

RANKING

The ranking is carried out through a points system.

Maximum points per criterion: 10. Total maximum points: 40.

1st place	37–40 points
2nd place	31–36 points
3rd place	26–30 points

JUDGING IS CLOSED
/IN THE PROGRAM AND IN THE JURY PROTOCOLS ONLY THE START NUMBER AND THE PERFORMER’S NAME ARE INDICATED/.

DANCE ARTS SECTION

STYLES:

• Classical Ballet. Neoclassical
• Character Dances. Ethno Show. Stylized Folklore
• Bulgarian Folk Dances
• Sport and Social Dances
• Dance Show
• Open
• Jazz
• Contemporary
• Hip Hop / Street Dance
• MTV Commercial
• Majorette Groups
• Acrodance

CLASSICAL BALLET. NEOCLASSICAL

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

*Use of stage scenery, accessories, and supports is allowed.

In classical choreography, compositions to classical music may be presented. They are performed in traditional style costumes. Footwear: demi-pointe, pointe shoes. Dancers in this category must perform classical choreography.

In Neoclassical, compositions may be presented using classical, stylized classical, or contemporary music. The choreography must be based on classical technique, but with original elements from other styles. Originality and stylization may be included in the costumes. Performing barefoot is also possible.

CHARACTER, FOLK-STYLIZED, ETHNO SHOW

*Choreography must be based on authentic traditional dances.

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.

*The use of characteristic costumes and music is mandatory.

Folk-stylized dance – choreography must retain the authentic dance character but may incorporate existing dance techniques. The costume should reflect a characteristic image but may be simplified/stylized.

BULGARIAN FOLK DANCES

Bulgarian folk dances are extremely diverse. They differ in rhythm, tempo, movement, forms, and playing style. The characteristic features of the dances are most evident across the regions they originate from. Therefore, they are grouped into six main categories according to Bulgaria’s folkloric regions – Northern, Dobrudzha, Shopluk, Thrace, Pirin, and Rhodope dances. Key stylistic elements include bouncing steps, squats (especially in Dobrudzha), rhythmic stamping, and complex figures reflecting the Bulgarian spirit – strength, temperament, skill, and emotional expression, often accompanied by shouts and whistles. The group presents dances or songs with a total duration of up to 10 minutes per category / a composition or two dances /.

DANCE SHOW

*The dance should be story-based or thematic, with choreographic development that builds meaning, emotion, or tempo. Props, 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 classical choreography, jazz, modern and contemporary choreography, folk stylization, variety, cabaret, acrobatic elements, etc. It is a musical-choreographic miniature arrangement allowing meaningful and emotional expression. The performance may be emotional and contain show elements. The dance must have a dramaturgical action with three compositional elements: introduction, climax, and finale.

OPEN

“Open” is a free and eclectic style mixing elements from many dance genres (hip-hop, jazz, ballet, etc.), emphasizing creativity, uniqueness, and personal expression. There are no strict rules, with a focus on musicality and freedom of movement. Stage scenery and decorations are not allowed. Acrobatic elements are allowed but do not provide an advantage. Accessories that are part of the costume or character are allowed.

SOCIAL & SPORT DANCES:

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

JAZZ

*All dance movements must follow jazz dance technique. Characteristic foot, arm, and body positions apply. Decorations and stage materials are allowed. Accessories as part of the costume or character are allowed.

Jazz originated in the USA in the 1960s and combines African-American folklore with the dances of other immigrants. It is characterized by freedom of movement of the body and its parts horizontally and vertically: synchronization with the rhythm; 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, and Eastern techniques/culture (yoga, martial arts). It constantly evolves and focuses on body plasticity, stretching all muscle groups, jumps, falls, slides across the floor, and contact improvisation. A key feature is releasing tension unexpectedly, sudden stops, falling and rising, and balancing. Contemporary includes classical dance elements, but unlike strict classical forms, contemporary emphasizes the dancer listening to their body and expressing emotional experiences.

HIP HOP / STREET DANCE

Hip hop and street dance are umbrella terms for dance styles originating outside studios in urban environments, connected to hip-hop culture. The focus is on freestyle, improvisation, personal expression, and rhythm, including elements such as breakdance, locking, popping, house dance, and others. Developed in New York in the 1960s/70s with roots in African-American and Latin American communities. Props are not recommended; accessories are allowed; acrobatic elements are allowed but should not dominate.

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 expression (“facials”), and camera work are essential. Choreography often follows not only the beat but also lyrics and specific sounds. Movements are clean, sharp, and accented to look good on screen, emphasizing individuality, charisma, and confidence.

MAJORETTE GROUPS

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 visually attractive costumes. It is typical for parades, sports events, and celebrations. Tosses, pyramids, and other acrobatic figures may be included. Any music may be used—from pop and rock to folk, adapted rhythmically. Stage scenery and decorations are not allowed. Acrobatic elements are allowed. Dance lifts and strength elements are allowed.

ACRODANCE

Acrodance is a performance requiring high physical and coordination skills, turning acrobatic tricks into part of an elegant dance choreography. It combines the precision and strength of acrobatics with the grace and musicality of dance. It includes complex lifts, balances, and throws between partners. Stage scenery and decorations are not allowed. Dance lifts and strength elements are allowed.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

DANCE ARTS SECTION

“INTERPRETATION”: the dancer’s ability to follow rhythm and musicality, express them through body movement, use movements and technical elements appropriately to the musical pattern, and smoothly continue after “stops,” “pauses,” and other figures. Interpretation also includes adapting movements to the music.

“TECHNIQUE”: movements must correspond to the music; execution of technical elements, movements and figures (position, accuracy, coordination, balance, body control); use of the entire space personally and collectively in vertical, horizontal, and diagonal planes; synchronization.

“CHOREOGRAPHY”: distribution of movements and figures in accordance with the dance context, costume, and music. Repertoire must match the performers’ age.

“IMAGE”: acting skills and stage presentation. Ability to demonstrate emotions and feelings. Opening and closing presentation.

MUSIC SECTION

• Folk singing
• Pop and popular song
• Jazz
• Rock. R&B
• Classical vocal
• Instrumental performers /solo, orchestras, ensembles/
• Rock bands

Performers present songs or instrumental compositions with total duration: up to 8 minutes per category /a composition or two songs/.

Individual and group performers present up to 2 songs.

Accompaniment of up to 5 people is allowed.

Original songs have priority.

Orchestras and groups present two compositions.

Participation format:

• Solo
• Duo / Trio
• Small groups (4–8 people)
• Ensembles (over 8 people)
• Choir

EVALUATION CRITERIA

• Intonation and timbre /vocalists/; instrumentalists’ technical performance precision: clean intonation; articulation; tempo suitable for the musical piece; phrasing; dynamics; 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 suitability to performance abilities/
• Stage culture and artistry

CIRCUS ARTS COMPETITION SECTION

• Acrobatics
• Juggling
• Illusion genre
• Original genre
• Contortion
• Clowning
• Balancing acts
• Gymnastics
• Show program, etc.

EVALUATION CRITERIA:

• Direction
• Originality
• Trick difficulty and execution technique
• Artistry and stage culture

PRIZE FUND:

GRAND PRIX – 500 EUR.

SPECIAL PRIZES:

Free participation in the International Festival of Arts “Morning Star” – 2026

Discount vouchers for the “Morning Star” Art Camp-Festival Bansko (April 2026) and the International Festival of Arts “Morning Star”, Golden Sands resort.

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

Award for best choreography and production.

Award of the Art Academy “Morning Star” – laureates receive an invitation to represent Bulgaria in European and world competitions and festivals!

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

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR APPLICATION:

• Application form
• Payment document
• List of participants with dates of birth

GENERAL CONDITIONS

1.	The organizers reserve the right to record and broadcast the festival performances.
2.	Group leaders are responsible for accidents and injuries of participants.
3.	Travel, per diem, and accommodation expenses are at the participants’ own expense.
4.	Prize fund, technical, stage, and medical support expenses are covered by the organizers.
5.	Group leaders are responsible for their groups’ behavior during the event and pay for damages caused.
6.	Participants are responsible for their costumes, props, and personal belongings.
7.	By submitting the application, you declare your agreement with the festival conditions. The leader agrees to provide personal data to the Organizer in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
8.	Performance duration: Solo/Duo/Trio – 2 min. Small group/Formation – 4 min. Total per category – 8 min. Bulgarian folk dances – 12 min.
9.	A performer who has not submitted their music will not be admitted to the competition. A performer who submits music after the deadline (04.02.2026) must pay an additional 10 EUR.
10.	The festival program is determined by the organizing team and is not subject to comments.
11.	The organizers reserve the right to change the program if necessary.
12.	The jury’s decision on final ranking is not subject to comments.
13.	The method of conducting and publishing is reserved and is subject to copyright.
14.	The method of conducting and judging is reserved and is subject to copyright.

FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE COMPETITION, THE MUSIC TRACK MUST BE ATTACHED TO THE APPLICATION FORM ON THE WEBSITE OR SENT TO E-MAIL: utrinazvezda@abv.bg

The music file must be renamed as follows:

1. Dance style or music style:

KB	Classical ballet, Neoclassical
HT	Character dances, Ethno show, Belly dance
MS	Majorette groups
D K	Jazz Contemporary
TSH	Dance show
O	Open
ST	Sport and social dances
HH MTV	Hip hop / Street dance MTV COMMERCIAL
AD	Acrodance
NT	Folk dances
EPP	Pop & popular singing
FP	Folk singing

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

3. Participation format:

S	solo
DT	duo / trio
MG	small group
F	formation
P	production
A	ensemble
H	choir

4. Name of the performer/group.

5. Name of the dance/song.

*FOR MUSIC SECTION: Before the song name, place number 1 or 2 depending on which song you want to perform first.

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

Example MUSIC: FP, III, S, Petya Petrova, 1 Hubava si moya goro

Deadline for sending: 04.02.26

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

*A performer who submits music after the deadline must pay an additional 10 EUR.

To submit applications, use the online form on the website www.utrinnazvezda.com

Required documents:

• Scanned copy of payment document
• Group list with dates of birth

Send to: utrinazvezda@abv.bg

IMPORTANT:

APPLICATION DEADLINE – UNTIL 04.02.2026

The competition fee is paid when submitting the application.

After sending a copy of the payment document via email, your participation is confirmed.

Program

13.02.26 National Arts Festival–Competition “MORNING STAR”. Iskar Cultural Center, Druzhba district, Sofia.

MUSIC SECTION

Instrumental performers

Folk singing

Pop and popular singing

14.02.26 National Arts Festival–Competition “MORNING STAR”. Iskar Cultural Center, Druzhba district, Sofia.

Pop and popular singing

Classical Ballet. Neoclassical

Character dances. Ethno show. Belly dance

Jazz. Contemporary

Bulgarian folk dances

Dance show

Open

15.02.26 National Arts Festival–Competition “MORNING STAR”. Iskar Cultural Center, Druzhba district, Sofia

Circus arts

Acrodance

HIP HOP / STREET DANCE

MTV COMMERCIAL

Majorette groups

Grand Prix Nomination Contest. Awards ceremony.

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

Financial Terms

Required documents for applying:

• Participation form
• Payment document
• List of participants with dates of birth

Participation fees

Solo / Duo / Trio	25 EUR/person – Dance Arts Section 30 EUR/person – Music Section
Small group / Formations	23 EUR/person
Bulgarian folk dances	15 EUR/person

Bank account: BULBANK AD

BIC: UNCRBGSF

IBAN: BG74UNCR70001526297618

Association “Art Academy ‘Morning Star’”

Payment reason:

Participation in National Arts Festival–Competition “Morning Star” /name of group/soloist/

Successful preparation!

Festival President: Kiril Kostadinov

Mobile: 0899108875

Program Director: Elena Valerieva

Mobile: 0896063105