Rules and regulations
The Prix des Hivernales is an international classical and contemporary dance competition. It offers young dancers, aged between 12 and 19 years old, a unique opportunity to present their work in front of a jury composed exclusively of world-famous dancers, most of whom are principals.
Categories
Girls or boys, classical and contemporary
- CORPS DE BALLET Category (classical and contemporary)
Candidates aged from 12 to 13 years old: free variation
repertoire variation permitted) lasting a maximum of 2 minutes, girls on pointe in classical, no accessories/props (except for repertoire variations that require them) - CORYPHEE Category (classical and contemporary)
Candidates aged from 14 to 15 years old: free variation
repertoire variation permitted) lasting a maximum of 2 minutes, girls on pointe in classical, no accessories/props (except for repertoire variations that require them) - PRINCIPAL Category (classical and contemporary)
Candidates aged from 16 to 19 years old: repertoire variation for classical and free variation lasting 2min30 at most for contemporary, authorised accessories for repertoire variations that require them - ENSEMBLE Category (classical or contemporary)
Minimum 2 persons, open to all ages: choreography lasting a maximum of 5 minutes, no accessories
Competitors must register for the category matching their exact age on the date of the competition, 20 March 2027*.
Solo candidates must compete in both required disciplines: classical AND contemporary*.
Candidates must abide by the maximum length of the variations and can only overrun by a few seconds to fit the music.
The stage will be available to all the corresponding participants for 15 minutes before each category.
At the end of each category, all the corresponding participants will be called on stage.
* Please note that if you are a winner of a previous edition, please refer to the “Prizes” section of the rules to check which category you should enter.
Register
Candidates who wish to enter the competition should complete the online registration form and send a video of variation (preferably the one presented at the final), in MP4 format or via a YouTube link by midnight on Friday 8 January 2027 at the latest. The name of the candidate or group will be indicated in the name of the file or video. A fixed fee of €70 will be charged for the solo preliminary selection (2 videos, or €35 per video) and €35 for the group preliminary selection (1 video).
The pre-selection results will be announced on
Monday 18 January 2027.
For the selected candidates/groups, the participation fees for the final are:
- €195 in individual competitions (for two disciplines).
- €85 per candidate for duo groups competitions
- €60 per candidate for trio groups competitions
- €35 per candidate for 4 to 8 dancers ensemble competitions.
- €315 for 9 or more dancers ensemble competitions.
Please make ONLY ONE payment per entry, even for group entries, quoting the name of the candidate/group and Prix 2027.
INTERNATIONAL PAYMENTS: Candidates making a cross-border bank transfer (outside the Eurozone) must use an application such as Venmo, Wise, etc. The selected currency must be in Euros, and any transfer fees must be borne exclusively by the candidate.
In case of cancellation, no registration fee for pre selection will be refunded. A medical certificate will be required for the refund of the participation fee.
Music
For the selected candidates, the music for the variation must be sent in MP3 format by midnight on 28 February 2027 at the latest. The recordings should be good quality with no applause. The name of the candidate or ensemble, the discipline and the category should also be provided. The related email should also contain information on the entry and exit of the candidate(s) and on the start of the music.
To be on the safe side, candidates should bring a copy of their music in MP3 format to the competition on a USB.
Costumes for the final
In costume for all categories.
Accessories are forbidden unless required by classical repertoire variations (fan, tambourine, etc.).
Stage
Dimensions: 12 meters across, 10 meters deep, 4 wing entrances on either side, black Harlequin dance mat, Harlequin sprung floor, white backdrop. There is space to move behind the stage via stairs.
Full stage lighting will be on throughout the competition.
Resin or any other non-slip product cannot be used on the dance mat.
Jury
The jury will be made up of Principal Dancers who have been invited to perform at Les Hivernales de la Danse Gala.
The jury’s decision is final and cannot be appealed.
The jury is free to decide whether to award a prize, or not.
Participants will be judged according to the following criteria, among others:
- Technical
- Artistic
- Maintaining the style and choreography in repertoire variations
- Creativity and ensemble for the groups
Prizes
The prize ceremony will take place at the end of the day, after the show “Evolution: Belgium’s Dance Talents” taking place during the jury’s deliberation from the jury.
All winners will be called on to the stage and they will be asked to remain in their competition costume.
Each solo finalist will receive a final average score based on their performances in both classical AND contemporary dance. The final results will determine the winner of the First Prize in each category, who will win €500.
The 1st prize winner for the ensemble category will win €500.
The Classical Grand Prix and the Contemporary Grand Prix, €2000 each, will be awarded to the candidate with the highest score, across all categories.
Numerous immersions in companies, junior ballets or prestigious schools will be awarded, as well as many international courses. Find here our partner institutions’ list.
*If the 1st prize or the Classical/Contemporary Grand Prix winner wishes to take part in a new edition, he/she will automatically be entered in the higher category, regardless of his/her age. Attention, the 1st prize or the Classical/Contemporary Grand Prix winner in the Etoile category will not be allowed to compete again, except in the ensemble category.
Public access
An audience will be allowed to watch the competition although applause is prohibited. Seats are available here and will also be on sale on the day at a price of €40. Tickets give access to all the Prix des Hivernales categories, to the “Evolution” show and to the awards ceremony, which takes place a few minutes after the show.
Teachers or choreographers will be allowed on stage with their students for the fifteen minutes between each category. To watch the competition and the awards ceremony from the audience, as well as the show “Evolution”, they will need a paid admission ticket.
A bar will serve drinks and snacks throughout the day.
Image rights
Photos and videos are not permitted.
Candidates authorise the use of their image for event promotional material.
Medical care
The candidates or their representatives certify that they are authorized to practice dance by accepting the rules.
Le Prix des Hivernales is exempt from any liability in the event of an accident, and candidates should have their own insurance.
Liability
The organizers cannot be found civilly or criminally liable for any bodily or material damage to any person or caused by them (candidate, companion), during the competition or rehearsals, or during travel to or from the competition.
The competition organizer and its entire team, plus the theatre managers, are not liable in the case of any theft and damage among the candidates, teachers/companions or audience.
Candidates must be covered by their own civil liability insurance.
Acceptance of the rules and regulations
Participation in the competition implies full acceptance of the rules.
Not following the rules or improper behaviour will lead to direct elimination of the candidate in question.
The management reserves the right to make changes during the competition.