Narrative

About

Pole Choreography Competition is dedicated to the art of choreography and the creation of original stage work on the pole. The competition celebrates choreography as a complete artistic work, bringing together movement, music, composition, technique, space, performance, and visual identity.Each entry is evaluated as a complete choreographic work. The concept and development of the choreography, movement choices, composition, musical interpretation, transitions, use of space, performance quality, visual decisions, and artistic voice are considered as interconnected elements of one creative vision.The competition is open to solo performers, choreographers, and creative teams who create and present original stage work on the pole. A work may be created and performed by one artist or developed collaboratively by a choreographer, performer, or team.At the heart of the competition is Artistic Integrity — the coherence of the work and the harmony between all its elements. The award celebrates the artistic work as a whole and the people who bring it to life.

Rules and Regulations

• Read the Rules →

Divisions

CONTEMPORARY POLE DANCE
All approaches and styles within contemporary pole dance are welcome, including combinations and individual interpretations.HEELS POLE DANCE
All styles of heels pole dance are welcome, including combinations and fusions of different styles.

Categories

SOLOAmateur — No Dance / Sports Background (For participants who do not teach pole/dance and have not achieved relevant podium results.)
Amateur — Dance / Sports Background (For participants who do not teach pole/dance and have not achieved relevant podium results.)
Semi-Pro (For participants who teach pole or another relevant dance discipline; or have achieved a podium placement in an Amateur category)
Pro (For participants who have achieved a podium placement in a Semi-Pro category)
Stars (For participants who have achieved a podium placement in an Elite or Stars category.)DUOS & GROUPSAmateur & Semi-Pro
Pro & Stars

Evaluation Criteria

The judging focuses on how thoughtfully the work is created and how effectively all its elements come together. Every movement, choice, transition, visual element, and performance decision should contribute to the artistic concept of the piece.1. CHOREOGRAPHY — 25 points
The choreographic language and movement choices that shape the work.
Movement selection
Movement vocabulary
Individual choreographic language
Integration of pole tricks into the dance
Use of props as part of the choreography
Key question: Why do these particular movements and tricks exist in this work? Do they have a purpose within the choreographic idea?2. MUSICALITY — 15 points
The relationship between movement and music.
Musical interpretation
Rhythmic accuracy
Dynamics and musical phrasing
Connection between movement and the musical material
Key question: Does the movement embody the character, structure, and dynamics of the music?3. COMPOSITION — 15 points
How the work is structured and developed through time and space.
Structure
Development and progression
Use of space
Levels and spatial variety
Variety and contrast
Pacing and transitions
Key question: Does the choreography develop as a complete composition, with a clear sense of progression and spatial design?4. PERFORMANCE — 25 points
The quality and presence with which the choreographic work is brought to life.
Artistry and stage presence
Authenticity and commitment
Performance quality
Technical execution
Technical aspects include:
Body control
Movement quality
Weight transfer
Pole technique
Quality and control of tricks
Lines and body positions
Stage presence
Key question: How convincingly does the performer embody and communicate the choreographic work?5. ARTISTIC IMAGE & STAGE DESIGN — 10 points
The visual elements that support and develop the artistic concept.
Costume
Makeup
Hair
Props
Screen / video
Lighting, where applicable
Key question: Do the visual and stage elements strengthen the idea and atmosphere of the work?6. ORIGINALITY — 10 points
The individuality and creative contribution of the work.
Original ideas and approaches
Personal movement language
Creative use of familiar pole vocabulary
New interpretations of existing movement material
Contribution to the development of pole dance as an art form
Key question: Does the work bring a distinctive artistic voice or offer a meaningful new interpretation of the existing pole dance vocabulary?ARTISTIC INTEGRITY
Artistic Integrity is a fundamental principle of the competition and may be considered across all judging criteria.
It refers to the coherence of the work and the relationship between its elements.
Key question: Do all the creative and performance decisions serve the same artistic idea and contribute to one unified work?
Artistic Integrity is not a separate scoring category. It is a principle applied throughout the judging process and may be used as a deciding factor in the event of a close final result.PENALTIES
Penalties are reserved for significant violations, including:
Breach of competition rules
Other serious violations specified in the competition regulations

Jury

Diana Harten
Polina Litvinenko
Ana Clara Cepeletti

Registration

Applications open - 16 November 2026
Application deadline - 13 February 2027

Awards

Each official category will have:
🥇 1st Place
🥈 2nd Place
🥉 3rd Place

Price

Application fee - €25Participation fee:
Solo — €110
Duo / Group — €150 - 2 participants, and any additional participant — €25

Important Dates

Contacts

Organizer - Diana Paramonova
Email - [email protected]
Telegram - @DanceDiana

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