🇵🇹 Regulamento Oficial (Português)

Porto, Portugal
21–22 November 2026

Organized by: Associação para a Arte e Movimento
Portugal

INTRODUCTION

The FND International Dance Competition emerges from the natural evolution of the Festival Norte Dança, which for more than two decades established itself as a reference in the promotion of dance, artistic education and the recognition of the work developed by schools, teachers and choreographers.

This new stage introduces a distinct identity, with a renewed structure, clear criteria and an organization committed to artistic quality, fairness in evaluation and respect for the work of every participant.

The FND International Dance Competition is conceived as a meeting point for artistic exchange and excellence, where different dance languages coexist with equal value in an environment of professionalism, rigor and artistic appreciation.

These regulations define the rules governing participation, organization, evaluation and operation of the event and are binding for all participants, schools, choreographers and responsible representatives.

Registration in the FND International Dance Competition implies full acceptance of all the rules and provisions contained in these regulations.

Article 1 – General Framework

1. The FND International Dance Competition is an international dance competition organized by Associação Arte e Movimento, based in Portugal, open to dance schools, academies, companies, choreographers and dancers of different ages and training levels.
2. The FND International Dance Competition represents a new phase with a renewed structure and clearly defined criteria, while maintaining the fundamental values of artistic quality, rigor, respect and appreciation of the work developed in the field of dance.
3. The competition aims to:

• promote artistic excellence;
  • encourage the technical and interpretative development of dancers;
  • recognize and value the pedagogical work of schools and choreographers;
  • create a platform for meeting, sharing and artistic growth between different dance languages.

1. The FND International Dance Competition is governed by these regulations, which are mandatory for all participants, schools, teachers, choreographers and any other individuals involved in the event.
2. Registration in the FND International Dance Competition implies full and unconditional acceptance of all provisions contained in these regulations.

Article 2 – Objectives of the Competition

1. The FND International Dance Competition aims to promote and value dance as an art form, encouraging technical quality, expressiveness, creativity and artistic integrity among participants.
2. The specific objectives of the competition include:

1. a) Encouraging the technical and interpretative development of dancers, while respecting the different stages of learning and artistic maturation;
2. b) Recognizing and valuing the pedagogical and creative work carried out by schools, teachers and choreographers;
3. c) Promoting diversity in choreographic languages, ensuring equal recognition and respect among different dance styles;
4. d) Creating an environment for artistic exchange, collaboration and growth among participants from different contexts, backgrounds and training paths;
5. e) Encouraging excellence, rigor and artistic responsibility while respecting the individual journey and development of each dancer.

1. The FND International Dance Competition is designed not only as a competitive platform but also as a space for artistic development, constructive evaluation and recognition.
2. The organization is committed to providing a structure, criteria and environment that ensure fairness in evaluation, mutual respect and appreciation of the artistic work presented.

Article 3 – Event Structure

1. The FND International Dance Competition takes place in a live, in-person format, over two consecutive days, organised as follows:

1. a) Saturday – competition sessions.
   b) Sunday – competition sessions followed by the Awards Ceremony.

1. Competition sessions are organised in blocks according to dance style, level and logistical needs of the event. The distribution of choreographies is the exclusive responsibility of the Organisation.
2. Artistic training workshops may take place between competition session blocks as part of the official programme. These workshops will not interfere with the normal running of the competition.
3. The Awards Ceremony takes place only at the end of the final competition day (Sunday). No intermediate award ceremonies will take place during the event.
4. The Organisation reserves the right to:

1. a) adjust the order of sessions;
   b) redistribute choreographies between sessions;
   c) modify schedules whenever necessary for logistical, technical or artistic reasons.

1. The event structure is designed to ensure:

• smooth programme flow;
  • respect for performance timing;
  • organised backstage management;
  • high technical standards;
  • the well-being of participants and staff.

1. No stage rehearsals are scheduled for participating schools. Adaptation to the stage space must take place during the performance according to the technical conditions communicated in advance.
2. The detailed schedule, running order and performance times will be communicated by the Organisation after the closing of registrations and the finalisation of the official programme.

Article 4 – Dance Styles

1. The FND International Dance Competition welcomes a wide range of dance styles and choreographic languages, recognising and valuing artistic diversity and the identity of each movement language.
2. The officially recognised dance styles are:

1. a) Classical Ballet
   b) Neoclassical
   c) Contemporary Dance
   d) Modern Dance
   e) Jazz Dance
   f) Urban Dance
   g) Traditional Dance
   h) Acro Dance
   i) Other Choreographic Languages

Note: Internationally recognised styles such as Lyrical, Showdance and Fusion are not considered separate competition categories at the FND International Dance Competition. These choreographies will be classified according to their predominant dance language and may be entered in Jazz Dance, Contemporary Dance or Other Choreographic Languages, depending on their artistic and technical characteristics.

Definition of Styles

1. a) Classical Ballet

Classical Ballet refers to dance based on traditional academic ballet technique, including codified vocabulary, alignment, placement, pointe or demi-pointe work, and classical aesthetics, including repertoire variations and original classical creations.

1. b) Neoclassical

Neoclassical refers to dance that originates from classical ballet technique but incorporates a contemporary approach, greater freedom of movement, expanded lines, spatial exploration and modern musical interpretation while maintaining classical technical demands.

1. c) Contemporary Dance

Contemporary Dance refers to movement language based on physical research, the relationship with space, weight, gravity, breath, intention and interpretation, integrating diverse contemporary techniques and choreographic approaches.

1. d) Modern Dance

Modern Dance refers to the historical techniques and languages of modern dance (such as Graham, Horton, Limón, Cunningham and others) and their derivatives, characterised by specific technical structures and expressive approaches.

1. e) Jazz Dance

Jazz Dance integrates technique, rhythm, dynamics, musicality and expressiveness. It may include lyrical jazz, contemporary jazz, musical theatre, Broadway style and other stylistic approaches within the jazz tradition.

1. f) Urban Dance

Urban Dance includes dance styles originating from urban and cultural movements, such as Hip Hop, Street Dance, Commercial, House, Locking, Popping, Waacking, Krump and their contemporary fusions.

1. g) Traditional Dance

Traditional Dance refers to dances rooted in cultural, ethnic, or folk traditions, representing national or regional heritage, presented within an artistic and choreographic context.

1. h) Acro Dance

Acro Dance combines dance technique with acrobatic elements and may include flexibility, balance, strength, and body control.

Choreographies must maintain a consistent choreographic foundation, with acrobatic elements integrated artistically and not as the predominant component.

The classification within this style is the responsibility of the participating entity, and evaluation will be carried out according to the general criteria of the competition.

1. i) Other Choreographic Languages

Other Choreographic Languages refer to creations that do not fall directly within the styles mentioned above, including style fusions, authorial language, dance-theatre, experimental proposals, hybrid approaches, or artistic research projects.

Article 5 – Categories and Levels

1. Participation Categories
2. The choreographies participating in the FND International Dance Competition are organised according to the number of performers on stage, in the following categories:
3. a) Solo – 1 performer
   b) Duo – 2 performers
   c) Trio – 3 performers
   d) Group – 4 or more performers

1. The category is determined exclusively by the number of performers on stage at the time of the performance.
2. Changes to the category are not permitted after the submission of the registration.

2. Participation Levels

1. In order to ensure fair and balanced evaluation, participants are distributed into levels according to their experience, training and technical demands.
2. The levels officially recognised in the FND International Dance Competition are:

1. a) Beginner
   b) Intermediate
   c) Advanced

1. The levels are defined as follows:

1. a) Beginner – dancers in the initial stage of training, with limited experience and basic technical skills.
2. b) Intermediate – dancers with regular training, a consolidated technical base and more consistent execution.
3. c) Advanced – dancers with solid training, high technical proficiency, artistic maturity and developed interpretative ability.

1. The level classification is the responsibility of the school, choreographer or participant and must be made honestly and responsibly.
2. The Organisation reserves the right to reclassify the level of a choreography whenever it considers that it has been registered in an inappropriate level.

3. Relationship Between Style, Category and Level

1. Each choreography will be evaluated according to its dance style, category (solo, duo, trio, group) and level (beginner, intermediate, advanced).
2. The evaluation is not based on direct comparison between different categories, levels or dance styles.
3. The organisation of competition blocks and evaluation is based on the combination of style + level, ensuring a fair and contextualised assessment.

4. Special Cases

1. If only one choreography is registered in a particular style and level, it will still be evaluated according to its own artistic and technical criteria.
2. The absence of direct competition does not automatically guarantee the awarding of a prize.

Article 6 – Age Divisions

1. General Principle
2. Age divisions are established to ensure fair evaluation, respecting the different stages of physical, technical and artistic development of dancers.
3. Ages are determined based on the participant’s age at the date of the event.
4. In group performances, the average age of the group is used for classification purposes.
5. Age Divisions

Participants are distributed into the following age divisions:

1. a) Baby – up to 6 years old
   b) Children – 7 to 9 years old
   c) Junior – 10 to 12 years old
   d) Teen – 13 to 15 years old
   e) Senior – 16 to 18 years old
   f) Adult – 19 years and older
2. Application by Category

1. Age divisions apply to all participation categories:

• Solo
  • Duo
  • Trio
  • Group

1. In Duos, Trios and Groups, the division is determined by the average age of the performers.
2. The participation of up to 25% of dancers outside the prescribed age category is permitted, provided that this does not significantly alter the predominant age profile of the group.

4. Relationship Between Age and Level

1. Age does not automatically determine the technical level.
2. Younger dancers may compete at intermediate or advanced levels, and older dancers may compete at beginner level, depending on their training and experience.
3. The level must be assigned honestly by the school or responsible representative, taking into account training, experience and the technical requirements of the choreography.

5. Special Cases and Reclassification

1. The Organisation reserves the right to reclassify the age division or level of a choreography whenever it considers that the registration does not adequately reflect the participants’ profile.
2. In such cases, the school or responsible representative will be informed.

Article 7 – Duration of Choreographies

1. General Principle

1. The duration of choreographies is established to ensure programme flow, fairness between participants and the quality of evaluation.
2. Performance time is calculated from the beginning of the music to the end of the music.
3. Entrance and exit time from the stage is not included in the maximum duration, but must be carried out immediately and without delay.

2. Maximum Duration by Category

Solo

Beginner – up to 2:00 minutes
Intermediate – up to 2:30 minutes
Advanced – up to 3:00 minutes

Duo

Beginner – up to 2:30 minutes
Intermediate – up to 3:00 minutes
Advanced – up to 3:30 minutes

Trio

Beginner – up to 3:00 minutes
Intermediate – up to 3:30 minutes
Advanced – up to 4:00 minutes

Group

Beginner – up to 3:00 minutes
Intermediate – up to 4:00 minutes
Advanced – up to 5:00 minutes

3. Exceeding Time Limits

1. Choreographies that exceed the maximum duration may, at the discretion of the Organisation:

1. a) be interrupted; or
   b) be penalised in the evaluation.
2. Additional Time

In cases of traditional repertoire or classical works, or when justified by artistic or choreographic needs, additional time may be requested.

For each additional 30 seconds, an extra fee of €5.00 per choreography will apply.

Requests for additional time must be made at the time of registration and are subject to approval by the Organisation.

The responsibility for complying with the maximum duration lies exclusively with the school, choreographer or participant.

Article 8 – Evaluation System and Criteria

1 Evaluation System

The FND International Dance Competition adopts an evaluation system that combines artistic and technical assessment.

Each choreography is evaluated individually by a panel of dance professionals, considering its overall quality, as well as its suitability for the selected level and style.

Evaluations are carried out within Style + Level blocks.

There is no direct comparison between:

• different categories (Solo, Duo, Trio and Group);
• different levels;
• different dance styles.

2 Evaluation Criteria

Each judge evaluates all of the following criteria, awarding 1 to 10 points for each.

1. Technique
2. Movement Quality
3. Interpretation and Expression
4. Musicality and Rhythm
5. Choreographic Composition
6. Suitability to Level and Style
7. Stage Presence
8. Overall Artistic Impact
9. Overall Presentation
10. Originality

Maximum score per judge: 100 points.

The final score corresponds to the average of the scores awarded by all judges.

3 Jury

The jury is composed of professionals with recognized experience in their respective artistic fields.

The appointment of the jury is the sole responsibility of the Organization.

The jury’s decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

4 Awards

Awards and distinctions are granted according to the artistic and technical quality demonstrated.

The absence of direct competition within a specific block does not automatically guarantee the awarding of any distinction.

5 Score Requests and Feedback

Only official representatives of the participants may request information regarding evaluation after the closing of the event.

Article 9 – Awards and Distinctions

1. General Principle

1. The awards of the FND International Dance Competition aim to recognise the artistic, technical and interpretative merit of participants in a clear and fair manner.
2. Awards are granted according to the quality demonstrated and are not automatically awarded in every category.
3. The awarding of prizes is the exclusive decision of the jury.

2. Awards by Style and Level

Within each Style + Level block, the following prizes may be awarded:

• 1st Prize
  • 2nd Prize
  • 3rd Prize

These awards are granted according to the artistic quality presented, not by direct comparison with other categories or styles.

The jury may decide not to award one or more prizes if the quality presented does not justify it.

3. Special Awards

The jury may also grant the following Special Awards:

• Best Dancer
  • Artistic Excellence Award
  • Best Choreographer

1. Special Awards may be granted across styles and levels.
2. They recognise exceptional artistic qualities, stage presence, creativity or impact.
3. These awards are not dependent on obtaining 1st, 2nd or 3rd Prize.

4. Monetary Awards and Scholarships

1. The awarding of monetary prizes, scholarships, artistic residencies or other benefits depends on the availability and decision of the Organisation and/or sponsors.
2. When applicable, the conditions will be communicated in advance.

5. Awards Ceremony

1. Medals, trophies and distinctions are delivered exclusively during the final awards ceremony, held on the last day of the event.
2. No awards are delivered during intermediate competition sessions.
3. Participants should be present or represented at the awards ceremony.

6. Diplomas and Certificates

1. All awarded participants will receive a digital diploma corresponding to the distinction obtained.
2. Certificates and diplomas will be made available in digital format.

Article 10 – Registration and Participation

1. Eligibility

The following may participate in the FND International Dance Competition:

• dance schools, academies and companies
  • independent choreographers
  • individual dancers

All participants must be properly identified and registered through the responsible entity.

2. Registration Process

Registration must be completed using the official registration form provided by the Organisation, within the defined deadlines.

Each registration must include:

• school or responsible entity information
  • identification of participants
  • choreography category, level and style
  • duration of the choreography
  • corresponding music
  • contact details of the responsible person

The Organisation reserves the right to refuse incomplete, incorrect or late registrations.

3. Participation Limits

Each dancer may participate in a maximum of three solo choreographies.

There is no participation limit for Duos, Trios or Groups.

4. Responsibility for Registration

The correct classification of category, level, style and age division is the responsibility of the school, choreographer or representative submitting the registration.

The Organisation reserves the right to adjust or reclassify registrations whenever necessary to ensure fairness and coherence.

5. Registration Confirmation

Choreographies will only be considered officially accepted after confirmation by email from the Organisation.

The Organisation is not responsible for registrations that have not been confirmed.

6. Cancellation and Exclusion

The Organisation reserves the right to cancel any registration if participants, schools or representatives do not comply with the regulations.

Cancellation may be communicated verbally or in writing and does not entitle the participant to a refund.

7. Changes to Choreographies

After registration confirmation, changes are not permitted regarding:

• category
  • level
  • dance style
  • number of performers

unless expressly authorised by the Organisation.

Article 11 – Music Submission

1. Music Format

1. All choreographies must be accompanied by their respective music track.
2. Music must be submitted in MP3 format, with good sound quality.
3. Each choreography must correspond to one single music file.

2. File Identification

1. The music file must be clearly identified using the following format:

School / Group Name – Choreography Title – (C or M)

1. The letters indicate the way the music starts:

• C – the performer enters the stage before the music starts
  • M – the music starts before the performer enters the stage

3. Submission Deadline

Music must be sent together with the registration process, within the deadlines defined by the Organisation.

Late submissions may compromise the participation of the choreography.

4. Backup Music

Participants are advised to bring a USB flash drive as backup, containing all the music files of their choreographies.

This backup may be requested by the technical team in case of technical necessity.

Article 12 – Costumes and Props

1. Costumes

1. Costumes must be appropriate for the choreography, respecting artistic, ethical and safety standards.
2. Costumes must allow freedom of movement and safe execution of choreography.
3. Costumes must not present any risk to the dancer or other participants.

2. Props

1. The use of props is permitted provided that:

• they are simple to place and remove from the stage
  • they do not compromise safety
  • they do not damage the stage floor

1. Props that require complex assembly or technical installation are not permitted.
2. The placement and removal of props must be carried out quickly by the participants themselves or their representatives.

3. Prohibited Materials

For safety reasons, the following are not permitted on stage:

• liquids
  • fire or pyrotechnic materials
  • powders or substances that may damage the floor
  • objects that may compromise the safety of participants.

Article 13 – Stage Access and Backstage Rules

1. Stage Access

1. Access to the stage is allowed only to participants performing in the current block of the programme.
2. Participants must be present in the designated waiting area before their performance.

2. Backstage Discipline

1. Backstage areas must be respected as professional working spaces.
2. Participants, teachers and accompanying persons must maintain:

• silence
  • organisation
  • respect for other participants.

1. Running, shouting or disruptive behaviour backstage is not permitted.

3. Responsibility

Schools and responsible representatives are fully responsible for the behaviour and discipline of their participants.

Article 14 – Workshops

1. The FND International Dance Competition may include artistic workshops as part of the official programme.
2. Workshops aim to:

• promote artistic training
  • encourage exchange between dancers and professionals
  • complement the experience of participants.

1. Participation in workshops may be subject to separate registration and fees, depending on the programme.

Article 15 –ode of Conduct

1. General Behaviour

All participants, teachers, choreographers and accompanying persons must maintain respectful and professional behaviour throughout the event.

2. Respect for Participants

Disrespectful attitudes towards:

• participants
  • teachers
  • jury members
  • organisation staff

are strictly prohibited.

3. Unsportsmanlike Conduct

The following behaviours are not permitted:

• aggressive or offensive language
  • disrespectful comments regarding the evaluation
  • interference with the normal running of the competition.

4. Disciplinary Measures

The Organisation reserves the right to take appropriate measures, including:

• warning
  • removal from backstage areas
  • exclusion from the competition.

Article 16 – Image Rights

1. By participating in the FND International Dance Competition, participants authorise the Organisation to capture photographs and video recordings during the event.
2. These materials may be used for:

• promotion of the event
  • publication on digital platforms
  • institutional communication.

1. No financial compensation will be due for the use of these images.

Article 17 – Insurance and Liability

1. Participants take part in the FND International Dance Competition at their own responsibility.
2. The Organisation is not responsible for:

• injuries occurring during rehearsals or performances
  • loss or damage of personal belongings.

1. Schools and participants are responsible for ensuring that dancers have adequate insurance coverage.

Article 18 – Travel and Accommodation

1. Travel, accommodation and meals are the responsibility of the participants, schools or representatives.
2. The Organisation may provide information about recommended hotels or accommodation options.

Article 19 – Registration Fees and Payments

1. Registration fees are defined annually by the Organisation and communicated through the official information channels.
2. Fees are applied per choreography.
3. Registration will only be confirmed after payment confirmation and acceptance by the Organisation.

Article 20 – Final Provisions

1. The Organisation reserves the right to make adjustments to the programme or operational aspects whenever necessary.
2. Situations not covered in these regulations will be resolved by the Organisation.
3. In case of interpretation differences, the Portuguese version of the regulations shall prevail.

These regulations are subject to updates whenever necessary for the proper organisation of the event.

📧 info@fndicompetion.com
📱 WhatsApp: +351 931 921 964

FND International Dance Competition
Official Regulations | English Version  | 2026