The Helsinki International Ballet Competition (HIBC) will take place in collaboration with the Finnish National Opera and Ballet from May 27 to June 5, 2026. Approximately 80 young ballet dancers will be selected through a video application process to take part in the event.
At the HIBC, young top-level dancers from around the world will compete in both classical ballet and contemporary dance. The competition rules have been revised and the program diversified. Dancers will no longer be divided by gender, and instead, each competition group will award prizes to the top three dancers, regardless of gender.
The number of age categories has been expanded from two to three, providing more equal opportunities for all dancers: juniors (ages 15–18), young professionals (ages 19–21) and seniors (ages 22–25).
In addition to the competition itself, the event will include a variety of side programs and a ballet pedagogy course for teachers, led by a faculty member of the Royal Ballet School (UK).
The Finnish National Opera and Ballet will host seven public performances, where an international jury evaluates the dancers and selects those who advance in the competition. These performances consist of three classical ballet preliminary rounds, two contemporary dance semi-finals, and two final performances. During the semi-finals, a contemporary choreography competition will also take place.
“Ballet competition is a significant milestone in a young dancer’s career”
“Participating in an international ballet competition is a significant milestone in a young dancer’s career. The preparation process and even reaching the preliminary round helps to strengthen the dancer’s skills and provides valuable networking opportunities,” says Javier Torres, Artistic Director of the Finnish National Ballet and Chair of the competition’s international jury.
Throughout the competition, dancers will be offered ballet training, body conditioning, and mental coaching. The event is expected to attract numerous international directors from ballet and dance companies as well as ballet schools.
The competition culminates on June 5, 2026 with an awards ceremony and a gala, featuring both finalists and guest appearances by internationally renowned star dancers. The total prize pool is €90,000, with the Jane Erkko Grand Prize valued at €20,000. In addition, the Doris Laine Prize will be awarded in each category.
The competition was founded by Professor and Prima Ballerina Doris Laine (1931–2018) in 1984. It is one of the oldest international ballet competitions still active today. The 2026 edition will be the 10th time the event is held in Helsinki.
The application period for competition participants is from November 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026.