​​

Global Dance Open is an exciting, all styles competition, which allows students and studios the opportunity to compete amongst dancers from across the globe. GDO prides itself in being a premium competition, with the goal to connect the globe’s best dancers with future training opportunities. Dancers must first qualify through national qualifiers throughout 2024/25, to represent their country at the Grand Finals 2025 July 16th-20th in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

GDO is a family run business, (co-founders: Vanessa, Nicola & Annika Thomas)

By registering for this competition, you automatically accept all GDO rules.

Global Dance Open is organized by Ultimate Dance Productions Ltd, registered in the UK.

Failure to comply with the GDO rules may result in disqualification from the competition. It is the responsibility of dance teachers to read through our rules. These rules may differ from other competitions, so please read carefully.

 

 

1- PARTICIPATION

2-AGE DIVISIONS

3- GENRES

4- STYLE DESCRIPTIONS

5- ENTRY FEES

6- TIME LIMITS

7- QUALIFICATION

8- INSCRIPTIONS

9- MUSIC

10- POINTE SHOES

11- PROPS

12- CHOREOGRAPHY 

13- SUBSTITUTE DANCERS

14- COSTUMES

15- PERFORMANCE CONDITIONS

16- BALLET SECTIONS

17- BOYS SECTIONS

18- MUSICAL THEATRE

19- DEADLINES

20- JUDGES

21- SCORING SYSTEM 

22- RECLASSIFICATION

23- SCHOLARSHIPS & PRIZES

24- VIRTUAL & LIVE PARTICIPATION 

25- QUERIES & CODE OF CONDUCT 

26- INSURANCE & MEMBERSHIP

27- BACKSTAGE & DRESSING ROOMS

28- TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION 

29- REFUNDS & CANCELLATIONS

30- PERMISSIONS

31- INVOICES
 

​​

 

1. PARTICIPATION

• All nationalities can participate
• Dancers must be entered by their dance studio or compete as independent
• All dancers must qualify at a country qualifier or virtual qualifier. Dancers in a country that holds a Live qualifier must compete there. Virtual Qualifiers are only for dancers in countries 
• Amateur, pre-professional and professional dancers are eligible to compete

• Dancers must represent the country in which their dance studio is located.

• Dancers must compete at their national qualifier. 
• If a country does not have live qualifier, dancers may participate in selected country's live event. This must be confirmed in advance with GDO.



2. AGE DIVISIONS

1. MINI: 5-8 years
2. JUNIOR: 9-11 years
3. TEEN: 12- 14 years
4. INTERMEDIATE: 15-17 years
5. SENIOR: 18-29 years

• Age is taken from 1 January 2025
• In Duet/Trios/Ensembles, the oldest competitor determines the age division
• Dancer’s must compete in their correct age division in solos.
• GDO reserves the right to check identity cards at the Semi-finals or Finals


3. GENRES

• Ballet Repertoire
• Neoclassical
• Contemporary
• Jazz
• Acrodance
• National/Folklore
• Lyrical
• Hip-Hop/Street/Commercial
• Showdance
• Tap
• Musical Theatre (Song & Dance)



4. STYLE DESCRIPTIONS


1. Ballet Repertoire:
Repertoire must be from the chosen from our list.

​

* Intermediate and Senior Dancers MUST wear pointe shoes in the repertoire solo section*

2. Neoclassical:

• Teacher/choreographers own choreography to choose of any music. Use of traditional technique, however, can be mixed with neoclassical styles.

• Only soft ballet shoes and pointe shoes are permitted (no bare feet)
• Pointe shoes are permitted from age 12 and above (not compulsory)
• It’s prohibited to use any kind of protected original choreographies unless the dance teacher sends written permission from the designated organization. This includes all Balanchine, Lacotte and Mat’s Ek works, as well as any other choreographer which requires formal permission to be danced in a competition environment.



3. Contemporary:

Use of dance styles and techniques which are based on renowned expression of choreographers including: - Graham, Limon, Cunningham and Horton, Ailey and more in trend today Wayne McGregor or Rambert

· Contemporary dances must follow the techniques and methods as in description
· The jury reserves the right to reclassify any dance that is considered lyrical rather than contemporary.

· Pointe shoes are not permitted in contemporary (or any style outside of Ballet Repertoire/ Neoclassical sections)


4. Jazz:

Jazz is an opportunity for dancers to showcase their musicality and strength. Although classical jazz routines are becoming more rare in the dance competition world, it is always refreshing to see a young dancer demonstrate style and grace in the likes of Bob Fosse, Jack Cole, or Luigi while showcasing her/his strength and flexibility. Jazz, if not a classical piece, should be upbeat with sharp,precise movements. The beat of the music should drive the dancer's movement. It is a chance for dancers to take command of the stage and attack their choreography and steps while also being in control. Common elements include grand battements, various leaps, use of parallel positions, forcedarch, and turns. Jazz gives dancers the freedom to let go, show their personality, and have fun while sharing their energy with the audience.


5. Lyrical:

Inspired by jazz and utilizing ballet technique, lyrical expresses the lyrics and the story through movement. The piece should demonstrate the dancer’s range of emotions while telling a story. A lyrical piece works best when there is an arch to the story- a beginning, middle, and an end- a progression of the dancer's character; their struggles and triumphs. Unlike contemporary, lyrical focuses on the dancer's journey through their movement, musicality, dynamics, and phrasing.


6. Acro:

A routine combining acrobatic elements / tricks and dance of any style with a smooth transition between the two. Acrobatic elements include gymnastic work, contortion and flexibility work, balancing work and tumbling work, e.g.; walkovers, back walkovers, balances (hand, head, forearm, chest), splits, aerials (side, front) and back handsprings.

50% of the routine must be dance.


7. National & Folklore:

The dance will show the typical style of dance from a certain country/culture The music must be national/folklore music that shows the typical sound of music in that country.


8. Hip-Hop/Street Dance/Commercial

Street dance includes a wide range of styles made popular in the USA and has now become an international and popular form of dance expression for the youth culture. It includes old school, locking and popping, electric boogie, breakdance, b-boying, street dance, tutting, house, etc


9. Tap:

Routine must consist primarily of tap technique using percussive footwork that marks out precise rhythmic patterns on the floor. Tap shoes must be worn

Music must not contain pre-recorded tap sounds- this will result in point deduction 

​

10. Musical Theatre:

Any song and any dance style from a musical is allowed. The dance should reflect the narrative told in the song. Singing and dancing can be combined, or a pattern of sing-dance-sing can be used. For groups, all dancers must sing.

50% of the routine must be dance

11. Showdance:
Showdance is a fusion of styles that cannot be classified as one style. It should be a piece designed to entertain and 'put on a show.' Inspiration can be taken from anywhere, and clear characters and performance should be shown. Recommended to have a jazz dance base.
Pure latin/ballroom is not permitted in this category

Hip hop/ Street Commercial routines are not permitted in this category
If performing a latin inspired routine, it must be fused with another style- example: Jazz
Trainers/Sneakers should not be worn



5. ENTRY TYPES

For the following categories, we offer the following entry types:

• Ballet Repertoire
• Neoclassical
• Contemporary
• Jazz
• Acrodance
• Lyrical
• Showdance


1. SOLO: 1 DANCER
2. DUET/TRIO: 2-3 DANCERS
3. SMALL ENSEMBLE: 4-10 DANCERS
4. LARGE ENSEMBLE: 11+ DANCERS


For the following categories, we offer the following entry types:
• Tap
• Musical Theatre (Song & Dance)
• National/Folklore

1. SOLO: 1 DANCER
2. DUET/TRIO: 2-3 DANCERS
3. ENSEMBLE: 4+ DANCERS

For Hip-Hop/Street/Commerical:

1. SOLO: 1 DANCER
2. SMALL CREW: 2-10 DANCERS
3. LARGE CREW: 11+ DANCERS


• There will be checks made backstage to ensure the number of dancers performing is the same as that registered.
• There will be a 50€ fine per additional dancer not registered, as well as the missing inscriptions
 

 

6. TIME LIMITS

Solo: 2 mins 30 sec (except Mini where 2 min is maximum)
Duet/Trio: 2 min 45 sec
Small Ensemble(4-10) : 3 min 30 sec
Large Ensemble(11 +): 4 min 15 sec
Pas de Deux: 6 min (Entrée + Coda/Adagio)

• Music longer will not be accepted into the system
• These are maximum times; routines may be shorter.


7. QUALIFICATION

• All routines must qualify via their national live country qualifier or national virtual qualifier
• The minimum qualification mark is 75 points

• Scoring 75 points does not guarantee qualification (please see below)
• Independent dancers must enter under their nationality, dancers representing a studio must qualify in and represent the country where their dance studio is located.

• At the qualifiers solo categories (*Please see below*) will be decided & divided for the Finals into Main and Upper Division (with the exception of the Mini, Boys, National Folklore, Hip Hop/ Street/ Commercial, Musical Theatre & Tap sections)
• If a country has multiple qualifiers, qualification will only be confirmed once all qualifiers have happened
• Receiving a medal does not always mean successful qualification, a qualifying list will be sent out after the competition.
• Dancers may not repeat choreographies/variations 2 years consecutively that performed at the Finals
• If a dance schools repeats a choreography from a previous year, all dancers must be different
• If a country does not have live qualifier, dancers may participate in selected other country's live event. This must be confirmed with GDO in advance. The medal placement will be sepearted between the host country of the qualifier and international entries.



SOLOS

SOLO SECTIONS- Ballet, Neoclassical, Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical, Acro & Showdance Upper Division & Main Division for the Finals.

OTHER SOLO CATEGORIES- Boys sections, National Folklore, Hip Hop/ Street/ Commercial, Musical Theatre & Tap sections will only have 1 division at the Finals (No Upper/Main Division).

• Upper Division: All solos (per age division and category) with a score over 90 points will qualify and be placed in the Upper Division at the finals.
• Main Division: The top 2 solos (per age division and category) between 75-89 marks will qualify and be placed in the Main Division at the finals.

• Mini sections: The top 4 solos Ballet, Neoclassical, Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical, Acro & Showdance / Top 3 solos Tap, Musical Theatre. National/Folklore / Hip-Hop
• Boys sections: The top 5 solos (per age division and category) over 75 points will qualify to the finals.
• Other Categories: Top 3 solos (per age division and category) over 75 points will qualify to the finals/ all routines that score over 90 will qualify


DUET/TRIOS & ENSEMBLES
• Top 4 choreographies (per age division and category) over 75 points will qualify to represent their country at the finals.
• In the event of a tie at a qualifier, both routines will qualify


NOTES

• Participants may only compete with one solo in each category at the finals.
• Participants may only take part in one duet/trio in each category at the Finals.
• Should dancers participate more than once in a group category, be prepared for quick costume changes.
• GDO reserves the right to invite ‘Wild Card’ choreographies to participate in the finals at the end of all the qualifiers.



8. INSCRIPTIONS

• Inscriptions must be made through our website (www.globaldanceopen.com)
• Participants are responsible for ensuring all spellings are correct.
• Dance teachers are responsible for ensuring all information is correct (legal names and date of birth).
• GDO reserves the right to check identity cards at the check-in at any event.
• Should a dancer be found to have entered with the wrong date of birth, they will be disqualified.


9. MUSIC

• Music can not contain swearing or offensive words in any language
• Swearing/ offensive language will result in point deduction at the qualifiers & finals.
• Music must be submitted via the online platform- music emailed will not be accepted
• Music is the responsibility of the dance teacher, and must all be checked and verified after upload.
• Dance teachers should have an USB copy of all music at event


10. POINTE SHOES

• Dancers must be 12 years old to perform with pointe shoes- in solos/duet/trio/groups
• Intermediate and Senior Dancers MUST wear pointe shoes in the repertoire section
• Pointe shoes can only be worn in Ballet Repertoire & Neoclassical sections
• Pointe shoes can only be used by dancers over the age of 12 years in duet/trios or groups
• Dancers under the age of 12 cannot wear pointe shoes in any choreography in the competition. There will be checks by backstage teams, and if underage dancers use pointe shoes, it can result in disqualification.


11. PROPS

• 20 second time limit to place prop on stage
• Scenery is not allowed.
• Props must be used by dancer in the choreography
• If judges determine the prop is not relevant or not used in a choreography, it will result in point deduction.
• No dangerous props (swords, fire, helium balloons)
• No props that leave behind dust, smoke, or uncleanable mess should be used
• No liquids- bubbles/ water
• No live animals

• Country Flags cannot be used in choreographies
• Props should be carried on and off by competitors onto stage, in the exception of Mini, who may have the help of 1 adult.
• Props should be placed on stage and removed at end of choreography (No unweighted helium balloons)
• Any props used that involved mess (e.g. paper, petals, etc), must be cleaned by the participant(s) without any extra help
• GDO does not take responsibility for the safe keeping of props at the event. Studios are responsible for the transport and safe keeping of props.
• GDO will not take responsibility for any injury caused by props backstage to dancers/teachers


12. CHOREOGRAPHY

• Dancers cannot change the music or choreography between semi-final qualifiers & finals
• Dancers in Ballet Repertoire section must perform the SAME variation chosen for the semi-final qualifier (change of variation is subject to immediate disqualification)
• A choreography can only be entered once in the competition, e.g the same solo/duet/trio/group cannot be entered in multiple dance styles
• The use of music or choreography from Cabaret is NOT allowed for dancers in the Pre-Competitive, Mini & Junior Categories.
• Amendments based on judges comments are allowed between semi-final & final.


13. SUBSTITUTE DANCERS

• The dancer of a Solo cannot be altered between qualifiers and finals
• One member of a duet/trio may be subsituted between the qualifier and final (as long as the dancer competed at the semi-final)
• Group members may be subsituted between the qualifier and final (as long as the dancer competed at the semi-final)
• The number of dancers in a duet/trio/group, cannot change between the qualifier and final.
• Any changed should not affect the age division/ entry type
• Any decisions on substituting dancers by the organisation are final
• All changes must be notified to Head Office: info@globaldanceopen.com


14. COSTUMES

• All costumes should underline the character of the dance
• Costumes MUST be age appropriate
• Appearance and grooming are important and be taken into the consideration by the jury
• Costumes should leave no mess on the stage (feathers, sequins, etc). It is the performer’s responsibility to remove any debris from the stage. Should the stage be required to be cleaned for longer than 2 mins after a performance, there will be a 10-point reduction.
• Costumes may change between semi-final qualifier and final


15. PERFORMANCE CONDITIONS

• No lighting effects are allowed at qualifiers or finals.
• If music stops during a performance due to a theatre fault, the dancer(s) will get the opportunity to dance again.
• If a music is uploaded wrong, the performance will not be allowed to be repeated

• If a dancer forgets their dance they will not be allowed to dance again


16. BALLET SECTIONS

• All ballet solos are split into Repertoire and Neoclassical
• Ballet Duet/Trio/Group will be split into: Ballet (Repertoire & Non-Repertoire) & Neoclassical
• In the Ballet (Repertoire & Non-Repertoire) Duet/Trio/Groups, no floorwork is allowed

•Barefoot is not allowed in any ballet sections

* Intermediate and Senior Dancers MUST wear pointe shoes in the repertoire solo sections*


17. BOYS SECTIONS

The following categories are split into boy divisions:
• Ballet Repertoire
• Contemporary
• Jazz
• Lyrical


18. MUSICAL THEATRE

• Backing track must not contain any vocals. Any vocals on backing track will result in immediate disqualification
• Participants will have a choice between headset or hand-held microphone where available. All soloists and duet/trio must use a form on the microphone. 3 headsets/microphones per group will be permitted.
• All dancers in groups must sing


19. DEADLINES

• Inscription fees are due in full on the closing date of inscriptions (1 month- 6 weeks before the event).
• Inscriptions/Payments submitted after the closing date will be subjected to a 10% late fee.
• Inscriptions made more than 7 days after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Inscriptions will not be finalized until payment is made, and choreographies will not be scheduled

20. JUDGES

• The competition’s jury panel will comprise highly recognized judges within the dance community
• Judges are completely independent from any school competing
• The decision of the judges/adjudicators is final. No appeal can be made.


21. SCORING SYSTEM

Technical Level & Execution: 40 marks
Quality of Performance, Artistic Interpretation & Musicality: 40 marks
Choreography/Variation Arrangement: 20 marks

• A minimum of 75 marks is needed to qualify.
• 75 marks is needed to be awarded 3rd place (Bronze)
• 80 marks is needed to be awarded 2nd place (Silver)
• 85 marks is needed to be awarded 1st place (Gold)

AWARDS ARE BASED ON SCORES. If no one achieves 85 points, no 1st place will be awarded.

• Judging scores are finals and not subject to appeal

22. RECLASSIFICATION

Please refer to our style descriptions page for style descriptions
If there is a doubt on the choreography, please send a video to the head office for clarification: info@globaldanceopen.com

Reclassification Process:
1. Any routine that is placed in the wrong category at the qualifier, will not be eligible for medals
2. The routine will be moved to the correct category at the end of the whole competition
3. If the routine is in a qualifying position, it will be decided by the GDO Head Office whether they will receive an invitiation to the final

23. SCHOLARSHIPS & PRIZES

• Scholarships will be chosen and awarded by our judges
• Scholarships are not based on medal placement but at judges’ discretion


24. VIRTUAL & LIVE PARTICIPATION

• Countries that do not have a live qualifier, may compete virtually at one of the virtual qualifier dates. If your country has a live qualifier, you must attend it.
• Participation at the GDO Finals 2025 will only be for In-Person Dancers.

Qualification Video Guidelines:

• Videos must be submitted 7 days in advance of the qualifier.
• Videos must have no logos, competition banners or advertising of any kind.
• They should be landscape
• Videos must be stationary, and the full dancer’s body must always be visible
• Videos should not ‘follow’ the dancer
• Videos cannot be edited or merged
• Videos must be a complete performance from beginning to end.

*Videos that do not match this criteria will not be scored and will not be eligible for a refund.*



25. QUERIES & CODE OF CONDUCT

• Dancers and parents should not approach GDO staff regarding queries of a routine or other concern. All queries must be directed to the school director who will bring it under the attention to a GDO Director.

• GDO prides itself on creating a safe & supportive atmosphere where dancers can share their talent & meet people from all over their globe. Competitor should always act in a friendly manner toward their fellow competitors. Everyone should work together to make each GDO Event a very memorable occasion with all of the dancers getting along in a friendly manner. We expect all dancers be good losers and also good winners.

Acts of violence and intimidation against Organizers, Judges or Competitors will not be tolerated on or off the premises at any time

CONDUCT FOR AUDIENCE MEMBERS
• Treat other competitors and nations with respect, and should refrain from making unnecessary noise or unnecessary movement during a performance.
• Competitors and their family/friends should refrain from loud noises which can be distracting for the Judges, audience and the competitors. Cheering is allowed please be mindful about the excessive amount which can become very distracting
• No talking & moving around during performances. This is very disrespectful for the dancers who are performing. Even if it is not your child on stage, you are expected to remain silent throughout performances and only move (if exiting the theatre) as quickly as possible during the performances. When entering between performances please find the closest seat available

*Any audience member who fails to comply by our rules will be removed from the theatre.*



26. INSURANCE & MEMBERSHIP

• Ultimate Dance Productions is not responsible for any injuries that may occur to any person, including a participant teacher or audience member whist in the theatre, backstage, on stage or within the venue.
• It is each dance school’s responsibility to take out their own insurance(s) for their students to attend GDO events.
• All dancers must have a valid annual membership to participate in any GDO event (valid for 1 season)
• Annual membership is 10£ and is non-refundable.


27. BACKSTAGE & DRESSING ROOMS

• Only dance teachers and registered dancers can access the dressing rooms and backstage at all events. At registration, lanyards will be provided for identification.
• Only 1 teacher can accompany dancer(s) to the side of stage
• Dance teachers are responsible for the distribution of lanyards to dancers.


28. TRAVEL & ACCOMODATION

• GDO is not responsible for any travel and accommodation costs in relation to the Finals. Global Dance Open cannot assist in the organization of any visa applications, it is the responsibility of the dance school/parent to arrange these if needed.
• GDO shall not be liable to any parent or other members, teachers, students competitors or any other party (a Third Party) for any loss that may suffer as a result of the occurrence of an event or a series of events (including but not limited to Acts of God, Government intervention or advise against organized social gatherings or the undertaking of sporting events, political unrest, war or threat of war, riots, civil strife, closure of airports or ports, natural disasters, fire epidemic or pandemic) which results in:

the Third Party being unable or unwilling to travel to and or attend the event.
or

the event having to be postponed or cancelled by GDO


29. REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS


• GDO has a NON-REFUNDABLE POLICY
• There will be no refunds made to dance schools for a cancellation of an entry. By making a purchase with GDO, you are confirming that you have read through our rules and understood our no refunds policy
• Dancer’s unable to compete due to injury must provide medical evidence (translated into English) for a credit refund to be used for future event this medical evidence must be sent prior to the event, any requests after events will not be accepted.

Cash refunds are not available. Membership & Registration fees are non-refundable
• If GDO cancels an event, a full refund will be issued.

30. PERMISSIONS

• By entering a GDO event Choreographers, teachers, and performers automatically grant permission to Global Dance Open & Ultimate Dance Productions Ltd to video, photograph and record dancers at any time during GDO events, including during their performances, at GDO events and in and around the venue. Videos/photos may be used by GDO including but not limited to in advertising and promotional materials & for publicity purposes, our website, banners, social media and distributed to the press.
• By registering and participating in a GDO event, you agree to our rules and agree to allow us to send you emails regarding your entries, rules, schedules, and other GDO related items.
• At any event with an official photographer and videographer, there is no photos/video allowed by audience members
• Results will be available via dakiki app and at selected events, printed and displayed

31. INOVICES

• Schools requesting invoices must submit the following form with relevant information.
• Invoices will be done and sent on the last day of each month
• Fees must be paid to receive an invoice