Директор: Victoria Mikhailova Our primary goal is to shape a conscious and engaged cultural audience while broadening artistic awareness. We create a space for interaction between artists and their audience, fostering active dialogue. Our mission is to promote deeper understanding, inspire greater achievements, and stimulate creative and social development. Participants: Dance groups Theater groups Folklore ensembles Fashion theaters Vocal and choral groups Instrumental ensembles and soloists of these genres Categories: Choreography: Folk or stylized dance, classical, contemporary/modern, jazz, artistic, street dance, ballroom, show belly dance, and other dance genres based on submitted applications. Vocal, instrumental, vocal-instrumental, and choral groups Folklore ensembles, ritual theaters, folk art groups Theater groups, acting skills Fashion theaters / fashion shows Other genres based on accepted applications *The festival is a competition event. Technical requirements: Competitive program within the time limit (1-2 performances): Soloists, duets, trios - 4 minutes Small groups (4-10 individuals) - 6 minutes Ensembles and groups (11 or more individuals) - 9 minutes * Participants have the right to participate in multiple genre categories with separate applications and separate fees for each application. Age groups: Mini kids: 4-6 years old Kids: 7-9 years old Children: 10-13 years old Junior: 14-17 years old Adults: 18 years old and above Senior: 50 years old and above MIXED GROUPS * To participate in the festival, an application along with the musical accompaniment must be submitted to the organizer's email. If a performance exceeds the allocated time, the organizer reserves the right to interrupt the performance. Awards: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place winners, as well as the Grand Prix winner, will receive festival medals, individual diplomas, and a group trophy. Participant Diplomas will be awarded to groups/soloists who receive a score below 4th place, along with festival medals, individual diplomas, and a group trophy. Debut Diplomas will be awarded to MINI KIDS participants (ages 4-6), along with festival medals, individual diplomas, and a group trophy. The absolute winner of the festival will receive the Grand Prix trophy, a Grand Prix diploma, a commemorative gift, festival medals, individual diplomas, and a trophy for the Grand Prix winner. The jury may also award a Small Grand Prix. All teachers, choreographers, and group leaders will receive Certificates of Recognition from the festival organizers and jury. All participants will receive festival souvenirs, notebooks, participant badges, and other festival-themed memorabilia (the exact set of festival symbols may be subject to change). Participation fee: Groups (11 or more participants) - 18 Euro per participant Groups (4-10 participants) - 20 Euro per participant Duets and trios - 30 Euro per participant Soloists - 40 Euro per participant For participation in additional categories: Groups (11 or more participants): additional fee of 8 Euro per participant for each additional application Groups (4-10 participants): additional fee of 10 Euro per participant for each additional application Soloists, duets, and trios: additional fee of 15 Euro per participant for each additional application Jury: The jury is appointed by the organizers and consists of representatives from cultural, artistic, social organizations, media, and other notable figures from participating countries. The permanent jury consists of 4-5 members, and the evaluation follows a 10-point scale. Assessments are conducted separately for each genre, age category, and group format (soloists, small ensembles, large groups) to ensure fair and precise evaluation of participants' skills. The jury has the right to: The jury may provide recommendations to competition participants. The jury may highlight exceptional performers and award special prizes. In consultation with the organizing committee, the jury may amend festival regulations or withhold awards in certain categories. The jury has the right not to award a Grand Prix if the required score threshold is not met. The jury’s decision is final and not subject to revision. Participants must have a backup copy of their audio track on a USB drive. Evaluation criteria: Vocalists: Vocal technique - intonation, articulation, diction Interpretation - expressiveness, emotionality, and conveying the character of the piece Repertoire selection - appropriateness for age and vocal abilities Overall artistic impression - stage presence, audience interaction, originality Backup audio copies must be provided on a USB drive. Performances using playback with lead vocals ("+") or melody duplication in the backing track (double-track) are not allowed. Backing tracks with recorded harmonies are allowed, except when they duplicate the main melody. Instrumentalists: Playing technique - accuracy, precision, instrumental skill Interpretation - expressiveness, emotionality, and understanding of the piece Repertoire selection - suitability for the performer’s age and skill level Overall artistic impression - stage presentation, audience engagement, originality Dance groups: Dance technique - precision of movements, synchronization, execution quality Choreography - originality, complexity, musical coherence Interpretation - expressiveness, emotionality, conveying the character of the piece Overall artistic impression - costumes, props, stage presentation Dance soloists: Dance technique - movement precision, execution quality Interpretation - expressiveness, emotionality, conveying the piece’s character Choreography - originality, complexity, musical coherence Theaters: Acting technique - speech clarity, articulation, natural performance Interpretation - understanding the script, conveying emotions and meaning, character portrayal Direction and staging - concept consistency, creative stage arrangement, use of space Overall artistic impression - costumes, set design, harmony of all performance elements Choirs: Vocal technique - intonation, articulation, diction, dynamics Harmonization and balance - harmonic coherence, balance between vocal sections Interpretation - performance style, expression, genre and period authenticity Overall artistic impression - stage presentation, artistic expression, audience engagement Orchestras: Playing technique - accuracy, sound clarity, instrumental skill Interpretation - expressiveness, emotionality, and understanding of the piece Repertoire selection - suitability for the orchestra’s skill level, diversity, and appeal Overall artistic impression - stage presence, ensemble coherence, originality Majorettes: Technique - movement precision, synchronization, prop manipulation skills Choreography - originality, complexity, music coordination Stage presentation - posture, confidence, artistic expression Overall artistic impression - costumes, props, audience interaction Additional information: Groups interested in participating must submit an application along with the music accompaniment. Payment is made only after participation is confirmed, following the issued invoice. The organizing committee provides accommodation and a cultural program (excursions) in agreement with participants. Group delegations may include both performers and accompanying members - there are no restrictions on the number of artists and accompanying persons. During the festival, organizers may invite groups to participate in various special events, including: Opening & closing ceremonies Parade Side concerts Networking receptions Workshops And other festival activities *Participation in scheduled festival events is mandatory for all invited groups. Program: April 30, 2025 Arrival in Gdańsk. Check-in at the hostel. Accommodation in 4-person rooms with shared facilities available in sufficient numbers on the corridor. Group leaders will be accommodated in double rooms. Dinner. Optional: Groups can request hotel accommodation for an additional fee (upon request). May 1, 2025 Breakfast. Guided tour of Gdańsk, including a visit to the historic Old Town, the famous Neptune Fountain, St. Mary’s Basilica, and the picturesque Long Market Square. You will also learn more about the city’s rich maritime history. Optional: During free time, we recommend visiting the Oliwa Zoo, home to a vast variety of flora and fauna, including African penguins, meerkats, grey seals, red pandas, turtles, pygmy hippos, lions, Rothschild’s giraffes, greater flamingos, and more. For more details, visit: Oliwa Zoo Official Website Entrance ticket: approx. €8 per person Return to the hostel. Dinner. May 2, 2025 Breakfast. Free day to visit the Baltic Sea, where you can enjoy a walk along the coast, feel the fresh sea breeze, and admire the beautiful sandy beaches. Optional: Bus excursion to Malbork Castle - the largest brick castle in the world and one of the most significant Gothic architectural monuments in Europe. During the tour, you will explore the High Castle, Middle Castle, and Lower Castle, learning about the Teutonic Order and the castle’s role in the Middle Ages. The unique atmosphere, grand halls, and captivating legends will make this trip unforgettable. Additional cost: €18 per person - Transport cost to Malbork Castle: To be confirmed - Advance reservation required. Return to the hostel. Dinner. May 3, 2025 Breakfast. Check-out according to hostel rules. Departure to Sopot. Stage rehearsal, soundcheck, and competition performances Festival opening ceremony & award ceremony in the evening Guided walking tour of Sopot during free time Departure home Accommodation: 168 Euro per person - 3 HB in Hostel *One group leader free per 15 paying participants (15+1) Included in the price: Accommodation in a hostel (4-person rooms) for 4 days / 3 nights Meals: Breakfasts & dinners (starting with dinner on arrival day and ending with breakfast on departure day) Guided walking tour of Gdańsk & Sopot (for groups of at least 25 people) Special offer for groups of 15+ participants: 15+1 free (one group leader free per 15 paying participants) Not included in the price: Festival participation fee Bus excursion to Malbork Castle & other optional tours Museum tickets, personal expenses, public transport fares Transport to the competition in Sopot (additional cost applies) The organizers assist participating groups with arranging additional meals, transportation services, and other issues that may arise during preparations. All bank transaction fees are covered by the sender. 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. As a next step: 20% advance payment to the main organizer of the event. The remaining amount must be paid by April 10, 2025, or upon arrival (as agreed with the organizers).