General Regulation 2025

PART 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION

Art. 1 – Purpose of the Event
The World Dance Competition 2025 International Final will take place from December 6th to 8th, 2025, at Teatro Verdi in Montecatini Terme. During the event, the official winners of the various disciplines will be announced (see the full list here).

Art. 2 – General Schedule
Event start: Saturday, December 6th at 9:30 AM
Event end: Monday, December 8th at 6:00 PM

The full program will be published 15 days before the event. Please plan to be onsite at least 1 hour before the scheduled times, in case of changes.

Art. 3 – Entry Methods
Entry to the Final can take place through one of the following options:

3.1 – Official Selections: direct access via scholarship awarded at Official or Partner Selections, both in Italy and abroad.
3.2 – Video Entry: valid for Musical, Singing, Tap Dance, Aerial Dance, Oriental Dance, Folk, and Pizzica.
3.3 – Promotional Category: access for dancers up to 7 years old not performing in any other competitions. Direct access without Selection. Takes place exclusively on the morning of December 8th.

PART 2 – CATEGORIES, DISCIPLINES, AND REQUIREMENTS

Art. 4 – Participation Requirements
All AICS members are eligible, as well as members of associations, entities or recognized sports federations starting from age 6, with a valid sports medical certificate (not required for singers and musicians).

Art. 5 – Disciplines and Categories
The full list of disciplines and specific rules is available on the official website. Participants are required to consult the dedicated page.

PART 3 – REGISTRATIONS AND FEES

Art. 7 – Accommodation Requirement
It is mandatory to stay at least two nights in partner hotels booked through Ranieri Viaggi Agency. The list of partner hotels and pricing is available at the following link.

Exceptions:

• Residents of the provinces of Pistoia, Lucca, Pisa, Florence, and Prato: not required to stay overnight. Registration fee: €105.

• Participants only in the Promotional Category (up to 7 years old not joining other competitions): not required to stay overnight.

Art. 8 – Fees for Video Entry Access

First Video Entry
– Solo: €30
– Duo: €40
– Group (3 or more participants): €60

Second Video Entry
– Solo: €20
– Duo or Group: €30

This fee is mandatory for the evaluation by the Technical Commission and is non-refundable. It does not include registration to the Final.

Art. 8 – Special Fees for Promotional Category (without overnight stay)
– Solo: €45
– Duo/Couple: €80
– Small group (3 to 6 members): €90
– Large group (7 to 10 members): €130 + €10 for each additional member

Art. 9 – What the Standard Registration Includes
– Two choreographies in different disciplines/categories, except for the Promotional Category without overnight stay.
– Access to masterclasses and conferences (Aerial Dance classes not included – reserved only for registered participants in that discipline)

Art. 10 – Additional Choreographies
– €20 for each additional solo/duo/couple performance
– €10 per dancer for each extra group choreography

Art. 11 – Terms, Payments and Penalties
– Registrations are non-refundable, even in case of illness.
– For bookings made with Ranieri Viaggi Agency, cancellation fees as stated in the Information Sheet will apply.
– In case the Organization cancels the event due to insufficient participants, fees will be fully refunded.

PART 4 – ACCOMPANYING PERSONS AND AUDIENCE

For all guests staying in partner hotels through Ranieri Viaggi Agency, entrance to the event is included in the package.

Art. 12 – Backstage Passes for Chaperones
Each registered school will receive 1 Backstage Pass for every 10 performers. These passes allow access to the backstage area and must be requested when filling out the registration form. All chaperones wishing to enter the backstage must be included in the count.

Art. 13 – Public Access
Those not using the hotel package (spectators, external chaperones, etc.) may purchase tickets:

• Saturday, December 6th: €18 full / €10 reduced

• Sunday, December 7th: €18 full / €10 reduced

• Monday, December 8th: €15 full / €10 reduced – Afternoon Ceremony and Awards: €10

• Ages 0–6: free / Ages 7–14: reduced

PART 5 – COMPETITION PROCEDURES

Art. 14 – General Technical Rules
– Performances will take place under white fixed lighting
– Final bows are allowed
– No stage rehearsals are scheduled

Art. 15 – Music and Materials
The Secretariat will send the choreography submission form to all registered participants starting October 1st, 2025. Only those who have completed registration and payments may proceed.

• Audio files must be in MP3 format / video in MP4

• Each school must deliver a USB drive with all files on the day of the event

Art. 16 – Photo/Video Recording
Prohibited for audience, teachers, and students
Authorized: Judges, Competition Direction, Official Photographer and Videographer, accredited journalists

PART 6 – AWARDS, JURY, AND SCORING

Art. 17 – Awards and Recognitions

• Certificate for all participants

• Podium (1st, 2nd, 3rd place) for each discipline and age group

• Special talent awards

• Scholarships and prizes worth over €30,000

• Trophies for registered schools/academies

Art. 18 – Evaluation Criteria
Refer to the rules of each specific category. The jury will evaluate technique, stage presence, interpretive quality, and choreography.

Art. 19 – Jury
– Composed by the Technical Direction
– All decisions are final

PART 7 – COMMUNICATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Art. 20 – Disputes
Accepted only in written form, with signed motivation. The Direction will evaluate and respond accordingly.

Art. 21 – Official Communications
Any official announcements or changes will be communicated by email from the Secretariat to registered schools.

General updates will be posted on the official website, social channels, and newsletter.

Art. 22 – Contact with the Organization
Only official school representatives may communicate with the Direction.

Art. 23 – Regulation Acceptance
Participation in the Final implies full acceptance of these rules. Any updates will be considered an integral part of this regulation.