DANCE EXPRESS is a dance festival-competition, where
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we are creating a space for creative communication, the exchange of experiences, and inspiration for dance group leaders and choreographers.
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we support various genres of choreography and enhance the professional skills of choreographers and dancers.
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we introduce participants to the rich culture of Estonia and the unique traditions of Estonian choreography.
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we strengthen intercultural creative dialogue and open new horizons for all participants.
Organizers: Dance group "Neposedy" (MTÜ Tantsuansambel Neposedõ), Tallinn, Estonia
Dates: 6th-7th December, 2025
Venue: Mere Kultuurikeskus (Mere pst. 5)
NOMINATIONS
Category:
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stage dance
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contemporary dance
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lyrical dance
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folk dance
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folk-stylized dance
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show dance
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street dance
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classical dance (ballet)
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ballroom dance
Age group:
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7-10 years old
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11-14 years old
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15-19 years old
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20 years old and older
Format:
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Big group (6 people or more) - duration up to 4 minutes
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Small group (3-5 people) - duration up to 4 minutes
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Duet - duration up to 2 minutes 30 seconds
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Solo - duration up to 2 minutes 30 seconds
Category:
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kids dance
Age group:
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up to 7 years old (incl.)
Format:
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Big group (6 people or more) - duration up to 3 minutes 30 seconds
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Small group (3-5 people) - duration up to 3 minutes 30 seconds
Categories description
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Stage Dance: A theatrical dance that synthesizes various styles and is characterized by expressiveness, visual impact, and a clear storyline or concept.
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Contemporary Dance: A genre that blends elements of modern and contemporary techniques. It emphasizes interpretation, emotional expression, and movement driven by a theme, concept, or abstract idea.
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Lyrical Dance: A fusion of ballet, jazz, and modern dance styles that emphasizes fluidity, expressiveness, and musical interpretation. Movements are often connected to lyrics or emotional content of the music.
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Folk Dance: A dance rooted in the traditions, customs, and cultural expressions of a specific nation or ethnic group. It often features authentic folk music and costumes and may include both traditional and staged (stylized) elements.
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Folk-Stylized Dance: A choreographic interpretation inspired by traditional folk dances, where folk motifs are creatively transformed or adapted for the stage, often with contemporary or theatrical elements.
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Show Dance: A performance-oriented dance style focused on spectacle, energy, and audience engagement. It typically features large group formations, strong visuals, tricks, and dynamic choreography across any genre.
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Street Dance: An umbrella term for dance styles that originated in urban environments, such as hip-hop, locking, popping, house, and breaking. Performances emphasize rhythm, musicality, individuality, and often group synchronization.
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Classical Dance (Ballet): A refined dance form based on traditional ballet techniques and vocabulary. It includes academic ballet styles such as Vaganova, Cecchetti, RAD, and Balanchine.
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Ballroom Dance: A dance style based on sport or social ballroom techniques. This category includes Standard (e.g. Waltz, Tango), Latin (e.g. Cha-cha, Samba), and Club dances (e.g. Salsa, Bachata).
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Kids Dance: A dance designed for young children, characterized by playful choreography, storytelling, and age-appropriate movements. It supports physical development, imagination, and early stage experience.
AWARDS
GRAND-PRIX
Golden GRAND-PRIX - 400 euros
Awarded based on competition performances to the group that has received the highest total score for their best three dances among all groups.
Silver GRAND-PRIX - 300 euros
Awarded based on competition performances to the group that has received the second-highest total score for their best three dances among all groups.
Bronze GRAND-PRIX - 200 euros
Awarded based on competition performances to the group that has received the third-highest total score for their best three dances among all groups.
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Please note! Dances eligible for Grand Prix must be presented in different categories and age groups (they must differ in either nomination or age). If you have multiple numbers in the same genre and age category, the dance with the highest total score is selected.
Examples:
ELIGIBLE for Grand Prix: "kids dance, up to 7", "folk dance, 11-14 years old", "folk dance, 7-10 years old"
NOT ELIGIBLE for Grand Prix: "stage dance, 7-10 years old", "stage dance, 7-10 years old", "contemporary dance, 11-14 years old" because one category (one age and nomination) is repeated twice.
AWARDS
1st-3rd place (podium)
4th-6th place
diploma for participation
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Based on the scores received in each "nomination," the 1st to 3rd place winners (the podium places) are awarded with a diploma and a trophy on stage.
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Participants who rank 4th to 6th are awarded with a diploma on stage.
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All the participants receive diploma for participation after performing.
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In the "kids dance" category, dances that do not place in the top three are awarded special consolation prizes to encourage young dancers at the beginning of their dance journey.
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Awarding of places in the competition is based on the scores given by the judges to each performance.
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Each place is awarded to a single performance. Multiple participants may share one place only in the case of tied scores.
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1st to 3rd places may not be awarded if fewer than 6 performances participated in the category and the performances received fewer points than the minimum required for awarding prizes.
SPECIAL PRIZE
Organizers may award additional prizes and special awards.
SCORING CRITERIA
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Technique and Execution Quality (max 10 points)
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Choreography (max 10 points)
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Performer Artistry (max 10 points)
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Compliance with Declared Category and Performers' Age (max 5 points)
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Musical Arrangement and Costumes (max 5 points)
The score breakdown will be published a few days after the end of competition.
PARTICIPATION FEE
Participation fee
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Big group: 17 euros per dancer for the first dance, 12 euros per dancer for each next dance in "big group" format in which the same participant is involved
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Small group: 17 euros per dancer for each dance *
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Duo: 20 euros per dancer*
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Solo: 25 euros per dancer*
*separately for each dance in this format
Each сompetitor will receive:
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Diploma of participation
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Branded gift
Accomodation and food:
To inquire about the cost from our partner hotels, please contact us via email at neposedo.festival@gmail.com
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The basis for a dance's participation in the competition is the timely payment of the entry fee. If the fee is not paid on time and no additional agreement is reached with the organizers, the dance will be removed from the competition.
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If a dance is withdrawn from the competition less than 10 days before the start of the competition, the group must pay 50% of the participation fee. If a dance is withdrawn less than 3 days before the start of the competition, the participation fee is non-refundable.
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If a participant cannot take part in the performance and informs the organizers less than 10 days before the start of the competition, the participant must pay 50% of the participation fee. If the participant informs the organizers less than 3 days before the start of the competition, the participation fee is non-refundable. In this case, the participant will receive the gifts prepared for them.
MUSIC
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Music for performances must be sent to neposedo.festival.music@gmail.com no later than December 1, 2025.
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Each file should be named as "Dance Studio_Dance name".
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Music should also be available on USB flash drives. If there are any issues or failures with sending the music by email, the festival's music coordinator will ask you to resend the music or provide it at the festival.
TERMS
Registration & Participation
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The number of participating dances is limited due to time constraints. Please make sure to register on time to secure your spot.
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The number of dances submitted by one dance studio is not limited.
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Dance groups may perform pieces that have previously participated in this event.
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The organizer reserves the right to deny participation to any group that has previously:
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Knowingly violated competition rules,
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Behaved unethically toward organizers, judges, or other participants, or
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Failed to meet the competition's payment terms.
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Age Categories & Eligibility
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Age is determined based on the participant’s age on the day of the competition.
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In the declared age category, no more than 20% of performers may be from the next older age group.
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There are no restrictions on performers from a younger age group.
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The organizer has the right to verify the age of participants if questions arise from the judges.
Performance Timing & Technical Info
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Performance duration must not exceed the maximum time allowed for each category (e.g. solo – 2:30 min, group – 4:00 min, etc.).
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Music must be uploaded in advance (see above) and also brought on a USB drive as backup.
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The use of vulgar, offensive, or explicit lyrics is strictly prohibited and may lead to disqualification or point deduction.
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All tracks must be high-quality audio, named clearly with the group's name and dance title.
Choreography & Artistic Rights
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Each performance must credit its choreographer.
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Performing another person’s choreography without their explicit permission is not allowed.
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Performing works by internationally recognized choreographers is permitted in the Classical Dance and Folk Dance categories, provided the original author is credited.
Costumes & Props
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All props must be safe and quick to install and remove within the allocated stage time. If setup or takedown delays the schedule, penalty points may be applied.
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Teams are responsible for setting up and clearing their props immediately before and after their performance.
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Costumes must be age-appropriate and suitable for stage performance. The organizer reserves the right to intervene in cases of inappropriate costume choices.
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All props must be safe to use on stage. The use of fire, water, confetti, or sharp objects is prohibited, unless explicitly authorized by the organizer.
Media & Conduct
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By participating in the event, performers and studios grant the organizer the right to photograph and filmtheir performances for promotional and archival purposes.
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All participants are expected to maintain respectful and professional behavior throughout the event.
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Disruptive or unethical behavior may result in disqualification.
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The organizer is not responsible for any injuries, or for the loss or damage of personal belongings during the event.
Registration
MAIN REGISTRATION (STUDIO)
To register your dance studio for participation in the competiton, it is necessary to fill out the form:
Registration is open
from August 15th to November 1st, 2025.
REGISTRATION
(DANCES)
After studio registration, you will be sent a link to fill out you dances information and table and participant lists.
NB! Information about the number of competition entries from the studio, as well as their titles, categories, and age groups, must be provided by November 8.
III
DEADLINE
(final)
On November 14, 2025, your table
will be closed for updates.
All information must be filled out.
Based on the studio's table, an invoice for participation will be sent, the ages of the participants will be verified, and exact information will be entered into the diplomas.
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