Important Dates:

• Registration opens – October 1, 2025
• Deadline for submitting competition videos (including entry fee payment) – February 15, 2026
• Jury evaluation – February 16–28, 2026
• Online announcement of results – February 28, 2026

1. Terms of Participation

1.1. General Terms

• • The minimum age of a competitor is 5 years on the day of the competition.
  • The competition is open to everyone regardless of nationality.
  • Participants under the age of 18 must submit parental/guardian consent together with the application.
  • The organizer reserves the right to make changes to the competition schedule.
  • By submitting the application, the competitor confirms that they have read and agree to the competition rules.

1.2. Registration Process

• • Deadlines must be strictly observed.
  • Athletes must be in the correct age category and division.
  • Fill in the application form on the website - here
  • Pay the application/entry fee according to the instructions in the form. Fees are non-refundable.
  • All athletes using grip gloves must provide a medical certificate confirming hyperhidrosis; otherwise, gloves are prohibited.

  • Entry Fees:

    • Early bird fee 20 EUR (individual) / 30 EUR (doubles – competition pair) for participants who register and pay by 15 December 2025.
    • Standard fee 30 EUR (individual) / 40 EUR (doubles – competition pair) for participants who pay after 15 December 2025, no later than 15 February 2026.

      • Payment Details:

        • Bank: Fio banka, a.s.
        • Account number: 2301978618 / 2010
        • Variable symbol: your phone number
        • Payment note: please include the competitor’s last name
        • IBAN: CZ8420100000002301978618
        • BIC: FIOBCZPPXXX
        • Any bank fees are borne by the competitor.
        • The entry fee is non-refundable.

2. Division of Competitors

2.1. Disciplines

• • Aerial Hoop (acrobatics on a hoop)
  • Aerial Hoop Doubles (acrobatics on a hoop in pairs)
  • Aerial Hammock (acrobatics on a hammock)
  • Aerial Hammock Doubles (acrobatics on a hammock in pairs)
  • Aerial Silks (acrobatics on silks)
  • Aerial Silks Doubles (acrobatics on silks in pairs)
  • Pole Dance (acrobatics on a pole)
  • Pole Dance Doubles (acrobatics on a pole in pairs)
  • Open Discipline (straps, rope, cube, loop, moon, sphere/orb, etc.)
  • Open Discipline Doubles (straps, rope, cube, loop, moon, sphere/orb, etc.)

2.2. Divisions

• • Amateurs
  • Professionals
  • Elite

Amateurs:

Competitors with only basic experience in the discipline may enter this division. An applicant may not enter the Amateur division if they:

• • • have previously competed in the Professional or Elite division at any national, regional, or international competitions;
    • are a 1st–3rd place winner in the Amateur division;
    • are a sports coach/instructor;
    • has previously competed at the World Championships in any division.

Professionals:

Competitors with extensive experience in the discipline may enter this division. This may include:

• • • Coaches/instructors;
    • 1st–3rd place winners in the Amateur division;
    • Competitors who have already competed in the Professional division but have never placed in the top three at national or international competitions;
    • Athletes who have never competed in the Elite division and have never competed at the World Championship.

An applicant may not enter the Professional division if they:

• • • have previously competed in the Elite division at any national or international competitions;
    • are a 1st–3rd place winner in the Professional division.

Elite:

The Elite division is intended for top-level athletes. This may include:

• • • 1st–3rd place winners in the Professional division;
    • Athletes who have competed in Elite divisions;
    • Athletes who have competed at the World Championship.

* Advancement to a higher division for 1st–3rd place winners at any other national/international competitions is considered only if it occurs before the ACRO DANCERS COMPETITION ART (online) application deadline. I.e., if a competitor wins 1st–3rd place at another competition by 15 Feb 2026 (application deadline), they are obliged to register in a higher division.

2.3. Age Categories

• • Baby 5–7 years, mixed category
  • Children 8–12 years, mixed category
  • Juniors 13–17 years, mixed category
  • Adults 18+ years, mixed category

3. Competition System

3.1. Competition Flow

• • The competition is conducted in a single round and the entire process is fully online.
  • Competitors must submit their competition video and the entry fee payment no later than 15 February 2026.
  • The jury evaluates the submitted videos on 16–28 February 2026 based on the criteria stated in the rules.
  • Final results are published on 29 February 2026.

3.2. Video Submission Requirements

• • Competitors must submit their competition video no later than 15 February 2026 to the email: info@acrodancersonline.cz.
  • Upload the video to YouTube (private/unlisted link) or Google Drive and include the link in the email.
  • Name the video as follows: FirstName_LastName_Discipline_Division_Category_ADConline2026
    • Example: Silvie_Novotná_AerialHoop_Amateurs_Children_ADConline2026
  • The competition has a single round – results will be published after evaluation of all submitted videos on 29 February 2026.

3.3. Video Recording Requirements

• • The video must be recorded statically from a front view in landscape orientation.
  • Minimum video quality is 720p with good lighting and original audio track.
  • Competition video length: 2:00 – 4:00 minutes (including entrance and ending).
  • The video does not have to be recorded specifically for Acro Dancers Competition Art, but it must not be older than six months.
  • The video must not be edited or post-produced (no cuts and no added music).
  • No other person or distracting elements may appear in the frame (e.g., conversations of other people).
  • Camera movement is not allowed.
  • Recommended environment: the entire apparatus and competitor must be visible, simple non-distracting background, good lighting, and enough space for safe movement.
  • A video that does not meet these criteria will not be evaluated by the jury.

3.4. Evaluation and Results

• • Competition videos are evaluated by a professional jury of three (3) internationally certified judges.
  • Each judge evaluates independently; the competitor’s final score is the average of all three evaluations.
  • The top three competitors with the highest scores in each category will be announced.
  • A results list with scores will be published on the competition website after the evaluation is completed.
  • Results will be officially announced online on 29 February 2026.

3.5. Promotional Videos and Photos

• • By registering, the competitor agrees that submitted videos and photos may be used for promotional purposes during and after the competition.
  • The competitor agrees to the publication of the competition video including their first and last name.
  • The competitor also grants the organizer the right to use the submitted materials to promote the competition without losing their authors’ rights.

3.6. Withdrawal from the Competition

• • If a competitor withdraws after paying the entry fee, there is no entitlement to a refund.
  • A competitor may withdraw for health reasons, but without entitlement to a refund.
  • If the competitor fails to deliver the competition video by the deadline, their participation is forfeited.

4. Acrobatics Equipment

• • Competitors use their own apparatus and their own safety equipment.
  • The organizer is not responsible for the safety of the rigging point, the equipment, or the environment in which the video is recorded – participation is at the competitor’s own risk.

Allowed apparatus by discipline:

• • Aerial Hoop – tabless, single-point or double-point hoop; diameter according to the competitor’s possibilities.
  • Aerial Hammock – single-wrap or double-wrap variant allowed.
  • Aerial Silks – standard aerial silks of any color and length according to the competitor’s possibilities.
  • Pole Dance (pole / stage pole) – studio pole (static or spin) or portable pole dance stage is allowed.
  • Straps – aerial/gymnastic straps.
  • Rope (corde lisse) – aerial rope.
  • Cube – suspended cube frame.
  • Sphere/Orb – suspended spherical frame.
  • Loop, Triangle, Net, Chains, etc. – other allowed variants within the Open Discipline.

Competitors may choose any variant of their apparatus within the discipline, provided safety and full functionality of the equipment are ensured.

5. Competition Rules

5.1. Music

• • Any music genre is allowed (instrumental, with vocals, a mix of tracks).
  • The music must be part of the competition video itself – separate submission of music is not required.
  • The music length must match the video length: 2:00 – 4:00 minutes.

5.2. Floorwork

• • Dance/ground work (floorwork) is allowed in any length.
  • Recommendation: around 40 seconds at most for a balanced choreography.

5.3. Props

• • Props are allowed and may support the theme of the performance and artistic expression.
  • Dangerous items are prohibited (e.g., fire, glass, sharp tools).
  • Political, religious or racist symbols and flags are also prohibited.
  • Props must be safe.

5.4. Costume

• • The costume is part of the artistic expression and may be of any style – from sportswear to looser styles (e.g., dresses, skirts, loose trousers).
  • Safety and visibility of movement must be ensured.
  • Only erotic costumes or those revealing intimate parts are prohibited.

5.5. Make-up and Hair

• • Make-up and hairstyle are part of the artistic style and may be chosen freely.
  • The competitor may choose simple, bold, or thematic styling – it should support the character of the performance.
  • Hair must be arranged so that it does not endanger the safe execution of elements.

5.6. Disqualification

A competitor may be disqualified if they:

• • violate the competition rules,
  • enter a lower division than appropriate,
  • use dangerous, political, racist, or otherwise inappropriate props or symbols,
  • display unsportsmanlike conduct,
  • expose intimate parts,
  • fails to meet the deadline for submitting the video and payment,
  • do not keep the required video length (2:00–4:00 min).

6. Judging – Acro Dancers Competition Art

The jury evaluates the competition videos in three main areas: choreography, technical execution, and artistic impression.

6.1. Choreography & Artistic Expression (50 points / 50%)

• • Creative use of apparatus – original and inventive involvement of the apparatus; work at different levels (above, inside, outside, during entry and descent). Judges look for full potential without monotony. (max. 10 points)
  • Theme and storytelling – a clear idea, theme or story that is apparent to the audience; how well it is expressed through movement and maintained throughout. (max. 10 points)
  • Musicality – movement corresponds to rhythm, dynamics and mood; precision to music and expression of musical changes. (max. 10 points)
  • Costumes and props – support the theme and artistic expression without distracting; props should be functional and safe. (max. 5 points)
  • Flow and transitions – natural, smooth linking of elements; creative and original transitions increase the score. (max. 5 points)
  • Floorwork – use of space off the apparatus (entrance, floorwork, connection near the ground) adds depth and variety. (max. 10 points)

6.2. Technical Execution (30 points / 30%)

• • Level of difficulty – choice of elements appropriate to age and division; variety and challenge across the routine. (max. 10 points)
  • Control and precision – clean execution, correct body lines, accurate positions, conscious detail (toes, hands, head). (max. 10 points)
  • Balance of elements – a combination of strength, flexibility and fluid elements; overloading one area is scored lower. (max. 5 points)
  • Flow – the routine should progress without unnecessary stops or uncertainty; transitions must feel natural and smooth. (max. 5 points)

6.3. Artistic Impression & Presentation (20 points / 20%)

• • Performance quality – confidence in movement, overall energy and control; the competitor appears focused and self-assured. (max. 10 points)
  • Stage presence – the competitor can captivate and radiates charisma that draws in the audience. (max. 5 points)
  • Audience engagement and emotional impact – the performance evokes emotion; the competitor communicates with the audience through expression, gaze or gesture. (max. 5 points)

6.4. Penalties

The jury may reduce the score by up to −5 points, for example for:

• • exceeding the time limit,
  • incorrect or dangerous use of apparatus,
  • inappropriate costume or music,
  • wrong format or poor technical quality of the video,
  • violation of safety rules.

Scoring System

• • Choreography & Artistic Expression – 50% (max. 50 points)
  • Technical Execution – 30% (max. 30 points)
  • Presentation – 20% (max. 20 points)
  • Penalty −5 points: deducted for exceeding the time limit, inappropriate costume, safety violations, or incorrect video format.

Explanation

Acro Dancers Competition Art focuses primarily on artistic expression, originality, and choreography. Therefore, this component has the highest weight (50%). We aim to distinguish the competition from sport-oriented formats that often prioritize technical difficulty and to give space to creativity and storytelling.

Technical Execution (30%) remains an essential part – clean elements, body control, and fluidity are necessary for a high-quality, professional performance.

Presentation (20%) underlines the overall impression – expression, charisma, and the ability to engage the audience are key to creating a memorable performance.

With this system, competitors are assured of a comprehensive assessment: not only according to skills, but also according to how well they can tell a story and evoke emotion.

In the event of a tie in the total score, the higher score in the Choreography and Artistic Expression category shall determine the winner. If the tie persists, the higher score in Technical Execution shall decide. Should the tie still remain, the score in Artistic Impression and Presentation will determine the final ranking.

7. Organizer’s Rights

• • The organizer reserves the right to change the competition dates in the event of force majeure or technical issues. In such a case the entry fee is non-refundable.
  • If the entire competition year is canceled, the organizer undertakes to refund the entry fee in full.
  • Competitors participate at their own risk, use their own equipment, and are responsible for the safety of the environment in which they record. The organizer is not liable for any injuries or damages.
  • All competition materials (rules, graphics, logo, results lists) are protected by copyright and may not be copied or used without the organizer’s consent.