Welcome to NYICPA
Dance Category-2026

New York
November 14-15, 2026

Grand Stage, LaGuardia Performing Arts Center

Regular registration:
October 20, 2026.
(Late registration remains open
until November 3 at higher fee)

Ages 8-35
Solo, duet, ensembles, companies

Video selection
Finals - Live performing on the Grand Stage at LPAC
NYICPA Dance is now open. After the World Music and Classic Music seasons - including performances at Carnegie Hall and United Nations - we invite dancers to a multigenre competition in Long Island City.

Don't miss your chance to perform on a New York stage.


PARTICIPANTS AND CATEGORIES

Ages 8 to 35 years.


Solo Dancers,

Pre-competitive 8-11,

Junior group 12-15,

Senior group 16-20,

Master-Professional group 21-35.


Duets (8 to 35 years.)

Small Groups (8 to 35 years.)

Large Ensembles (8 to 35 years.)

Dance Companies. (8 to 35 years.)


Styles

Classical / Contemporary / Hip-hop / Folk / Oriental / Children’s Dance / Modern / Stage & Show Dance / Street / Dance Theatre

Selection is by video only.

Competition Final

November 14–15, 2026


We chose one of New York’s most beautiful stages for our dancers.

The Grand Stage at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center is a true professional theatre: a proper stage floor built for dance, full theatrical lighting and sound, and a 740-seat house. Every seat faces the stage. This is not a studio showing and not a hotel ballroom — it is a real concert hall in Long Island City, minutes from Manhattan.


For every finalist, this is meant to be an unforgettable performance: your name, your work, and a New York stage.


Grand Stage

LaGuardia Performing Arts Center

45-50 Van Dam Street

Long Island City, NY 11101


Rehearsals & Masterclasses

Secret Theatre

10-10 44th Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101

Performance Program
• Pre-competitive group - 1 performance
• Junior group - 2 performances
• Senior group 2 performances
• Master group -Professional 2 performances

Timing:
  • solo — no more than 2:35 per entry;
  • duet / Small Ensemble — no more than 3:45 per piece;
  • Large Ensemble — no more than 4:35 per piece.
Requirements for the Selection Round (Video Submission):
  • Participants submit one video up to 10 minutes in length.
  • The program must include 1 - 3 dances of different styles or characters .(Except Pre-competitive group)
  • The video must have been recorded no earlier than six months prior to the application date.
  • Recording quality requirements: horizontal orientation, good lighting, clear sound.
  • Editing is permitted; however, computer-generated effects, speed alterations of the dance, and replacement of fragments are strictly prohibited.
  • All ensemble members must be clearly visible in the video.
Awards
Finalists receive international diplomas. The most outstanding performances will be awarded special diplomas in various nominations.
Cash Prizes Cash prizes will be awarded from the general prize fund of NYICPA, which totals $12,000 and is allocated for the following categories.
Prize fund for the Dance Category: $4,000

Grand Prix - Trophy, diploma and Cash Prize
I Prize - Diploma and Cash Prize
II Prize - Diploma and Cash Prize
III Prize - Diploma and Cash Prize

Special Awards - Diploma and Cash Prize:

  • Best Dance Performance,
  • Best Choreography,
  • Best Costume Design,
  • Best Folk/Traditional Dance,
  • Best Ensemble Performance,
  • Hope Award,
  • Special Teacher Awards for choreographers and teachers.
Registration Fee

Solo - $100
Ensemble $60 per dancer

Late registration remains open

until November 3 at higher fee

Solo - $130
Ensamble -$80 per dancer


All payments are processed securely through Stripe.
Note:
The registration fee is non-refundable and covers the organizational expenses of the competition.

The fee includes:
  • Processing of the application and video selection
  • Official invitation letter for U.S. visa (for the finalists)

Stage fee — Final round only
The stage fee is paid only after you pass the video selection. Do not pay it with the application. An invoice is sent after the results.
Your place in the Final is confirmed when the stage-program form is completed and the fee is paid by the deadline in the letter.

Fees are per dancer:
  • Solo only — $100 (2 pieces)
  • Solo plus duet and/or ensemble — $140 (4–6 pieces)
  • Duet only — $70 (2 pieces)
  • Duet plus ensemble — $100 (4 pieces)
  • Ensemble only, up to 7 dancers — $45 (2 pieces)
  • Ensemble only, 8 dancers or more — $35 (2 pieces).

If the Jury shortens the program for timing, the stage fee is not reduced or refunded.

Don't miss your chance to perform on the Grand Stage in NYC!
Apply Now
MASTER CLASSES AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

An educational component is a cornerstone of the NYICPA. Participants will attend master classes led by distinguished American choreographers and educators.

  • Young dancers will gain unique knowledge, new techniques, and a strong creative impulse from leading professionals.
  • Teachers and artistic directors will receive international certificates — a valuable addition to their professional portfolio.
Competition Final

We chose one of New York’s most beautiful stages for our dancers.
The Grand Stage at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center is a true professional theatre: a proper stage floor built for dance, full theatrical lighting and sound, and a 740-seat house. Every seat faces the stage. This is not a studio showing and not a hotel ballroom — it is a real concert hall in Long Island City, minutes from Manhattan.
For every finalist, this is meant to be an unforgettable performance: your name, your work, and a New York stage.
Grand Stage
LaGuardia Performing Arts Center
45-50 Van Dam Street
Long Island City, NY 11101

Finals: November 14–15, 2026
Apply Now
MISSION OF THE PROJECT
«THE PATH TO THE WORLD STAGE»

Our mission is to open the door to the world stage for young artists and give them an unforgettable experience that will forever transform their creative destiny.

This is more than just a trip to New York. It is a deep immersion into the most dynamic artistic capital of the world, a performance on a prestigious international stage, and the opportunity to feel the energy of the city where legends are born.

There are no losers here. Every ensemble that passes the selection and comes to New York becomes a true star of global scale. We create a unique platform where talent meets grand opportunities, traditions meet modern vision, and young artists take a confident step toward international recognition.

The New York International Competition for Performing Arts – Dance Category is designed to inspire young dancers, create unforgettable experiences, and open doors to new opportunities in the arts. More than just a performance event, the Competition is a true cultural exchange — a chance for participants to engage in masterclasses, rehearsals, and creative discussions that foster community, innovation, and lasting inspiration.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, the 2026 Dance Competition will immerse young artists in one of the most dynamic and creative environments in the world. By joining the NYICPA, dancers will represent their countries, expand their artistic vision, gain confidence as performers, and become part of a global community of passionate artists.

Apply Now
ACCOMMODATION AND SERVICES FOR INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS
We ensure a high standard of comfort and safety throughout the Competition:
  • Hotel: Accommodation in a renowned 4-star hotel of the Marriott network (or equivalent) — world-class comfort and service.
  • Room occupancy: Quad occupancy (spacious rooms with two Queen-size beds).
  • Meals: Continental breakfasts included. Additional meals available upon request.
  • Transportation: Full transportation support throughout the entire program.
  • Visa support: Official invitation letters for the U.S. Embassy are provided for finalists.
Important Requirement: All international participants and accompanying persons are required to stay at the hotel selected by the organizers. This ensures efficient communication, coordinated group movements, joint transfers, safety, and the unified spirit of the Festival. Independent accommodation in other hotels is not permitted.
Group Format: The competition is open to solo dancers, duets, small groups, as well as large ensembles and companies.
For well-coordinated trip organization, joint transfers, and other logistical matters, we recommend that international participants form groups of 12 people or more.
Apply Now
CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS


We have carefully designed a program that immerses participants in the iconic atmosphere of New York:
  • Times Square & Central Park — the beating heart of Manhattan and its legendary pathways
  • Statue of Liberty & Brooklyn Bridge — photo sessions against the backdrop of America’s most recognizable symbols
  • Top of the Rock (70th floor) — a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city
  • American Museum of Natural History — the world of “Night at the Museum” brought to life
  • Madame Tussauds & the Planetarium — encounters with world icons and a journey through the cosmos
  • Invisible World — an ultra-modern 3D exhibition that expands the boundaries of imagination
  • Grand Shopping in the Best Outlets in New York
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
The Application Form is filled out on the official website:
nycompetitions.com

Application deadline:
October 20, 2026.

Late registration remains open

until November 3 at higher fee



The following documents must be submitted with the application:
  • Completed application form (in Latin characters only)
  • Link to the video (YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive or similar with open access)
  • Copies of documents confirming the age of participants (if required)
  • Photographs of the participant or ensemble (2–3 images)
Organizers and Contacts
Organizing Committee — New York New York International Competition for Performing Arts Website: www.nycompetitions.com Instagram: @nyicpa
Apply Now
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