Rules and Regulations
Liberty Ballet Competition 2026
Official Rules, Guidelines, Policies, and Regulations
Table of Contents
1. General Information
2. Age Divisions & Eligibility
3. Registration & Fees
4. Deadlines
5. Refunds, Credits & Penalties
6. Music Submission Requirements
7. Time Limits
8. Pointe Policy
9. Master Classes
10. Photo & Video Policy
11. Classical Repertoire List
12. Waiver & Liability
13. Required Documentation
14. Awards & Scholarships
15. Stage Specifications & Scoring
16. Judges’ Critiques
17. Competition & Gala Viewing Policies
18. General Rules
19. Backstage Conduct, Props Policy, Audience Etiquette
SECTION 1 — GENERAL INFORMATION
Overview
Liberty Ballet Competition welcomes all dancers ages 9–102.
A dancer’s age is determined as of January 1, 2026.
This is a Stand-alone Competition. No pre-qualifications necessary.
Winners do not qualify for any other competition, only the gala performance.
• BACK UP USB – Always have a Back Up USB with ALL music available during competition if needed. In the case of an emergency a penalty will not be acquired.
Participation Options
• Competitive — Eligible for scoring, awards, and gala consideration.
• Showcase-Only — Receives critiques only and does not compete for awards. All current or former students affiliated with American Liberty Ballet and American Liberty Ballet Academy are ineligible for the competitive category and will be automatically entered as Showcase-only.
Pointe Requirements
• Minimum two years of supervised pointe training.
• Instructor approval required.
• Youth dancers may not perform en pointe.
Entry Limits
Participants may perform multiple variations; however, the competition may restrict entries based on capacity.
Participants must select from our Classical Repertoire List for their age group (Sect. 11). Participants may select “down”, but not “up”. (IE No Odile, Esmeralda, or Corsaire Temple Dancers in the Youth Category.)
Pas de Deux Policy
• Only Adagio and Coda may be presented.
• Partners age 14 or younger should not perform overhead lifts.
SECTION 2 — AGE DIVISIONS & ELIGIBILITY
Divisions
• Youth (9–12): Pointe work prohibited.
• Teen (13–14)
• Pre-Professional (15–19)
• Collegiate/Professional (18+): Proof of enrollment, acceptance, or professional employment required.
• Adult (18–102)
Categories
Solo Variations
Pas de Deux
Duet, Trio
1st and Second Place winners from each age category and age division will be invited to perform in the Gala (April 19)
SECTION 3 — REGISTRATION & FEES
Studio/School Registration and Additional Teacher Passes -$40
Youth, Teen, Pre-Professional Category Registration -$180
Includes first competition entry, master classes, competitor gala audience entry, one guardian pass, one teacher pass, and two gala tickets.
Special Categories
• Collegiate/Professional Registration Rate - $125
Includes one entry and competitor’s entry into gala and Master Classes
Please provide adequate documentation to enter this category (Section 13). Categories may be divided depending upon registration.
• Adult w/ teacher signature (overhead studio/school registration fee not required for dancers over 18) - $200 per entry
Teachers of Adult students do not have to register their school, however they must purchase their own teacher pass should they wish to attend the competition.
The competitor's band allows entry to Gala audience and Master Classes.
• Adult self-registration (No teacher sign-off on registration form) -$350 per entry
Includes Gala access and Master Classes
Additional Passes
Guardian Pass - $30
Child/Sibling Pass to Competition Audience - $10
Gala Ticket (General Public) - $80
Gala Ticket (studio families, party members of registered studio/school) -30$
All additional entries under a registered school/ studio - 100$
STUDIO OWNERS AND ADULT PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO ENSURE THAT ALL WRISTBANDS FOR ALL PARTY MEMBERS ARE ACCOUNTED FOR DURING CHECK IN.
*****DO NOT REMOVE OR LOSE WRIST BANDS FOR THE DURATION OF THE EVENT.*****
Tickets will not be on sale at the door to the competition after check in for safety and security reasons. Please have all party members accounted for by check in. Space at the venue is limited, please buy all necessary passes in advance. The competition director will provide additional passes for purchase upon verification of studio/school/competitor identities should wrist bands be lost or misplaced.
“Early Bird” Check in and first Master Classes take place on April 17 at the venue.
Standard Check in will take place in the morning on April 18th. (Exact time and approximated call times and Master Class schedule will be emailed out prior to the event.)
SECTION 4 — DEADLINES
Deadlines
• A $90 deposit per dancer is due at registration.
Full payment is due within 30 days of registration.
• Registration closes once venue capacity is reached.
• Music must be submitted two weeks prior to the competition.
• Updated music cannot be accepted within one week of the event. The deadline for music submission is 2 weeks prior to the first day of the competition. Penalties will be applied to all late music submissions.
Please DO NOT submit updated music less than 1 week before the event. Entries that have not submitted music at least one week prior will be dropped, fees are non-refundable.
SECTION 5 — REFUNDS, CREDITS & PENALTIES
Refund Policy
No refunds are issued under any circumstances. All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
American Liberty Ballet is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to inclusivity, diversity, and bringing accessible ballet to the public.
Injury Credits
Credits apply only to entry fees, not registration or administrative fees. A specialist physician’s letter on official letterhead, including signature and stamp, must be submitted at least two weeks before the event. Late documentation may result in only 50% credit.
Illness Credits
Approved illness credits allow entry fees to transfer to the following year. Administrative fees are not transferable.
Music Penalties
Music submitted less than 2 weeks before the first day of the competition — $20 penalty fee, per entry, will be added to your invoice.
Music submitted or updated during the competition weekend will acquire a $40 penalty fee per entry (payable onsite at Registration counter). Only USB drive format will be accepted.
FINANCIAL AID
We are committed to providing performance and training opportunities to young dancers. If you wish to participate but are experiencing financial hardship, please send an official letter request to LibertyBalletCompetition@gmail.com
SECTION 6 — MUSIC SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Music Requirements
• MP3 format only.
• Streaming links (e.g., Spotify, YouTube, SoundCloud) are not accepted.
• A backup USB containing all music is required onsite.
Submission Instructions
• Email all music files to LibertyBalletCompetition@gmail.com.
• Use a clear subject line including the studio name.
File Naming
• Solos: LastName FirstName – Age – Title of Dance
• Pas de Deux / Duet / Trio: Title – Category – School – Length
SECTION 7 — TIME LIMITS
Time Limits
Entries must adhere to the maximum time restrictions listed below. Exceeding these limits may result in a deduction or disqualification.
● Classical Variation: Maximum – 2:30 (Paquita Wedding variation may be up to 2:42) Classical Pas de Deux: Maximum - 6:00 (Adagio or Adagio and Coda only)
● Duet/Trio (2-3 members): Maximum - 2:45 **Participants are NOT permitted to purchase additional time. Any entry with music that exceeds the allotted time limit may result in point deduction or disqualification.
SECTION 8 — POINTE POLICY
Youth dancers (ages 9–12) may not perform en pointe. All other dancers performing en pointe must have at least two years of supervised pointe training and receive approval from a qualified instructor. Teachers are responsible for assessing readiness to ensure dancer safety.
SECTION 9 — MASTER CLASSES
Master classes are included with registration and do not influence competition scores. However, professionalism, focus, and etiquette displayed in class may be considered in awarding scholarships and special recognition. Dancers are expected to arrive on time, follow instructors’ directions, and maintain a respectful environment.
SECTION 10 — PHOTO & VIDEO POLICY
Liberty Ballet Competition reserves the right to record classes and performances. Participation in the event constitutes agreement that photos and videos may be used for promotional, archival, and educational purposes across print, digital, and broadcast media. Professional photography and videography services may be available for review and purchase onsite.
SECTION 11 — CLASSICAL REPERTOIRE LIST
Repertoire must be appropriate for the dancer’s age and division. Dancers may select works from their division or a lower division, but may NOT select repertoire from a higher division.
(NO POINTE SHOES OR Black Swan, Nikiya, Esmeralda, or Corsaire Temple Dancers in the Youth Category, no exceptions; age-inappropriate selections will be disqualified, no refunds.)
YOUTH (9-12, POINTE STRICTLY PROHIBITED)
Ballet (Choreographer)
○ Coppelia (A. St. Leon) 1st Act Variation
○ Don Quixote (M. Petipa) Cupid Variation
○ Giselle (J. Perrot, J. Coralli) Peasant Pas de Deux Variations
○ La Fille Mal Gardee (B. Nijinska, D. Romanoff) Variations
○ Paquita (M. Petipa) All Variations (except Principal Variations)
○ Swan Lake (M. Petipa, L. Ivanov) Pas de Trois Variations, Little Swans
○ The Sleeping Beauty (M. Petipa) Variations of Prologue and Third Act Fairies, Third Act Stones The Little Humpbacked Horse Ocean and the Pearls Sylvia- Goats TEEN ○ Coppelia (A. St. Leon) Pas de Deux and all Variations
○ Paquita (M. Petipa) All Variations (except Principal Variations)
○ The Flames of Paris (V. Vainonen) Pas de Deux & Variations
○ Fairy Doll (S. Legat) ○ Flower Festival at Genzano (A. Bournonville) Pas de Deux and all Variations
○ Giselle (J. Perrot, J. Coralli) Peasant Pas de Deux and Variations
○ La Bayadere (M. Petipa) Three Shade Variations, Act III
○ La Fille Mal Gardee (B. Nijinska, D. Romanoff) Pas de Deux and all Variations
○ Napoli (A. Bournonville) Pas de Six and all Variations
○ Paquita (M. Petipa) All Variations
○ Raymonda (M. Petipa) All Variations
○ Satanella (M. Petipa) Pas de Deux and Variations
○ Swan Lake (M. Petipa, L. Ivanov) Pas de Trois and Variations
○ The Awakening of Flora (M. Petipa) Variations
○ The Sleeping Beauty (M. Petipa) Variations of Fairies, Aurora Variations from Act I and Act II (under 2:40), BlueBird Pas de Deux and Variations, Aurora Variation from Act I must be under 2:40
○ The Talisman (M. Petipa) Pas de Deux and all Variations
○ William Tell variation (A. Bournonville)
TEEN (13-14)
○ Coppelia (A. St. Leon) Pas de Deux and all Variations
○ Paquita (M. Petipa) All Variations (except Principal Variations)
○ The Flames of Paris (V. Vainonen) Pas de Deux & Variations
○ Fairy Doll (S. Legat)
○ Flower Festival at Genzano (A. Bournonville) Pas de Deux and all Variations
○ Giselle (J. Perrot, J. Coralli) Peasant Pas de Deux and Variations
○ La Bayadere (M. Petipa) Three Shade Variations, Act III
○ La Fille Mal Gardee (B. Nijinska, D. Romanoff) Pas de Deux and all Variations
○ Napoli (A. Bournonville) Pas de Six and all Variations
○ Paquita (M. Petipa) All Variations
○ Raymonda (M. Petipa) All Variations
○ Satanella (M. Petipa) Pas de Deux and Variations
○ Swan Lake (M. Petipa, L. Ivanov) Pas de Trois and Variations
○ The Awakening of Flora (M. Petipa) Variations
○ The Sleeping Beauty (M. Petipa) Variations of Fairies, Aurora Variations from Act I and Act II (under 2:40), BlueBird Pas de Deux and Variations, Aurora Variation from Act I (under 2:40)
○ The Talisman (M. Petipa) Pas de Deux and all Variations
○ William Tell variation (A. Bournonville)
PRE PROFESSIONAL, COLLEGIATE, PROFESSIONAL, ADULT
○ Diana & Acteon (A. Vaganova) Pas de Deux and Variations
○ Don Quixote (M. Petipa) Pas de Deux and all Variations
○ Fairy Doll (S. Legat)
○ Flower Festival at Genzano (A. Bournonville) Pas de Deux and all Variations
○ Giselle (J. Perrot, J. Coralli) Variation of Giselle, Act I Peasant Pas de Deux and Variations, Pas de Deux and all Variations from Act II
○ Sylvia Third Act Pas de Deuxs and Variations
○ Grand Pas Classique (V. Gsovsky) Pas de Deux and all Variations
○ Harlequinade (M. Petipa) Pas De Deux and Variations
○ La Bayadere (M. Petipa) Three Shade Variations, Act III; Gamzatti Variation, Pas de Deux and Variations, Nikiya’s death must be under Three minutes.
○ La Esmeralda (M. Petipa) Pas de Deux and all Variations
○ La Fille Mal Gardee (B. Nijinska, D. Romanoff) Pas de Deux and all Variations
○ La Ventana (A. Bournonville) All Variations
○ La Sylphide (A. Bournonville) Pas de Deux and all Variations
○ Laurencia (V. Chabukiani)
○ Le Corsaire (M. Petipa) Pas d'Esclave and Variations, Odalisque Variations, Jardin Anime, Act III Pas de Deux and Variations
○ Les Sylphides/Chopiniana (M. Fokine) Male and Female Mazurkas, Waltz # 7 and Waltz # 11, Prelude
○ Napoli (A. Bournonville) Pas de Six and all Variations
○ Swan Lake (M. Petipa, L. Ivanov) Pas de Trois and Variations, White Swan Pas de Deux, Odette's Variation, Little Cygnets and Big Swans (May be performed as Duo/trio), Act II Black Swan Pas de Deux and Variations
○ The Sleeping Beauty (M. Petipa) Variations of Fairies, Aurora Variations, BlueBird Pas de Deux and Variations, Wedding Pas de Deux and Variations.
○ Walpurgis Nacht (L. Lavrovsky) Pas de Deux and Variations
SECTION 12 — WAIVER & LIABILITY
Participants and their guardians understand that dance training and performance involve inherent physical risks. Liberty Ballet Competition and the host venue are not responsible for personal injury, property damage, or loss that may occur during the event. Cancellations If an event is canceled and not rescheduled, eligible credits or refunds may be issued at the discretion of the organizers. If the event is rescheduled, no refunds will be provided.
Media Release
By participating, all dancers and guardians grant permission for Liberty Ballet Competition to use photos and videos for promotional and educational purposes. All media captured becomes the property of the competition.
SECTION 13 — REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
Birth certificates must be available onsite for age verification and should not be emailed.
Collegiate/Professional dancers must provide at least one of the following:
• Enrollment letter
• Acceptance letter
• Employment verification
• Curriculum vitae or biography
• Contract
• Union membership card
PLEASE NOTE: REGISTER EARLY
Competition Entry may close prior to Early Registration Cut-Off Date if Quota is Reached.
* * * ALWAYS REVIEW YOUR CONFIRMATION EMAILS IMMEDIATELY & THOROUGHLY
SECTION 14 — AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS
Placements from first through fourth will be awarded in each age division and category. High Score Plaques awarded for top scores. Everyone will receive judges' feedback and scores to guide their training. ALL SCORES ARE FINAL.
1st and Second Place of Each Category and Division are invited to perform in the Gala. Second and First Overall High Scores will be invited to open and close the Gala.
Special Awards include:
• Lady Liberty Award — Highest Overall Score
• Big Apple Award — Overall First runner-up
• Empire State Scholarship — Scholarship to use toward partner school study
• Melanie Petithory Memorial Torch Scholarship — One-year FULL scholarship to ALB Academy (courtesy of Partner School Sheffield Dance)
• Grand Central Award — Stage presence and Command
• High Line Award — Excellent use and understanding of Line
• Madison Square Award — Excellent use of Alignment and placement
• Top of the Rock Award — For excellent use of Ballon
• Times Square Award — Outstanding Musicality
• MET Award — Best Costuming
• Brand New STAR of It — Promising Young Artist
• Top of the Chrysler Building Award — Studio/School with Best Backstage conduct
***Dancers currently and formerly associated with American Liberty Ballet or American Liberty Ballet Academy are entered automatically as Showcase-Only and are not eligible for awards.
SECTION 15 — STAGE SPECIFICATIONS & SCORING METRICS
Stage Specifications
The performance stage is Marley and approximately 36’ x 32’. Dancers should adjust spacing and choreography accordingly.
SCORING SYSTEM BREAKDOWN
25 points_______Technique
25 points_______Artistry and Musicality
10 points_______Costuming and Presentation
40 points_______Overall Performance
100 Total Points possible from each Judge
SCORING 1st Place_______90-100 points
2nd Place_______81-89.99 points
3rd Place_______75-80.99 points
4th Place_______70-74.99 points
• When only one number is competing in a category, the number will compete against this scoring system.
• When only two numbers are competing in a category, 1st & 2nd Place will be awarded.
• When only three numbers are competing in a category, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place will be awarded.
• When four or more numbers are competing in a category, 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Place will be awarded.
JUDGES’ DECISION REGARDING CATEGORIES & TIES:
• All ties will be broken by the technical score.
• If there should be a tie on technical scores, the tie will be broken by overall performance score. • If there should be a tie on overall performance scores, the tie will be broken by the Judges’ decision.
*The Decision of the Judges is Final.
SECTION 16 — JUDGES’ CRITIQUES
Judges provide written or recorded critiques for each entry. Scoresheets and critiques are made available for pickup on the day of the gala. Dancers and teachers are encouraged to review all feedback to guide future training.
SECTION 17 — COMPETITION & GALA VIEWING POLICIES
All audience members must present their wrist band at the entry door to the theatre. Please ensure you have all bands upon registration and do not lose them. Additional wrist bands for teachers, parents, guardians, siblings, etc may be purchased with proof of Liberty Ballet Competition registration. Competitors wrist band and stamp is an “all access” pass to the theatre, backstage, and functions additionally as THEIR gala ticket.
NO ENTRY THROUGH THE EXIT DOOR AND VICE VERSA.
SECTION 18 — GENERAL RULES:
• ONCE COMPETITION LINEUP IS POSTED – NO CHANGES WILL BE MADE TO COMPETITION ENTRIES. LINEUP IS FINAL – NO EXCEPTIONS.
• All entries must be Registered Online.
• Registration is not Complete NOR Guaranteed until a Confirmation Email has been received.
• Dancers studying regularly at different studios, owned by different teachers, may compete for each studio, if each teacher is registered.
Judges will evaluate each performance in their critiques and scoring per our above rules. For the protection of the Dancers, ALB reserves the right to STOP a routine not suitable for Family Viewing. *This may include a wardrobe malfunction, safety issue or inappropriate content.
DECISION OF THE JUDGES IS FINAL
• No use of fire, liquids, glass, live animals or aerial equipment/rigging on stage.
• The stage must be left clean by performers.
• No coaching from the audience.
• No singing.
• General lifts OK. NO overhead lifts for dancers under 14.
• All Entries Final – NO REFUNDS.
SECTION 19 — BACKSTAGE CONDUCT:
• There will be a “Top of the Chrysler Building Award” presented to the studio that shows the best etiquette in the dressing room or backstage area. Be respectful of fellow competitors regardless of affiliation.
• Alcoholic beverages, vapes, and smoking are prohibited from all backstage & dressing room areas.
* A 20-point Deduction will be taken from your Overall Score for misconduct in the dressing room and/or the backstage area.
Please check in with a member from our team upon arrival in the dressing room. Once the Dancer is ready for their entry, confirm with the team member. Five CONFIRMED entries at a time will be called to go backstage with a Runner. Do not go backstage alone without the runner or leave the dressing room until you are called.
● Please note that teachers and guardians are NOT to be backstage or in the dressing room areas unnecessarily. Space is limited at the Theatre. Adult, Collegiate, and Professional Competitors will have a separate dressing area.
Props
● Backstage space at St Jean’s is limited. We ask Teachers/choreographers to respect this circumstance and limit the use of props to the absolute minimum.
Theatre may also restrict the use of props at their discretion.
● All props that participants wish to use are used at the participants’ own risk. Liberty Ballet Competition is not responsible for any injury or incident resulting from a participants’ use of props of their choice.
● We do not provide storage for any props.
● We will not provide assistance with the movement of props either on or off stage. Both the storage and the movement of props on and off stage are the responsibility of the participant.
● Liberty Ballet Competition is not responsible for any lost props.
● Liberty Ballet Competition does not provide assistance with any shipping of props before or after a competition.
PROP REQUIREMENTS:
• General props are OK, they must be moved on and off stage by performers only.
• Must be moved on and off within 1 minute or a 10 point deduction will apply. • Any unnecessary delay will result in a 10 point deduction.
• For Safety, NO SCENERY, DANGEROUS or OVERSIZED “PROPS” allowed on stage and, if used, may result in loss of points or disqualification.
• Liberty Ballet Competition reserves the right to disallow the use of any and all Oversized or Dangerous “Props”.
COMPETITION AUDIENCE ETIQUETTE:
For a fun and safe experience, we ask that Audience Members follow basic rules of Theatre Etiquette in the venue. Respect ALL Performers regardless of Studio Affiliation.
Please silence ALL Mobile Device (phones, games, etc.) upon entry. *If you need to accept a phone call, please take it outside of the venue.
Please observe the “TEACHER ONLY” SEATING section. These are Reserved for Teachers and Studio Owners ONLY.
Per Fire Marshall Regulations, all Competition Audience Members must be seated in a Chair – not on the floor. In addition, ALL Chairs MUST REMAIN as they are positioned. If you need to Enter or Exit the theatre, please do so during the Applause between performances. *Except Emergencies *
If an audience member disagrees with the content of a particular performance, they have the ability to remove themselves from the audience at any time.
Judges will evaluate each performance in their critiques and scoring per our rules.
All performers affiliated with American Liberty Ballet and American Liberty Ballet Academy are ineligible for awards and are automatically entered as SHOWCASE ONLY.
For the protection of the Dancers, Liberty Ballet Competition reserves the right to STOP a routine not suitable for Family Viewing. *This may include a wardrobe malfunction, safety issue or inappropriate content – including, but not limited to, music, etc.
DECISION OF THE JUDGES IS FINAL.
By entering the audience, you agree to abide by the above guidelines. Liberty Ballet Competition reserves the right to refuse admittance, or remove, anyone who does not abide by these guidelines, is disruptive, unruly, or displays rude, unsafe, unacceptable behavior which shall be determined in the company’s sole discretion.