1. Eligibility
The Budapest Ballet Grand Prix (BBGP) is organised by the Hungarian Dance University and will take place 15–19 November 2026 in Budapest, Hungary.
The competition is open to students of dance conservatories and professional ballet schools worldwide aged 14–22 years.
| Category | Age |
| Solo Junior | 13–15 |
| Solo Senior | 16–20 |
| Pas de Deux | 16–22 |
Male and female dancers compete together within each category.
2. Repertoire Requirements
Solo Junior:
• 1 classical variations
• 1 contemporary solo
Solo Senior:
• 1 classical variations
• 1 contemporary solo
Pas de Deux:
• 1 classical pas de deux
• 1 contemporary duet
Additional requirements:
• Classical variations must be selected from the official BBGP classical repertoire list. See list:
• Contemporary choreography may be freely chosen.
• Contemporary solo time limit: max. 2:30 minutes.
• Contemporary pas de deux time limit: max. 4 minutes.
• Classical pas de deux must include adagio, variations and coda.
• Contestants may not perform the same variation again in a later round.
3. Application & Pre-selection
Applications are submitted through the BBGP website.
Participants must upload:
- CV
- Photo
- Video recording
Video Submission Requirements
For the pre-selection, applicants must submit a video recording via an online link.
The video must be uploaded to YouTube or Vimeo and submitted as a direct link in the application form.
Technical requirements
- The video must be accessible via a public or unlisted link.
- The video must not be password protected.
- The video must remain available online until the end of the competition.
- The recording must be no older than 12 months.
Video requirements:
• Solo competitors: one classical variation
• Pas de Deux: one classical pas de deux
• Video must clearly show the performer.
Videos that cannot be opened or accessed by the Selection Committee may result in disqualification from the pre-selection.
Music Submission
Selected Participants must submit the music recordings for their competition performances no later than 10 October 2026.
Music files must be sent by email to: bbgp@bbgp.eu
File requirements
- Accepted formats: MP3 or WAV
- WMA and CDA formats are not accepted
- Each musical piece must be provided as a separate file
- The recording must be in good sound quality
- Piano recordings for classical repertoire variations are not allowed
Additional requirements
- Please indicate start and stop points if the music requires editing.
- Name the files clearly using the following format:
Name_Category_VariationTitle
Example:
AnnaKovacs_SoloJunior_DonQuixoteKitriVariation.mp3
Important
- CDs or USB drives will not be accepted.
- Music rights and sound quality are the responsibility of the participant.
After submission, the BBGP sound engineer will review the files and may contact the participant if any technical issues are detected (for example pauses or sudden volume changes).
The organiser reserves the right to request a corrected music file if the submitted recording does not meet the technical requirements.
| Fee | Amount |
| Pre‑selection fee | €40 |
| Competition fee (after selection) | €99 |
| Total participation fee | €139 |
The pre-selection is evaluated by a Selection Committee based on the submitted materials.
The pre-selection is evaluated by a Selection Committee based on the submitted materials.
Applicants will be notified about the results within 2–3 weeks after submitting their application.
Selected dancers will receive further instructions regarding registration, participation fee payment and music submission.
Applications may close early if the competition reaches maximum capacity.
4. Competition Format
The Budapest Ballet Grand Prix consists of three stages:
- Online Pre-selection
Applicants submit their video materials through the online application system.
The Selection Committee evaluates the submissions.
Approximately 80 dancers will be selected to participate in the Live Competition in Budapest.
- Semi-final Round
All selected competitors perform their required repertoire.
After the Semi-final, the jury selects approximately 40 dancers to advance to the Final Round.
- Final Round
Finalists perform one variation chosen by the jury.
Selected finalists will also perform in the BBGP Gala Performance.
5. Venue
Competition
National Dance Theatre Budapest
Stage size: 16 x 12 meters
Gala
Palace of Arts, Budapest
Stage size: 18×14 meters
Competitors will have stage spacing opportunity, open stage rehearsal and warm‑up areas.
Teachers are not allowed to coach students during the competition.
Contestants must provide their own costumes, makeup and props (limited functional props allowed).
6. Jury & Evaluation
Competitors are evaluated by an international jury.
Judging criteria:
• Artistic expression
• Technical performance
• Musicality
Important principles:
• Jury members cannot judge their own students.
• Jury decisions are final and non‑appealable.
• The jury may withhold or divide prizes.
7. General Conditions
Participants must arrange their own travel, accommodation and insurance.
By registering, participants agree to the BBGP rules and media policies. Privacy Policy (ENG)
The organiser may make photo and video recordings during the competition.
