Директор: Alexandra Borisova Nizhny Novgorod Nizhny Novgorod is one of the oldest cities and the most beautiful cities in Russia, which traces its history and development since the 13th century AD. The city is located at the confluence of the Volga and Oka rivers, just 400 km. from Moscow (about 4-5 hours by car), right in the center of the East European Plain. It is Russia's fifth largest city and the administrative centre of Nizhny Novgorod Oblast and the Volga Federal District. There are a huge number of ancient monuments, interesting architectural structures and other attractions that distinguish this place from hundreds of other cities. Nizhny Novgorod has still retained the spirit of antiquity, which is also confirmed by numerous traditions. How to get to Nizhny Novgorod? The easiest way to get Nizhny Novgorod take a plane (1 hour 20 miutes) from Moscow. The cost of one-way ticket starts from 75 euro without baggage. The most convenient and popular way is the speed train from Vostochny terminal. It takes only 4 hours and costs from 25 euro. Festival bus to Nizhny Novgorod: Alternatively for big groups starting 30 pax we organize a festival bus Moscow-Nizhny Novgorod-Moscow. The cost of round trip from Moscow to Nizhny Novgorod and back - 80 euro/per person. You will have your own bus during travel to Nizhny Novgorod and it is a great opportunity to enjoy the picturesque landscape and see the ancient cities of Russia during travelling. The II International Prize in the field of performing arts "FOLK-STAR" (hereinafter referred to as the Prize) is held in honor of the Year of Cultural Heritage of the Peoples of Russia to popularize the traditional folk culture and preserve the multinational cultural heritage of Russia. The main objectives of the Prize: - Acquaintance with the cultural heritage of the peoples of Russia - Identification and promotion of the best folk performers - Improving the professional skills of art directors and teachers - Development of friendship, mutual understanding and cultural cooperation between creative teams of the Russian Federation, CIS countries and foreign countries - Education of the younger generation in the spirit of patriotism and the formation of mutual respect for the cultural traditions and customs of other ethnic groups - Development of public diplomacy through the establishment of cultural ties between the peoples of different countries Nominations: Folklore - theatrical performances, rituals, unique original genres - epic, legends, throat singing and others. Vocal - authentic, folk, folk in modern arrangement in any genre: classical academic singing, pop singing, jazz, etc. Folk instruments - orchestras, ensembles of folk instruments and individual performers Choreography - folk dance, folk stylized dance, ethnic dance, modern dance, pop dance, dance show Fashion theaters - national costume, ready-to-wear, evening wear, historical costume, modern costume, fancy dress Age categories: 7-9 years old 10-12 years old 13-16 years old 17-45 45 and over Attention: In the nomination "Fashion theaters" nominees are not divided by age categories. Rounds of the prize: The absolute winners of the Prize are determined in 2 rounds: I ROUND-Qualifying. All participants of the Prize who have submitted an application participate in the I ROUND. According to the results of the I ROUND in each nomination and age category, the titles of Laureates of I, II, III degrees, as well as the title of Diploma winners are awarded. II ROUND-Super final. Only 14 nominees for the FOLK STAR Prize, who scored the most points, are allowed in the II ROUND. During the Gala Concert the battle for the absolute winners of the II International Award in the field of Performing Arts "FOLK STAR" is held. The Grand Jury, consisting of the Professional and Honorary Juries, determines the absolute winners. According to the voting results, 7 Prize nominees become GRAND PRIX winners, and 7 Prize nominees, who are absolute winners, are awarded the FOLK-STAR titles in the following nominations: 1) The best folk group 2) The best vocal group 3) The best dance group 4) The best performer of folk music 5) The best soloist 6) The best national costume 7) The best stage costume Terms for participation in the competition: To participate in the Prize, you must submit an application before November 20 and pay the festival package fee. Both amateur and professional children's, youth and adult dance ensembles, choirs, vocal ensembles, soloists, instrumental groups, folklore groups, fashion theaters performing works based on national (folk, folklore) material of any country both authentic and in modern arrangement are invited to participate in the Prize. Each participant of the I ROUND performs 1 competitive work based on the national (folk, folklore) material of any country, both in authentic and modern arrangement. Participants of the 2nd ROUND-Super final perform 1 competitive work, it is possible to repeat the program of the 1st ROUND or perform a new program. Grand jury: To identify the winners of the Prize, a Grand Jury consisted of a Professional and Honorary Jury is created. Grand Jury includes cultural and art figures, famous artists, art-directors, teachers, representatives of creative, public and government organizations in Russia and foreign countries. The professional jury selects the laureates and diploma winners of the 1st ROUND. Performances are evaluated on a 10-point system. The Honorary Jury, together with the Professional Jury, selects 7 absolute winners of the Prize by voting. The list of members of the Grand Jury is not disclosed until the start of the competition. The Chairman of the Professional Jury is also the Chairman of the Grand Jury and has the right to 2 votes in case of a dispute. The professional jury may decide to cancel the competition in one of the nominations or combine the age categories specified in this regulation due to an insufficient number of applications submitted. The decision of the Grand Jury is final and not subject to discussion. Evaluation criteria: Technique of performance - the level of skill and artistry, the degree of mastery of the techniques of folk performance; Artistic impression - the artistic value of the repertoire (ethnographic accuracy or dignity of processing or stylization of a work), reflection of the national material and its unique regional features, conformity of styles, manners of performance of national oral, musical, singing, dance traditions; Presentation - the artistic level of design (costumes, props) and its compliance with national traditions, the use of traditional musical instruments; Difficulty of performance and compliance of the repertoire with age Awarding: Laureates are awarded with cups and diplomas. Diploma winners are awarded diplomas. Laureates of the Grand Prix are awarded with medals, cups and diplomas. The absolute winners of the FOLK STAR Prize are awarded with medals, cups, diplomas and gifts. Each participant is awarded a souvenir with the logo of the Prize. The best groups and soloists are invited to participate in tours and folklore festivals in Russia and abroad on a free of charge or preferential basis. Participation fee: 420 euro per person - Festival package Moscow-Nizhny Novgorod-Moscow Every 16th is free! Participation fee includes: DBL/TWIN accommodation in hotel 4* (2 nights in Nizhny Novgorod + 2 nights in Moscow) 2 buffet breakfasts + 2 buffet dinners in Nizhny Novgorod 2 buffet breakfasts + 2 set dinners in Moscow Airport - hotel - airport transfer Nizhny Novgorod city tour Moscow city tour English-speaking guide Competition fee for one nomination Cup and diploma for a group Personal diplomas for each participant (electronically) Souvenir for each participant Letter of thanks to the teacher Every 16th is free Note: Travel expense Moscow - Nizhny Novgorod - Moscow is not included in the price. Payment order: Registration to the festival and booking will be made after 30% prepayment is made to the Organizer's account. If the festival package fee is paid by an organization, you must provide details of the legal entity. In case of refusal to participate in the Prize or non-attendance, prepayment is not refundable. Program: December 2 - Arrival of guests to Moscow. Meeting in the airport by English-speaking guide. Transfer to Vostochny terminal or boarding the festival bus. Arrival to Nizhny Novgorod. Transfer to hotel. Check-in hotel. Buffet dinner. December 3 - Buffet breakfast. Transfer to Festival venue. Competition. Gala concert. Battle for the absolute winner. Rewarding. Transfer to hotel. Buffet dinner. December 4 - Buffet breakfast. Nizhny Novgorod city tour. Check-out. Transfer to Moscovskiy terminal or boarding the festival bus. Arrival to Moscow. Transfer to hotel. Check-in. Set dinner December 5 - Buffet breakfast. City tour of Moscow. Set dinner December 6 - Buffet breakfast. Check out. Transfer hotel-airport. Any group willing to participate must submit an Application form. Approved groups pay in advance a 10% guarantee fee, which is to be deducted at the final payment.