Rules & Regulations
for the 2025 edition
1. AGE GROUPS
Children, Juniors, and Young Adults
Children: 8-11 years old
(Note: dancers in the children's age group cannot compete on pointe.)​
Juniors: 12-15 years old
Young Adults: 16-26 years old ​
Emerging Choreographers: 18+ (no limit)
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3. CATEGORIES
These categories are open to students of regular dance schools and independent advanced amateur dancers.
For each genre (Ballet and/or Contemporary):
Solos: 2.5 minutes max
Duets/ Trios: 3 minutes max
Groups: 4 minutes max (4-20 dancers)
Emerging Choreographers: 5 minutes max
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Notes:
In the duets/trios category, participants must be in the same age group.
In group pieces, dancers older than the age group entry are allowed. If the overall average of the dancers is older than the age group for which it was applied, the submitted piece will be moved to the higher age group.
Each dancer/group may compete a maximum of two times per category.
5. FEES
Participation fees for the 2026 edition are as follows:
Solos: €60 per entry
Duets / Trios: €50 per dancer, per entry
Groups: €40 per dancer, per entry
Emerging Choreographers: €40 per dancer
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Note: Participation is confirmed only upon proof of payment and settlement of all outstanding balances.
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7. ARRIVAL AND CHECK-IN
Detailed arrival and check-in information will be provided after the registration deadline, once all participants are confirmed.
Be prepared for an early check-in (typically around 9:00 AM) and long competition days. Please plan your travel schedule accordingly.
9. COSTUMES AND PROPS
Costumes are not mandatory, but strongly recommended, as they enhance performance quality.
If a dancer cannot use a costume, they must wear clean practice attire (e.g. black leotard, clean tights, and ballet shoes).
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Use of equipment, props, or objects (including tools) must be requested in advance and approved by the organizers. Glitter is not permitted. Any equipment or props that could damage the stage or make it slippery are not allowed and can be a reason for disqualification.
2. GENRES
All Children, Juniors, and Young Adults may compete in the genres of Ballet and/or Contemporary Modern Dance.
All awards in these divisions are presented to the dancers.
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Emerging Choreographers may compete with original works in any dance genre.
In this category, awards are presented to the choreographer.
4. EMERGING CHOREOGRAPHERS
Eligibility: Choreographers aged 18 and older (no upper age limit)
Length: Maximum 5 minutes
Cast: 2-20 dancers (no solos allowed)
Dancers may be of any age
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This separate category is designed to highlight choreographic works in any dance style.
Pieces are judged primarily on the quality of the choreography, including:
- Clarity of concept
- Originality and creativity
- Artistic coherence (music, movement, and costume choices)
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Awards — including medals/trophies, cash prizes, performance
opportunities, and other recognitions — are presented to the choreographer of the submitted work.
6. MUSIC
Music should be an MP3 or .WAV file – renamed with “name of the school – title of piece” (example: Tendu School – Kitri), or in case of an independent entry or choreographer's piece "name of choreographer - title of piece".
Please ensure all audio files are high quality. Do not use a transformed YouTube to MP3 track (due to poor quality).
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Note: Teachers or choreographers must bring a USB drive to the theater containing all submitted music as a backup, clearly labeled with the correct titles.
8. THEATER AND TICKETS
Access to the stage, backstage, and dressing rooms is restricted to dancers, choreographers, and 1 teacher per group.
Each authorized person will receive a wristband at check-in, which must be worn at all times during the event.
Tickets for audience members will be available for purchase — the competition is open to the public.
Ticket sale information will be announced (TBA).
10. JURY AND CRITERIA
Scoring is based solely on the mathematical sum of jury votes.
The jury is composed of renowned international dance professionals.
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The jury reserves the right to withhold awards if the required artistic or technical level is not met.
All jury evaluations and decisions are final and irrevocable.
11. AWARDS & PRIZES
Medals and trophies will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each category.
Additional special awards may include:
- Scholarships
- Cash prizes
- Gift certificates
- Apprenticeships / traineeships
- Invitations to perform
- Free registration for selected programs or competitions
Special awards are granted at the discretion of the judges.
12. VIDEOS AND PHOTOS
Filming or photographing during the competition is strictly prohibited, except by photographers authorized by the organization.
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Official photos and videos will be made available for purchase online after the event.
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By submitting a registration form, all participants grant Stichting AmsterDans the right to use images and recordings taken during the event in perpetuity for promotional or archival purposes.
13. MODIFICATIONS OR CANCELLATIONS
AmsterDans reserves the right to modify or cancel the event if necessary, including changes to schedules, awards, age groups, categories, venues, or activities.
Participants will be notified promptly of any updates.
Competitors are responsible for checking the AmsterDans website and social media pages (Instagram and Facebook) for potential schedule or program changes before and during the competition weekend.
In case of cancellation due to force majeure, registration fees will be refunded.
Please note that travel and accommodation expenses cannot be reimbursed.
15. LEGAL AUTHORIZATIONS
Registration fees for the competition and masterclasses are non-refundable in the event of participant withdrawal.
The organizers are not liable for any injury or damage occurring during the event to persons or property.
The leader of each group, under their sole responsibility, declares that all participants have a sufficiently good state of health for physical fitness and that the minor participants have obtained permission from their parents or legal guardians to participate in this event. The leader of the group ensures that all participants and the parents of any participants who are minors have read and agree to the Liability waiver. The leader of each group who signs this application form declares under their own responsibility that students, parents, tutors, or guardians have been informed about and have approved each point and rule/regulation, and the terms and conditions for participation as stated here.
14. DISQUALIFICATION
Failure to comply with — or partial violation of — the competition rules may result in disqualification.
All dancers, teachers, choreographers, and audience members are required to respect the regulations of AmsterDans, the venue, and any applicable government mandates (e.g. health or safety regulations).
16. LEGALITY
The format and logo of AmsterDans are registered trademarks.
Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or imitation is strictly prohibited. For any legal dispute, the jurisdiction is the Dutch Court of Law only.
By registering for participation in the AmsterDans competition, participants and representatives acknowledge and accept the full rules and regulations of the event and the accident waiver and release of liability, which absolves Stichting AmsterDans of all responsibility for accidents or damages occurring in connection with participation.