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 returns in 2026 with a renewed commitment to celebrating the artistry, discipline, and spirit of adult ballet dancers.
Created to honor and elevate adult dancers, Encore offers a rare and meaningful platform for individuals and ensembles to perform, compete, and grow outside the structure of traditional studio programs. Whether you’re a dedicated recreational dancer, a serious student, or someone rediscovering your love of ballet, this is a space where your work, your artistry, and your journey are seen.
Over two inspiring days, participants will experience:
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Solo and ensemble competitions organized by skill level and experience
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Masterclasses and intensives led by distinguished professional instructors
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A closing awards ceremony and social gathering to celebrate the weekend’s accomplishments
Encore exists for the many adult dancers who have trained for years—sometimes decades—without ever having the chance to take to the stage. It is a place to challenge yourself, connect with others, and celebrate the dedication that keeps you returning to the studio.
Join us September 4th and 5th for a weekend that honors the passion and perseverance of adult dancers. Whether you’re performing under the lights or supporting from the audience, Encore is where your love of ballet can shine.
Participation
& Pricing
Participation Fees (non refundable)
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Early entry (prior to August 1, 2026):
$260 per participant -
Standard entry (August 1st to Sept 4th 2026):
$300 per participant
All participants must pay the one-time registration fee to participate in the Encore Ballet Festival. This fee applies to all festival participants and is non refundable.
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)
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 Levels
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
 Overall Excellence Award: Presented to the highest-scoring dancer or ensemble in each skill level for outstanding performance across all judging criteria. |  Artistry & Expression Award: Recognizes dancers who demonstrate exceptional emotional depth, musicality, and storytelling in their performance. |  Best Ensemble Performance: Awarded to the most cohesive and compelling group piece, reflecting unity, synchronization, and ensemble artistry. |
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 Judge's Choice Award: Personally selected by each judge, this award honors the performance they found most memorable. It recognizes a piece that distinguished itself through artistry, individuality, and emotional resonance. |  Technical Precision Award: Honors dancers with the strongest display of classical ballet technique, control, and execution. |  Audience Choice Award: A special recognition selected by the audience for a performance that stood out for its originality, presence or impact, regardless of score |
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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