OPUS 1 – PLESNA MINIATURA 2025
16. MEDNARODNI FESTIVAL MLADIH PLESNIH USTVARJALCEV
Slovensko ljudsko gledališče Celje, 19. april 2025
16. International Festival of Young Dance Creators
OPUS 1 – Short Dance Piece 2025
Slovenian National Theatre Celje, 19th April 2025
OPUS 1 – SHORT DANCE PIECE 2025 – RULES AND REGULATIONS
A – GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. The festival is open to dancers born between 2001 and 2009. They are divided into two age groups: M (born between 2006 and 2009) and L (born between 2001 and 2005). They can present in two categories: original solo dance piece (the performer is also the author or choreographer of his or her dance) and a duet - team work, both collaborators must be listed under the "concept and dance" entry. If the piece wins a prize, the two share it in accordance with their own arrangements.
2. The length of the piece: maximum 4 minutes for group M, maximum 7 minutes for group L.
3. Every individual can submit a maximum of two short dance pieces, which must not be submitted in the same category (e.g., one original solo dance and one teamwork - duet)
4. All applicants must record a video of their finalised piece (choreography, execution, music, outfits) and upload a HD quality video on YouTube or Vimeo and share the link. The young dance creators shall be selected by the curatorship after viewing all submitted videos. The selected must not replace the dancers or change the topic, title of the piece, concept, music, outfits, props, or choreography before or at the festival.
5. Size of the stage (dance floor) 7 m (width) x 9 m (depth); black dance floor; black curtain with wings: backdrop black or grey stonewall
Light: Front light, backlight warm and cold; wings warm and cold, 1 special
Sound (music): USB
For the stage design only easily transportable equipment whose construction and dismantling don’t delay the program are allowed.
The young dance creators must provide for any necessary props or simple equipment by themselves.
6. On the day of the festival, the young dance creators can have a dress rehearsal, in accordance with a strict schedule. The members of the jury will also be present at the rehearsal but will not grade the young dance creators.
7. In case of injury, disease or similar occurrences, a cancellation with proof must be sent to the organiser as soon as possible in writing, by e-mail or fax.
8. The organiser is not in any way liable for any damages that could occur during the event (lost or stolen property etc).
9. The organiser is not in any way liable for any injuries of the performers.
10. Recording or taking photographs of the festival is not allowed, unless agreed previously with the organiser.
11. The organiser shall not cover transport costs but will provide accommodation for young dance creators.
B - APPLICATIONS
1. A correctly filled-in application form must be sent by the application deadline to be taken into consideration.
2. Those who submit incomplete application forms or fail to attach the obligatory concept of the short dance piece and link to the video shall be automatically disqualified.
C - JURY
1. The international jury shall be composed of three renowned dance experts. The jury shall be present at the dress rehearsals. The award winners shall be selected on the day of the festival.
2. The jury shall select the best short dance piece (choreography and performance), the best idea and the best dance performance for every age group. After the end of the festival, the jury shall have 60 minutes to select the winners and shall afterwards hand out the prizes to the winners.
3. If the jury discovers at the dress rehearsal that some of the young dance creators failed to adhere to the topic of the festival and/or its terms and conditions, it can, at its sole discretion, allow them to perform at the event. However, such participants shall not take part in the festival and shall not be graded and ranked.
4. The decision of the jury is final. If a young dance creator is a student or dance company member of one of the jurors, the particular juror will withhold his vote. The decisions of the jury shall be announced at the end of the festival. The organiser can replace the members of the jury in case of illness, inability to take part in the jury or any other relevant cause.
D - PRIZES
1. Prizes shall be awarded for the best short dance piece (performance and choreography), the best idea and the best dance performance for both age groups (M and L).
2. Prizes shall be awarded for: the best short dance piece – dance performance and choreography (group M: EUR 600, group L: EUR 1.000); the best idea (group M: EUR 200, group L: EUR 500); and the best dance performance (group M: EUR 200, group L: EUR 500).
3. Dance studio Intakt and JSKD will select a young dance artist from group L, who will get a grant for producing a new dance project, which will be premiered at the OPUS 2026. This grant includes: EUR 1.000 for the realization of the project, 2-months use of the studio Intakt for rehearsals, the premiere (space + promotion) at the Dance Forum Celje as part of OPUS 2025 as well as mentoring.
4. A young jury will select one short dance piece and award it with participation at dance classes and workshops at the International Summer Dance School 2025 in Ljubljana.
5. Matjaz Farič, artistic director of the International Contemporary Dance Festival Front@, will select dance pieces, which will be presented at the 20th edition of the Front@ festival.
6. The winners shall be announced, and the prizes awarded after the festival.
7. Every participating young dance creator shall receive a certificate of attendance.
The event is organised and managed by the JSKD and its Celje regional office. The members of the organising board shall be selected by the organiser. The organising board drafts and designs the concept of the event, selects the members of the jury and manages the event.
