Rules 

3rd edition: saturday, 4th of july, 2026 in Livorno (Italy), 21h30

ART. 1: DESCRIPTION
​The OPTIMUM competition is open to dancers of any nationality who have won awards in one of the affiliated competitions and have received an invitation from the jury. The choreography submitted must be the same as that which received the invitation. The organizers reserve the right to make any changes to the program, for organizational reasons, as well as change the categories, for the sole purpose of maintaining a high level of competition. Failure to comply with these rules will result in disqualification from the competition.

ART. 2: SECTIONS AND CATEGORIES
​SECTIONS: Soloists, 2-4, and Groups
CATEGORIES: Junior (born before 2010) and Senior (born before 2009)
​DURATION: Soloists: 2 minutes - 2-4 (2 to 4 people): 3 minutes - Groups (over 5 people): 4 minutes

ART. 3: PRIZES
​For each category, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will be awarded.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the highest overall scores in each category:
SOLOISTS: 1st place €300;
2-4 and GROUPS: 1st place €500
Special prizes will be awarded at the sole discretion of the jury, including scholarships and invitations to academies and/or companies.

ART. 4: REGISTRATION, DEADLINES, AND FEES
The choreography and performers must be the same as those who received the invitation. The deadline for registration is May 31, 2026. Please send a confirmation email to [email protected], followed by instructions for paying the registration fee:
Solo: €50
Pas de deux/trios and quartets: €35 per person;
Groups: €20 per dancer.

ART. 5: COMPETITION PROCEDURES
The competition will take place entirely in Livorno (Italy), on the evening of Saturday, July 4, 2026.
STAGE: All performances will be under fixed lighting. The stage measures 10 x 10 meters.
REHEARSALS: There are no rehearsals, but once you have checked in, you can visit the stage and rehearse the group space during breaks.
CHECK-IN: Check-in times will be communicated by email.
At check-in, group leaders will be given passes, which must be worn by all dancers and choreographers for the entire duration of the event.
Each teacher must carry a USB stick (no CDs or cell phones) with backup music (MP3s only) for use in case of emergency.
The use of props, equipment, objects, or substances that could damage or make the stage slippery will not be permitted, under penalty of disqualification.
Unless otherwise specified by the jury or the organizers, applause is not permitted.

​ART. 6: JURY AND EVALUATION CRITERIA
The technical jury will be composed of renowned international figures, whose names will be made public as soon as the various agreements are finalized. The technical jury's decisions determine the category rankings and are expressed in hundredths and counted exclusively mathematically. Prizes will be awarded (except in the case of a tie) to the three choreographies with the highest scores in each category. The jury may withhold certain prizes if deemed appropriate.

ART. 7: ACCESS TO THE THEATRE PREMISES AND BOX OFFICE
Access to the dressing rooms, stage, and backstage will be permitted to dancers and the choreographer only, with a pass.
The public may attend by purchasing a ticket at the box office for €10, following the instructions provided by email.

ART. 8: VIDEO/PHOTOGRAPHY RECORDING
Video/photographic recordings will not be permitted; they must be entrusted exclusively to professional operators, who will be responsible for their sale and distribution.

ART. 9: CONCLUSIONS
The jury's decisions are final. Participants must abide by the rules and registration deadlines. Failure to comply will result in disqualification from the competition.