Director: Tsvetomira Krumova Puglia is a region in southern Italy, whose coasts are washed by the Adriatic and Ionian seas, and part of the land forms the so-called "Botusha Current". Puglia is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The capital of Puglia is Bari, where there is an international airport. Puglia is rich in remains from different historical eras from excavations from the time of the ancient Greeks to castles from the era of the Holy Roman Empire. There are also beautiful sandy and pebbly beaches, as well as natural rock pools for diving. Location, dates and time Dates: 24.09 – 28.09.2024 /5 days, 4 overnights with breakfast/ Possibility for additional nights. Location: Puglia/Bari/Ostuni - Italy DEADLINE for submitting application forms: 23.02.2024 DEADLINE for full payment: 31.07.2024 Goal of the festival: The goal of the festival is to provide kids, teenagers and adults with the opportunity to show their talents in front of a big audience; to develop and promote music and dance art, as well as to strengthen the relationships between group leaders. Further goal of the festival is to promote joint activities among the performers and create friendships. Form of the festival: “Acqua Azzurra” festival is not a competition and participants would not compete against each other. Participants in the festival: The festival is open to all – individual participants, community centers, youth centers, academies, public schools, private schools, dance studios/clubs, etc. There are no age limitations. Age categories: 1st age category – kids under 12 yrs 2nd age category – teenagers 13 to 19 yrs 3rd age category – adults over 19 yrs Participation terms: Maximum duration of musical and dance performances: FESTIVAL DAYS (SEPTEMBER 25 and SEPTEMBER 26, Wednesday and Thursday) Solo, duet and trio - up to 4 min for performance per age group Group – up to 15 min for an ensemble per age group GALA CONCERT (SEPTEMBER 27, Friday) Group – up to 5 minutes for an ensemble per age group DANCE CATEGORY Dance category is open to all non-professional dance groups and performers without restrictions in genre (hip-hop, classical dance, folk dance, modern dance, jazz ballet, etc.) or number of participants. MUSIC CATEGORY Music category is open to all non-professional dance groups and performers (singers, musicians, choirs, etc.) without restrictions in genre (hip-hop, classical music, folk music, pop and rock music, jazz, etc.) or number of participants. Note: Participants should provide their own musical instruments and/or music for their routines. Program: 24 September, Tuesday /organization day/ 15.00 – 19.00 – Registration and accommodation of the arriving formations. Opportunity to explore Bari. Known for the "San Nikola" basilica, where the relics of Saint Nicholas, brought from the city of Myra in 1087, are kept. 25 September, Wednesday /festival day/ 7.00 – 09.00 h Breakfast Free time or opportunity to visit Alberobello. The most distinctive feature of Alberobello are the trulli houses. Converted into restaurants and shops. 20.00 h – Concert of individual performers and groups (opening night of the festival) 26 September, Thursday /festival day/ 7.00 – 09.00 h Breakfast Free time or opportunity to visit Matera. A city that was the capital of culture of Europe for 2019, together with our wonderful Plovdiv. Sassi di Matera are the main attraction of the city. These ancient cave dwellings are believed to be some of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. 20.00 h – Concert of individual performers and groups 27 September, Friday /Gala Concert/ 7.00 – 09.00 h Breakfast. Free time or opportunity to explore Ostuni. Ostuni is a charming city located in the Puglia region of southern Italy. It is often called the "White City" because of its striking whitewashed buildings that glisten in the sunlight. 20.00 h – Gala concert, prize ceremony and presentation of all individual performers and groups 28 September, Saturday 7.00 – 09.00 h Breakfast 09.30 h – Check-out time Participation fee: 245 Euro per person - HOTEL 3* - https://www.hoteledentorrecanne.it/ - Extra night – 52€ per person per night - Single room – 310€ per person FULL CAPACITY - 260 Euro per person - HOTEL 4* - Extra night – 60€ Per person per night - Single room - 340€ per person Every 25 participants one is free of charge (24 pay + 1 free) Participation fee includes: 4 nights with breakfast, double and triple rooms A certificate of attendance and prize for every ensemble A t-shirt with the festival’s logo for every participant Participation fee Extra payment: City tax 2.00 € – paid on reception per person, per day extra payment for dinner – 13 € Additional excursions are requested in advance Any group willing to participate must submit an Application form. Approved groups pay in advance a 10% guarantee fee, which is to be deducted at the final payment. Second step: deposit of the amount of 26 € per person to the organizers until 29.03.2024 All bank transfer expenses are to be paid by the participants in the festival. The payment of deposit it is non-refundable!