Prix Osipova

Prix Osipova — Cambridge International Contemporary Edition 2026

Official Rules

Introduction

The PRIX OSIPOVA – Cambridge International Contemporary Edition 2026 is an international pre-selection dedicated exclusively to contemporary dance, organized in partnership with Bodywork Company Dance Studios in the city of Cambridge, England.

The event will take place on 29 and 30 August 2026 and aims to promote international artistic exchange, encourage excellence in contemporary creation and performance, and identify, support, and promote outstanding artists within the global dance community.

This edition is intended for professional artists who are at least 18 (eighteen) years of age by the date of the competition. The competition will be held in the Solo and Duo categories for in-person participation, as well as the Video Dance category for virtual participation. Each applicant may register for one, two, or up to three categories.

In addition to the competitive activities, participants will have access to a complementary programme consisting of workshops, artistic discussions, audiovisual presentations, and cultural interventions, providing a comprehensive experience of professional development and creative exchange.

As part of the event’s special programme, visual artist Jane Frost will invite selected dancers to participate in her artistic project, “Dancing with Your Shadow.” During the project, the artist will create work inspired by the participants and their interpretations of movement, establishing a dialogue between contemporary dance and the visual arts.

The organization will provide participants with a recommended accommodation option located near the event venue, offering private rooms and breakfast included. Information regarding reservations, rates, and payment procedures will be sent together with the official participation confirmation.

Founded by Natalia Osipova and Anna Koblova, the PRIX OSIPOVA is committed to providing an international platform for artistic experience and professional development. The competition promotes artistic visibility while valuing creativity, movement research, originality, and technical and interpretative excellence in contemporary dance, while simultaneously fostering cultural exchange among artists from diverse countries and artistic backgrounds.

Founders

Natalia Osipova and Anna Koblova serve as the Founders of the Prix Osipova.

President

Natalia Osipova serves as President of the Prix Osipova. She is an internationally acclaimed ballet star, Principal Dancer of The Royal Ballet in London, and Director of the Bloom Dance Project.

General and Artistic Director

Anna Koblova serves as the General and Artistic Director of the Prix Osipova. Together with the President, she oversees and makes decisions regarding the preparation, organization, and implementation of the Competition. The Director operates in accordance with the Rules approved by the Presidency.

Organizer

Bodywork Company Dance Studios serves as the Organizer of the Cambridge Special Edition of the Prix Osipova and is responsible for determining the venue and dates of the Competition.

Jury

The Competition Jury is composed of distinguished international figures from the choreographic arts, including internationally renowned ballet soloists, directors of leading dance companies, acclaimed choreographers, teachers, ballet critics, and producers.

1. Registration Procedure

1.1. The Prix Osipova — Cambridge International Contemporary Edition 2026 is organized in three categories: Solo and Duo for in-person participation in Cambridge, and Video Dance for virtual participation.

1.2. Participants in all categories must be at least 18 years of age by the date of the Competition. There is no maximum age limit for participation.

1.3. The Competition will take place on 29 and 30 August 2026 in the City of Cambridge, at Bodywork Company Dance Studios, 25–29 Glisson Road, Cambridge, CB1 2HA, England.

1.4. Applications must be submitted through the official registration forms available on the Competition website.

1.5. Registration will open at 01:00 on 20 June 2026 and close at 23:59 on 20 July 2026 (BST – British Summer Time, UTC+1).

1.6. Candidates selected for the in-person stage will receive an official Invitation Letter by e-mail no later than 27 July 2026, containing all necessary information regarding their participation in the event in Cambridge, England.

1.7. Following the announcement of results, all selected candidates must confirm their participation through the official event e-mail address no later than 10 August 2026. Failure to submit confirmation within the established deadline may result in forfeiture of the participant’s place at the discretion of the Organization.

1.8. A separate registration is required for each category. Each candidate may apply for one, two, or all three categories.

1.9. For the Solo and Duo categories, the choreographic work presented must not exceed 3 minutes and 30 seconds in duration. For the Video Dance category, the submitted work must not exceed 1 minute and 30 seconds in duration.

1.10. For the Duo category, it is not mandatory for both performers to be registered as competitors. Participation may therefore consist of one competitor and one artistic partner. Both individuals will be authorized to perform the work during the event, provided that the accompanying performer is identified as an “Artistic Partner” in the registration form.

1.11. For the Video Dance category, candidates must submit an audiovisual work based on the theme: “AIR”.

1.12. For Solo registration, applicants must submit the following materials:

  • Video link of the choreographic work (YouTube, Vimeo, or Google Drive — maximum duration: 3 minutes and 30 seconds);
  • High-resolution headshot photograph;
  • High-resolution artistic photograph.

The video recording must include:

  • Title of the choreography;
  • Name of the candidate.

Note: The recording may be filmed in a studio or on stage, wearing either rehearsal attire or costume. The choreography must be recorded in a full-body shot and without editing. No logos, trademarks, or commercial branding may appear on clothing or within the filming location if visible in the recorded image.

1.13. For Duo registration, applicants must submit the following materials:

  • Video link of the choreographic work (YouTube, Vimeo, or Google Drive — maximum duration: 3 minutes and 30 seconds);
  • High-resolution headshot photographs of both participants;
  • High-resolution artistic photographs of both participants.

The video recording must include:

  • Title of the choreography;
  • Names of the candidates.

Note: The recording may be filmed in a studio or on stage, wearing either rehearsal attire or costume. The choreography must be recorded in a full-body shot and without editing. No logos, trademarks, or commercial branding may appear on clothing or within the filming location if visible in the recorded image.

1.14. For Video Dance registration, applicants must submit the following materials:

  • Video link of the work (YouTube, Vimeo, or Google Drive — maximum duration: 1 minute and 30 seconds);
  • High-resolution headshot photograph;
  • Technical credits sheet.

The video submission must include:

  • Title of the work;
  • Name of the candidate.

Note: The recording may be created in any environment and may be filmed in either vertical or horizontal format. No logos, trademarks, or commercial branding may appear within the recorded image.

The objective of this category is to encourage alternative artistic concepts related to the theme “AIR”, embracing forms of expression that extend beyond the physical body and explore new creative possibilities through movement and audiovisual language.

Throughout the two days of the event, the Video Dance works will form part of an exhibition integrated into the official programme of the Prix Osipova in Cambridge. The videos will also be available for public voting through the official Prix Osipova website.

2. Competition Procedure

2.1. The Competition shall consist of a preliminary video selection phase and a second phase featuring the presentation of the selected works. The Solo and Duo categories will be held in person, while the Video Dance category will take place entirely in a virtual format.

2.2. The official programme shall be determined by the Competition Organization. Changes to repertoire or scheduling will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances, subject to a formal request and prior approval by the General Director.

2.3. The Jury shall evaluate each work and each participant individually, regardless of participation in the Solo or Duo categories. Candidates registered in the Duo category may perform with partners who are not officially registered as competitors in the Competition.

2.4. Participants in the Solo and Duo categories must perform using pre-recorded music. The audio file shall be submitted in digital format following the participant’s confirmation of attendance in Cambridge, during the second stage of the Competition. The music file must be clearly identified with:

  • Title of the work;
  • Full name of the participant(s).

2.5. All stages of the Competition may be photographed, filmed, recorded, livestreamed, reproduced, published, distributed, and made available through any media outlet, digital platform, audio or video channel, promotional material, or institutional publication related to the Prix Osipova, without limitation as to format or means of dissemination.

2.6. During the first day of the event, cultural interventions will take place throughout the city of Cambridge. Competition participants will collaborate with audiovisual professionals in the creation of short films, which will be presented at the conclusion of the second day of the event and will compete for a cash prize award.

2.7. Costumes and scenic elements may be freely chosen by the participant, provided that they do not compromise safety, damage the venue, or leave any residue or materials on the stage.

2.8. The General Director reserves the right to intervene at any time in cases of inappropriate conduct or non-compliance with the provisions set forth in these Rules.

3. Financial Conditions

3.1. The registration fee for the Solo category is £85 (eighty-five pounds sterling). The registration fee for the Duo category is £140 (one hundred and forty pounds sterling). The registration fee for the Video Dance category is £25 (twenty-five pounds sterling).

3.2. Payment must be made through the official platform designated by the Organization and indicated within the registration process for the selected category. Registration shall only be considered valid upon confirmation of payment.

3.3. All registration fees are final and non-refundable.

3.4. Once registration has been completed and payment has been confirmed, no full or partial refund shall be granted under any circumstances, including but not limited to:

  • Withdrawal from the Competition;
  • Travel restrictions or inability to travel;
  • Health-related issues;
  • Visa denial or failure to obtain a visa;
  • Scheduling conflicts;
  • Personal circumstances of any kind.

Note: Completion of the registration process constitutes full acceptance of this refund policy.

4. Health Insurance and/or Travel Insurance

4.1. All participants are solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining valid health insurance and/or travel insurance coverage for the entire duration of their stay in the United Kingdom, including travel, rehearsals, performances, and all activities associated with the event.

4.2. The Organization of the PRIX OSIPOVA – Cambridge International Contemporary Edition 2026 does not provide medical, hospital, dental, pharmaceutical, personal accident, baggage loss, or any other form of insurance coverage for participants, accompanying persons, or representatives.

4.3. During the official days of the event, the Organization will provide a first-aid service for initial emergency assistance when necessary. Such assistance is strictly limited to emergency first response and shall not replace the participant’s obligation to obtain adequate health insurance and/or travel insurance coverage.

4.4. Any expenses arising from medical consultations, examinations, hospitalization, medication, treatments, medical transportation, or any procedures beyond the initial first-aid assistance shall be the sole responsibility of the participant.

4.5. All expenses related to airfare, accommodation, meals, local transportation, visas, travel documentation, and any other personal costs associated with participation in the event shall be borne exclusively by the participant.

5. Awards

The Organization may grant the following awards and recognitions:

  • Certificates of Participation;
  • Special Certificates and Distinctions;
  • Ten places in the Prix Osipova Final in London for selected Solo and Duo participants;
  • Selection of ten Video Dance works to be presented during the Opening Ceremony of the Prix Osipova Final in London;
  • Cash Prize Award for the Best Choreographic Work among the Solo and Duo categories;
  • Cash Prize Award for the Video Dance work selected through Public Vote;
  • Cash Prize Award for the Best Short Film produced during the event;
  • Professional Invitations;
  • Artistic Residency Opportunities.

6. General and Final Provisions

6.1. By submitting an application, the participant declares that they have read, understood, and fully accepted all provisions contained in these Rules and agrees to comply with the rules and procedures established by the Competition Organization.

6.2. By submitting an application, the participant grants the Prix Osipova, free of charge and without limitation, the right to use their image, voice, name, and audiovisual recordings produced during the event for institutional, promotional, educational, and publicity purposes.

6.3. Participants agree to:

  • Fully comply with these Rules;
  • Attend all activities and appearances at the scheduled times;
  • Provide accurate and truthful information;
  • Respect fellow participants, jurors, guests, and members of the organizing team;
  • Maintain conduct appropriate to the artistic and professional nature of the event.

6.4. By submitting an application, the participant acknowledges and accepts full responsibility for obtaining and maintaining adequate health insurance and/or travel insurance coverage throughout the entire duration of the event.

6.5. The following may result in disqualification:

  • Submission of false or misleading information;
  • Failure to comply with these Rules;
  • Inappropriate conduct;
  • Violation of copyright, intellectual property, or related rights.

6.6. Any matters not expressly provided for in these Rules shall be reviewed and decided by the General Director of the PRIX OSIPOVA – Cambridge International Contemporary Edition 2026, whose decisions shall be final and binding.

7. Official Contact Information

Website: prixosipova.org

E-mail: info@prixosipova.org

WhatsApp: +55 47 98867-6163

Instagram: @prixosipovainternational