The Encore Ballet Festival
The Encore Ballet Festival is an exclusive ballet competition and celebration designed for adult dancers of all levels, providing a unique opportunity to compete, perform, and train with professionals. This event is for amateur dancers who have dedicated years to ballet but may have never had the chance to compete in an open ballet competition. It is a place where artistry, dedication, and love for ballet take center stage!
encore ballet festival
where passion meets peformance
The Event
The Encore Ballet Festival is proud to present its debut event on October 3 and 4, 2025, at the iconic Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center in the heart of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Created as a platform to honor and elevate adult ballet dancers, this festival is a rare opportunity for individuals and ensembles to compete in an open-stage setting, free from studio affiliations and open to all levels of training and experience. Whether you're a lifelong recreational dancer, a dedicated student, or a returning performer, Encore offers a stage where passion, artistry, and dedication are celebrated.
Over the course of two days, participants will take part in:
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Solo and ensemble competitions, categorized by skill level and experience
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Masterclasses and intensives taught by renowned professional instructors
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A closing awards ceremony and social hour on Saturday night
This festival is for the many adult dancers who have trained for years—sometimes decades—without ever having the chance to take the stage competitively. It is a space for growth, performance, recognition, and above all, celebration.
Join us at the Rose Wagner Theater for a weekend of ballet, community, and inspiration. Whether you're stepping into the spotlight or cheering from the seats, Encore is your place to shine.
Registration Fees
Entry Fee: $260 per participant (non-refundable)
All participants must pay a one-time $260 registration fee to attend the Encore Ballet Festival. This fee applies to all festival participants.
The registration fee includes:
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One performance entry — either a solo or participation in one ensemble piece.
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Full access to all festival activities from Friday through Saturday, including competition events, masterclasses, and workshops
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Participation in all classes and training sessions led by professional instructors
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Admission to the Awards Ceremony & Social Hour on Saturday evening
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Festival badge, event materials, and welcome packet at Thursday evening check-in
Additional Competition Entry Fees (for extra performances):
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Solo Performance: $45 per additional routine
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Ensemble Performance: $45 per dancer, per additional routine (minimum of 2 dancers)
Example Scenarios:
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A dancer competing in one solo and one ensemble would pay:
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$260 (registration + 1 performance) + $45 (ensemble) = $305 total
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A dancer performing in three ensemble pieces would pay:
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$260 (registration + 1 performance) + $45 (2nd ensemble) + $45 (3rd ensemble) = $350 total
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Important Notes:
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The $260 registration fee is non-refundable
Register Now! Space is LIMITED.
Secure your spot and join us for a weekend of movement, artistry, and community at the Encore Ballet Festival.
Competition Level
Beginner
Beginner Level: For adult dancers with fewer than three years of ballet training who are gaining stage experience and building foundational technique. No Pointe.
Intermediate
Intermediate Level: For dancers with three to seven years of training who are confident in their skills and ready to perform at a higher level. Allowed to perform on Pointe.
Advanced
Advanced Level: For dancers with seven or more years of training who have strong technical ability and performance experience, but have not performed professionally. Allowed to perform on Pointe.
Semi-Professional
Semi-Professional Level: For dancers who have participated in productions or received pre-professional training but are not currently full-time professionals. Allowed to perform on Pointe.
Professional
Professional Level (Exhibition Only): For current or former professional dancers performing in a featured, non-competitive showcase to share their artistry and inspire others. Allowed to perform on Pointe.
Competition Categories
The Encore Ballet Festival competition is thoughtfully structured to take place over two days, offering adult dancers the opportunity to perform in both solo and ensemble formats, across a range of skill-based divisions—beginner, intermediate, advanced, semi-professional, and professional (exhibition only). Participants select from three performance categories—Classical Ballet, Contemporary Ballet, and Thematic Ballet (ensemble only)—to best showcase their strengths and artistic expression.
All performances are adjudicated by a panel of independent, unaffiliated ballet professionals, ensuring an unbiased and supportive environment. Dancers are evaluated based on technical execution, musicality, artistry, and stage presence, with top performers recognized during the Saturday evening awards ceremony and social gathering.
This competition format is designed to not only challenge and celebrate each dancer’s personal journey but also to foster community, education, and lifelong passion for ballet.
Classic Ballet
Classical Ballet (Solo & Ensemble): Performances featuring traditional ballet technique, including variations from classical repertoire or original choreography in the classical style.
Ensemble
Ensemble: Group performance of two or more dancers that tell a story or explore a concept through movement, expression, and staging, with a focus on storytelling and theatrical impact.
Awards & Recognition
Coaching & Choreography Guidelines for Dancers
Dancers are highly encouraged to consult with a professional coach or instructor before participating in the event or performance. While having a coach is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended in order to ensure the dancer's safety, proper technique, and optimal performance. A coach can provide guidance, feedback, and support throughout the preparation process, helping dancers avoid injury and present their best possible work.
Participants are welcome to modify their choreography to better suit their individual style, comfort level, and technical ability. We recognize that every dancer has unique strengths and limitations, and adjustments are encouraged to promote confidence and personal expression. Whether you are preparing a solo or group piece, working with a coach can help elevate your performance and ensure you’re fully prepared for the stage.
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