HELSINKI INTERNATIONAL BALLET COMPETITION 2009

The Competition will be organised by the Helsinki International Ballet Competition Association in cooperation with the Finnish National Opera and Finnish National Ballet School.

The competition will be held in three qualifying rounds and the programme consists of both classical ballet and contemporary choreographies.  The application period has started September 1st 2008 and the deadline for applications is 31st January 2009.  The deadline is the same both for Finnish and for international applicants. Applications will be reviewed by the Competition Selection Committee and applicants will be notified of the Selection Committee\\'s decision by 15th March 2009.

Applicants who are accepted to the competition must pay the travel expenses (to Helsinki and back) by themselves, but board and lodging expenses for the competitors are taken care of by the organising committee of the competition. Application form is to be sent either by mail or by e-mail (to: info(at)balcomphel.fi).  Competitors must provide the Competition Office with photographs, recommendations and a written permission for the use of the round II contemporary choreography and music protected by the copyright act. The rules, competition programme and applications are available on competitions website: www.balcomphel.fi.

All applications by mail are to be sent to the following address: Helsinki International Ballet Competition, Bulevardi 23-27, FIN-00180 Helsinki, FINLAND For further information please contact the competition office and general secretary Sari Lakso: + 358 (0)50 4522409 or send e-mail sari.lakso(at)balcomphel.fi.  Welcome to Helsinki in June 2009 to see and share unforgettable moments and magic of dance with the future stars of ballet! With best regards, HELSINKI INTERNATIONAL BALLET COMPETITION 2009.

Competition

The competition will be held in three qualifying rounds. The order of appearance on stage will be determined randomly by drawing numbers. The programme consists of both classical ballet and modern dance. In the Helsinki International Ballet Competition men and women will be judged separately and in two divisions:

• junior division (age 15-18)
• senior division (age 19-25)

Round I: 2.6. – 4.6. at 7 pm (three performances)

Juniors present two variations from the classical 19th century ballet repertoire and seniors can choose either pas de deux or two variations. Part of the competitors will be eliminated, and the semi-finalists will proceed to round II.
Round II: 6.6. and 7.6. at 7 pm (two performances)

One contemporary ballet fragment lasting no less than 3 minutes nor more than 6 minutes. The choreography must consist of new and modern elements. After the elimination the finalists will proceed to round III.
Round III: 9.6. and 10.6. at 7 pm (two performances)

1. One pas de deux or two variations from the classical ballet repertoire from the 19th or 20th century, lasting no more than 10/6 minutes.

2. One contemporary ballet fragment created after 2000, lasting no more than 6 minutes.
Awards Gala: 11.6. at 19.30 in the Auditorium

The winners will be performing a programme chosen by the international jury. The prizes will be awarded during the gala evening. After the Gala the evening continues with a buffet and ball.

All performances will be held at the Finnish National Opera House