Director: Victoria Mikhailova Venue: GROTESKA THEATRE, KRAKÓW – POLAND Stage dimensions: 11 × 7 m. The festival-competition is organized by Fundacja Widowisk Masowych (Poland) and NGO Art Center Antre (Ukraine), an active member of EAFF and WOFA. The event is held in cooperation with the Foundation of Cultural Diplomacy and the Foundation of Active Integration (Poland). The organizers are founders of festivals and competitions such as "Wawelskie Skarby", "Art Inspiration Festival," "Samocvity," the theatre festival "East–West," and the art project "Etno Show" which have been taking place in Europe since 2014. Their aim is to support, promote, and develop an international platform for cultural exchange among amateur and professional groups and participants. Our main mission is to nurture a conscious and active cultural audience while fostering sensitivity to the arts. We create a space for interaction between artists and audiences, where meaningful dialogue takes place. Our goal is to promote deeper understanding, inspire new achievements, and encourage more effective creative and social development. Children’s, youth, and adult groups, as well as solo performers and small ensembles, are welcome to participate. Nominations (Genres): A detailed description of each genre is available at the end of the regulations to help participants choose the appropriate category: Choreography: folk dance and stylized folk dance, classical dance, contemporary/modern dance, jazz dance, artistic dance, street dance, ballroom and sports dance, stage dance, children’s dance, show performances, dance theatre, acrobatic choreography (formations and dance routines incorporating acrobatic elements), dances of the world, choreographic miniatures, experimental choreography and original choreography. K-pop, High Heels and Belly Dance styles are accepted only in the “Adults” age category. Folklore ensembles, ritual theatres, folk art ensembles, vocal ensembles, instrumental ensembles, vocal-instrumental ensembles, choirs, theatre arts, acting, fashion theatres and fashion shows, as well as other artistic categories in accordance with submitted applications. Duration of Competition Performances: The competition program is time-limited. Soloists, duets – 1 or 2 performances with a total duration of up to 4 minutes Trios, quartets – 1 or 2 performances with a total duration of up to 5 minutes Small groups (5–9 participants) – 1 or 2 performances with a total duration of up to 6 minutes Groups and ensembles (10 or more participants) – 1 or 2 performances with a total duration of up to 9 minutes Participants are entitled to compete in multiple genres by submitting separate applications and paying a separate fee for each entry. The festival is competitive in nature. If the performance exceeds the approved time limit, the organizer reserves the right to stop the performance. Age Groups: MINI Kids: 4–6 years Kids: 7–9 years Children: 10–13 years Juniors: 14–17 years Adults: 18 years and older Seniors: 50 years and older Mixed Groups Awards: DIAMOND GRAND PRIX – the festival’s highest and most exclusive award, granted only in exceptional cases for outstanding artistic achievements by unanimous jury decision. The absolute winner receives the GRAND PRIX, a Grand Prix diploma, a commemorative gift, festival medals, individual diplomas, and a winner’s trophy. At the jury’s discretion, a Small Grand Prix may also be awarded. Winners of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th places receive festival medals, individual diplomas, and a trophy for the group or soloist. Participant Diploma – awarded to groups or soloists who receive a score below 4th place; participants also receive festival medals, individual diplomas, and a group trophy. Debut Diploma – for participants in the MINI KIDS category (ages 4–6); participants receive festival medals, individual diplomas, and a group trophy. Discovery of the Festival Diploma – may be awarded to a soloist, group, or choreographer for a notable creative breakthrough or an original staging concept. Artistry Diploma – for exceptional emotion, charisma, and expressiveness. Best Costume Diploma – for originality and coherence of stage appearance. All teachers, choreographers, group leaders, and ensemble directors receive Certificates of Appreciation from the organizers and the jury. All participants are awarded commemorative gifts, festival backpacks, participant badges, magnets, festival notebooks, and other festival souvenirs (contents may vary). Festival Fees: Groups (10 or more participants) – EUR 18 per participant Groups (5–9 participants) – EUR 22 per participant Quartets – EUR 25 per participant Duets and trios – EUR 30 per participant Soloists – EUR 35 per participant For each additional performance (in a different genre category or as a second performance in the same category): Groups (10 or more participants) – additional EUR 10 per participant for each additional entry Groups (5–9 participants) – additional EUR 13 per participant for each additional entry Duets, trios and quartets – additional EUR 18 per participant for each additional entry Soloists – additional EUR 20 per participant for each additional entry Important Information: To participate in the festival, participants must submit the application form together with a high-quality music track to the Organizer’s e-mail address. The Organizing Committee provides accommodation and a cultural programme upon prior arrangement with the participants. After receiving the application form, the Organizers will send payment details for the registration fee and confirm participation. All bank charges are to be paid by the sender. Groups staying in Poland or other European Union countries will receive an invoice from the Polish Organizers, issued in Polish zloty or euro, according to mutual arrangements. Applications are accepted until 2 April 2027 or earlier, until all available performance slots have been filled. After this date, applications may be accepted only upon prior agreement with the Organizer. Jury: The Jury is appointed by the Organizers and consists of distinguished representatives of culture and the arts, professional performers, educators, choreographers, directors, musicians, and other respected experts from participating countries. The permanent Jury panel consists of 4–5 members. All performances are evaluated using a 10-point scoring system. The evaluation criteria are applied separately within each artistic category, age group, and participation format (soloist, small group, ensemble). This approach ensures objectivity, accuracy, and fairness in assessing artistic quality, performance skills, stage presentation, and the overall preparation of participants. The Jury has the right to: Provide recommendations and professional feedback to participants; Recognize outstanding performers and award special prizes; In consultation with the Organizing Committee, make decisions regarding amendments to the Festival Regulations or withhold awards in specific categories if deemed appropriate; Decide not to award the Grand Prix if the required level of points has not been achieved. All Jury decisions are final and cannot be appealed. Program: 01.05\02.05.2027 – Arrival in Kraków. Check-in. Guided sightseeing tour of Kraków – the city of kings, where participants will discover, step by step, the city that served as the capital of Poland for more than 500 years. The programme includes the Royal Castle on Wawel Hill, the Old Town, the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), the heart of the city – the Main Market Square, and many other historical landmarks and attractions. (Individual participants and small groups will be combined into groups of at least 25 participants.) The sightseeing tour is included in the festival package. Optional: coach excursion to the Wieliczka Salt Mine (approx. 4–5 hours) – an extraordinary journey through a labyrinth of underground salt corridors and chambers that impress visitors with their scale and beauty, creating unforgettable memories. (Children from €25, adults from €30; transportation cost to be confirmed.) Return to the hostel/hotel. Dinner. 03.05.2027 – COMPETITION DAY Breakfast. Festival day – stage rehearsals, sound checks and preparations for performances. Official Opening Ceremony of the Festival. Competition performances. Free workshop (topic to be announced at a later date) conducted by a Polish choreographer, director, dance teacher or performing arts educator. In the evening – Grand Final Gala, Awards Ceremony and Official Closing of the Festival. Return to the hotel or hostel. Dinner. 04.05.2027 – Breakfast. Check-out in accordance with the hotel or hostel regulations. Free time. Departure of participants and return home. The listed prices are based on current offers and Participation (accommodation) fee: Cost of Participation in the Competition Program accommodation with half board 20 +1 free of charge Hostel - Accommodation in 3–5-bed rooms. 3 days / 2 nights – EUR 140 per person 4 days / 3 nights – EUR 180 per person Hotel 2* - Accommodation in 2–3-bed rooms. 3 days / 2 nights – EUR 155 per person 4 days / 3 nights – EUR 205 per person Group leaders and drivers are accommodated in twin rooms. 1 group leader free of charge for every 20 paying participants (20+1 free). Accommodation in twin rooms is also available upon request. Participation fee includes: Accommodation in the selected package option. Meals: breakfasts and dinners. The package begins with dinner on the day of arrival and ends with breakfast on the day of departure. Guided sightseeing tour of Kraków. For groups of at least 20 participants – 1 group leader free of charge (20+1). Official invitations and documents confirming participation in the festival. Accommodation for group leaders and drivers in twin rooms. Participation fee does not include: Festival (registration) fee. Transportation. Optional excursions and entrance tickets to museums and tourist attractions. Personal expenses and public transportation. The Organizers assist participating groups with arranging additional meals, transportation services, and other logistical matters related to their participation in the Festival. Information: Groups interested in participating must submit an application form together with their musical accompaniment. A group delegation may include performers as well as accompanying persons. There is no limit to the number of performers or accompanying group members. During the Festival, the Organizers may invite participating groups to take part in common Festival events, such as the Opening Ceremony, Closing Ceremony, parade, accompanying concerts, receptions, workshops, and other official activities. Participation in the official Festival events included in the program is mandatory for invited groups. Any group willing to participate must submit an Application form. Approved groups pay in advance 10% guarantee fee, which is to be deducted at the final payment. Next step: payment of 20% for booking the accommodation. Payment of the rest of the sum 70% - 15 days before the beginning of the festival, or upon arrival during the registration with permission of organizers.