Ballet Connection
in Tokyo 2026
February 21-23, 2026
Classical Ballet Division Overview
Ballet Connection in Tokyo 2026
Date and Time
February 2026
21st: Study Abroad Audition, Workshop, Individual Guidance (Optional participation, Workshop, Individual Guidance not included)
22nd: Pre-Competitive A & B Classical Ballet Division, Contemporary Pre-Division
23rd: Junior A/B, Senior Classical Ballet Division, Contemporary Competition Division
venue
21st Parthenon Tama Small Hall (on stage) and rehearsal room
22nd and 23rd Parthenon Tama Large Hall
access
Parthenon Tama: 2-35 Ochiai, Tama City, Tokyo
5 minutes walk from Tama Center Station on the Keio Sagamihara Line, Odakyu Tama Line, and Tama Monorail
REQUIREMENTS
[Divisions and Judging] Ages as of February 22, 2026
Pre-Competitive A: 8-10 years old
Pre-Competitive B: 11-12 years old
Junior A: 13-15 years old
Junior B: 16-18 years old
Senior: 19 years old and over
*For Junior A and above, if there are five or more male participants in each division, a men's division will be established.
*A contemporary division will be added in 2025. It is also possible to enter only the contemporary division.
★Classical Ballet Division★
[Judging Method]
- Classical ballet variation and enchaînement judging will be conducted.
- Overall ranking will be determined by the combined scores of the variation and enchaînement judging.
- Rankings for the variation and enchaînement judging will also be announced.
*Judge sheets will be distributed to all contestants after judging is completed.
*If a judge's student also competes, that judge's score will not be added.
[Variation Judging]
- Ballet shoes are required for contestants in the Pre-A and B divisions.
- Pointe shoes are required for contestants in the Junior A and above divisions.
- The maximum time limit is two and a half minutes. Exceeding this time will result in disqualification.
- Classical ballet costumes are required.
- Reverence is not permitted.
- Some works, such as revised versions by recent choreographers, require performance permission and royalties from the copyright holder. Ballet Connection assumes no responsibility for these matters. Please take responsibility for all applications and payments.
- Please wear stage makeup for the variation audition.
[Music]
- Please submit one CD at the reception on the day of your performance.
- Please prepare two CDs per contestant (one for the performance and one for backup).
- Please record only one song and cue it so that the sound begins at the same time as the performance starts.
- Please write the following information on the CD itself and its square plastic case: ① Contestant number, ② Contestant name, ③ Program, ④ Stage entrance, ⑤ Sound trigger.
- Please do not affix stickers directly to the CD, as this may damage the sound equipment.
- If there is a sound trigger, please have the instructor or attendant signal next to the sound operator. Please have a brief discussion with the stage manager during rehearsal.
- Please prepare CDs in audio CD, WAV, or MP3 format. CD-RWs and DVDs are not permitted.
- Be sure to test playback on multiple devices (e.g., CD players) beforehand. Failure to play properly will result in disqualification.
[Enschaînement Judging]
<Women>
Leotard (camisole or tank top required. Fluorescent colors, patterns, long sleeves, halter necks, and high necks are not permitted.)
Tights
Ballet shoes
Shorts and skirts are not permitted.
<Men>
White T-shirt
Black or gray tights
Shoes
<Common>
- Each participant must bring two bib numbers with their competition number, one for the front and one for the back. Competition numbers will be announced approximately three weeks prior to the competition.
- For Pre-Competitive A, a video of the Enschaînement Judging choreography will be provided one week prior to the competition.
For other divisions, participants will be required to memorize the choreography on the day of the competition.
- Ballet shoes will be worn in all Enchainement judging categories.
- Headwear and other accessories are prohibited.
[Awards]
Rankings will be announced for each category: Overall, Enchainement, and Va.
- Pre-Competitive A & B
Awards will be awarded to 1st through 5th place in each age group.
- Junior A & B
Awards will be awarded to 1st through 15th place.
- Senior
Awards will be awarded to 5th place.
*The number of awards may vary depending on the number of entries.
*For award recipients who are unable to attend the award ceremony, certificates and prizes will be sent cash on delivery.
*We ask that you please attend the award ceremony, as you will be able to hear the judges' overall comments.
★Other Information★
[Scholarship Support]
Canada's National Ballet School
Ellison Ballet
The Queensland Ballet Academy
Royal Ballet School of Antwerp
Bolshoi Ballet Academy
Lithuanian National Ballet School
Novosibirsk State Choreographic College
Samara Ballet School
Goh Ballet Academy
Toronto International Ballet Theatre
Encinitas Ballet Academy & Arts Center
ARCHITANZ Training Program
Japan Ballet Theatre
The Hammond
KS Dance
[Special Fashion Industry Sponsors]
IPSILON (Modeling Agency Scout)
VALAADO (Fashion Brand)
Other sponsors will be updated regularly.
[How to Apply]
Online applications only. Please apply via the "Application" page on our website.
[Application Period]
September 1, 2025 - January 10, 2026
*The application period is a guideline. Applications will close once capacity is reached.
[Participation Fee/Admission Fee]
Participation Fee Bank Details: Tama Shinkin Bank, Machida Branch, 0021429, Ballet Connection
Please be sure to check the amount yourself before transferring.
① Classical Division (Va and Enchainement)
¥35,000 (All Divisions)
*The participation fee includes the Va and Enchainement judging sheets.
*The fee for Ballet Connection in Tokyo 2025 participants is ¥34,000.
Please enter your 2025 entry number when applying. Please note that the discount will not be applied if you do not provide this information.
② Contemporary Division
Additional entry to the Classical Division (preparing your own work) ⇒ 10,000 yen
Additional entry to the Classical Division and using a work provided by BC ⇒ 20,000 yen
Competition only in the Conte Division (preparing your own work) ⇒ 25,000 yen
Competition only in the Conte Division and using a work provided by BC ⇒ 35,000 yen
③ Study Abroad Audition Class, Classical Ballet Workshop, Private Lessons
Audition Class: 10,000 yen
WS(Competition Participants): 6,000 yen
WS(Non-Competition Participants): 10,000 yen
Private Lessons: Details are yet to be determined and will be announced once they are finalized.
General Competition Admission Fee: ¥2,000 / day (tickets must be purchased with cash on the day)
Workshop Admission Fee: ¥3,000 / day (tickets must be purchased with cash on the day)
*Observation is not permitted for the Study Abroad Audition Class
*Only competition contestants can participate in the Study Abroad Audition Class
[Participation Terms/Disclaimer] *Please be sure to read
- Please understand and agree to all required terms before applying.
- Changes to the program, stage appearance, and sound triggers after application will be accepted only once until February 10, 2026.
- Changes on the day will not be accepted.
- Please transfer the participation fee to the designated bank account within 14 days of application. We will contact you if we are unable to confirm your payment.
- If we are unable to contact you within 20 days of application, your application will be invalidated.
- Cancellation fees after registration are as follows. If a refund is issued, a refund processing fee will be deducted.
Until December 31, 2025: 50% of the amount paid.
From January 1, 2026 onwards: 100% of the amount paid.
- Entry forms and information will be sent to individuals and schools via email approximately three weeks prior to the event.
- Please note that photos and videos taken at the venue all day will be posted on the Ballet Connection website and related social media accounts.
- Please arrive at the venue according to the reception hours announced to you.
- In areas where only contestants/instructors can enter, such as dressing rooms and wings, please keep your pass in a place where it can be easily seen by staff.
If your pass cannot be seen, we will ask you to confirm it.
- Please keep your valuables safe and secure. Ballet Connection organizers, supporting organizations, and the venue assume no responsibility for theft, loss, accidents, injuries, illnesses, or virus infections that occur within the venue, including the parking lot.
All such issues are the sole responsibility of the individual involved or must be resolved between the parties involved.
- Please do not leave trash at the venue. Please be sure to take it with you when you leave.
- If you forget something, we will notify you and store it for one week before disposing of it.
- The government has announced that, from Monday, March 13, 2023, regarding the wearing of masks, "we respect the individual's independent choice and leave it to the individual's discretion." https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kansentaisaku_00001.html
We ask that you make your own decision regarding wearing a mask from March 13 onwards. (From March 13, 2023 onwards)
- COVID-19 prevention measures will be in accordance with the conditions of the facility (theater, studio) being used.
- Please note that all information posted on this website is subject to change due to circumstances.
If any changes occur, we will clearly state them on this website.
- Please refrain from applying if you do not understand the participation terms and disclaimers.