RULEBOOK
J-Fest 2026:
Showcase & Battle Edition
April 18-19, 2026
Place: Jõhvi Concert Hall, Pargi tn 40, Jõhvi, 41537 Ida-Viru county
About J-FEST
The organization MTÜ J Production brings together people of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels through a rich mix of formats: Showcase Edition, Battle Edition, Vogue Balls, Laboratory, Conference. Its mission is to create a free, inclusive environment where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can express themselves boldly and connect across boundaries of identity, culture and geography.
J-Fest stands out as a space where emerging dancers, young creatives and international artists meet to exchange, experiment, and elevate one another. Rooted in values of freedom, empowerment and accessibility, the festival plays a key role in amplifying youth voices, supporting regional development and building bridges between local and global dance communities.
Contact Information
Organizers: Natalja Šabartšina, Veera Jegorova, Edgar Rahhimov
Official Website: https://www.j-fest.eu
Social media:
  • Instagram: @j.fest2026
  • Tiktok: @j.fest
Questions about registration, payment and categories: [email protected]
General questions: [email protected]
Venue & Technical Information
Stage Specifications
General stage dimensions - 17.5 x 15.2 m
Stage dimensions for performance execution - 10 x 10m
Stage flooring - Dance rubberised linoleum
Judging Panel
The competition will be evaluated by an international panel of professional judges. Full information about the judging panel will be published on the official Instagram account (@j.fest2026).
Schedule Information
The schedule will be available on our website two weeks before the competition! A preliminary general schedule will be posted on our social media platforms in February. A preliminary schedule means an overview of which categories will take place on which day.

NB! The organisers reserve the right to make changes to the schedule, so we kindly ask you to check it periodically. Participants' requests or preferences are not guaranteed and are not mandatory for the organisers to fulfil.
Registration
You will find the link and information about registration on our website. First, you need to submit a participation request for your studio through the website. Within three days, your studio will receive a personalised registration link sent to your email. Registration closes on March 19, 2026!
You can make changes and fill out your registration link from the moment you receive it until the registration deadline! We kindly ask you not to leave this until the last day. After the registration deadline, your link will be locked, and you will NO LONGER be able to make any changes.
Independent dancers
If you are an independent dancer participating ONLY in the solo or duo categories, you must register the same way as group routines/ studios. NB! If you are also performing in group routines, your studio director will handle your registration and only ONE registration link should be filled out for your studio.
If you participate in different crews/teams, there is no recalculation. You must also register yourself in each team separately and pay the initial entry fee for each.
Questions about categories
If you are unsure which category to register your dance composition in, you can ask clarifying questions on our Instagram or send an email [email protected]
Changes to lineup
If a participant from your studio falls ill, changes to the lineup can be made UP TO and INCLUDING April 6, 2026! If changes are made later, there will be no recalculation of the studio's participation fee. A different participation fee / recalculation will be made only if the studio director officially notifies us and sends a message to [email protected]
Changes to dance details
If AFTER the registration deadline you want to make changes to the name of the dance, the choreographer's name, or replace the music for your dance routine, this can be done UP TO and INCLUDING March 30, 2026! After this date, the organisers are not responsible for this and are not obliged to make any changes. NB! This information applies to already registered routines. Adding routines after the registration deadline is not allowed!
Dance CATEGORIES of J-Fest 2026
SOLO performance
AGE: 12-17 years
Categories/style: All styles
NB! Number of participants is limited!
Duration of performance max 2:30
SOLO performance
AGE: 18+ years
Categories/style: All styles
NB! Number of participants is limited!
Duration of performance max 2:30
SOLO Children
AGE: Under 12 years
Categories/style: All styles
NB! Number of participants is limited!
Duration of performance max 2:30
DUO performance
AGE: 12+ years
Categories/style: All styles
NB! Number of participants is limited!
Duration of performance max 2:30
MINI KIDS
AGE: under 7 years
Categories/style: All styles
CHILDREN
AGE: 7-11 years
Categories/style:
  • Street Show
  • Show dance
  • Contemporary/ Lyrical
  • Free dance
  • Beginners (started training no earlier than August 2025)
ADULTS 2
AGE: 30+ years
Categories/style:
  • Street division
  • Stage division
JUNIORS
AGE: 12-15 years
Categories/style:
  • Street Show
  • Show dance
  • Free Dance
  • Contemporary/Lyrical
  • Hip Hop
TEENS
AGE: 16-18 years
Categories/style:
  • Street Show
  • Contemporary/Lyrical
ADULTS
Categories/style:
  • Show dance (16+ years)
  • Free Dance (16+ years)
  • Hip Hop (16+ years)
  • High heels (16+ years)
  • Street Show (19+ years)
  • Contemporary/Lyrical (19+ years)
NB! 1 or 2 pre-pro or professional dancers in one team, not more!
PRE-PROFESSIONALS
Who should participate in this category? (at least one of these points)
  • Dancers in teams are chosen by offline casting OR
  • study "choreography", "dance art" in university OR
  • dancers, who have a lot of experience (more than 8 years) or work as professional dancers OR
  • participants in Pre-Pro or Pro categories at other competitions OR
  • if your team/choreographer does not allow absolutely anyone of any level to participate
AGE: 12+ or 16+
Categories/style:
  • Street Division
  • Stage Division
  • Heels Division 16+
  • Frame Up 16+
  • Free Performance
BEGINNERS
AGE: 12-16 years
Categories/style: All styles
NB! This category is for dancers performing for the VERY FIRST TIME! Those who started dancing not earlier than August 2025.
STYLES/ DESCRIPTION of CATEGORIES
Show Dance category
Show Dance is based on any Jazz, Ballet and/or Modern and Contemporary dance technique. Other dance disciplines can also be used but cannot dominate. Ballroom, Latin or Rock'n'Roll also can be performed. Show Dance allows using lifts, acrobatics, props, lip-sync and other theatrical effects. If you understand that your dance does not fit into the Free or Contemporary/Lyrical categories, you can also register here. If you perform and work in the style of folk dance/character dance, please register under the Show category. If you dance in Ballroom & Latin professional shoes, you must register this dance in the SHOW category and in the appropriate age group. If you perform a folk dance, you should also register in this category.
Duration 2:15-4:15 min
Free Dance /Free Performance
Any choreography based on modern, pop, experimental dance styles or dance theatrical performance. The dance composition may combine different dance styles and movement approaches. Other dance styles (such as Ballroom dance, Ballet) may be used as supporting elements but must not dominate the choreography. Free Dance allows the use of acrobatics, props, dance-theatre techniques, freestyle elements, improvisation, character work, and storytelling.
Also, if your dance composition does not fit into any other category, you may participate in this category. The main focus should be on artistic freedom, creative expression, concept, and individuality of the performance.
Duration 2:30-4:45 min
HIP HOP
In this category dance compositions created by using Hip-Hop dance styles are performed. Locking, Experimental, Popping, House, Litefeet, Krump, Waacking, Vogue and Bboying styles are allowed, but only in amounts 5 % In this category you have to show your hip hop dance style and techniques. Various acrobatic stunts are allowed. Raises and the use of decorations is forbidden.
Duration 2:15-4:15 min
Street Show
In this category the performed dance compositions are created by using Hip Hop, Locking, Popping, House, Bboying, Jazz funk, Afro, Dancehall, Krump, Litefeet, Waacking and Vogue dance styles. Classical, contemporary, salsa, jazz, experimental and disco dance styles can be used, but they should not dominate in the performance. If ALL dancers are performing in Vogue style and dancing in heels, then you should register in the High Heels category. Various lifts, props, acrobatic stunts, decorations can be used in this choreographic composition.
Duration 2:15-4:15 min
Contemporary/Lyrical
In this category dance compositions are created by using modern, contemporary, lyrical jazz dance techniques. Other dance techniques are not recommended. The composition can have an idea, message or a theme. Various lifts and acrobatic stunts are permitted. Decorations are not recommended. The costumes must relate to the theme and the age of the performers.
Duration 2:15-4:15 min
Beginners categories
NB! This category is for dancers performing for the VERY FIRST TIME! Those who started dancing no earlier than August 2025.
In Beginners category can not participate:
  • Dance teachers.
  • Dancers, who have won a first place in any beginners or another category
  • Dancer, who has dancing experience more than one year
In this category, beginner dancers can perform and dance in absolutely any style.
Duration 2:00-4:00 min
High heels category/ Heels Division
Heels dance is performed while wearing high-heeled shoes (stilettos, heeled boots etc). Heels dance can be performed to a variety of music genres and dance styles. Various acrobatic stunts are allowed. Raises and the use of decorations is allowed. This category is for those who dance in heels of 7 cm or higher. NB! If you dance Latin American styles in Ballroom & Latin professional shoes, you must register this dance in the SHOW category and in the appropriate age group. If you are a Pre-pro or Pro team and dance Latin dances while wearing professional heels, please register under the Stage Division.
Duration 2:15-4:15 min
Frame Up Division
Frame Up is based on strip movement/technique and incorporates elements of jazz funk, hip-hop, and contemporary dance, with a strong focus on musicality and individual expression. Choreography often includes floorwork, minimal walking or classical steps, sharp and precise movements, expressiveness, and dynamic energy. The performance may vary in character: from soft and sensual to sharp, dramatic, or powerful, depending on the musical choice and concept.This category is performed in specialized strip / platform shoes. Dancing barefoot or in socks is forbidden.
Acrobatic elements are allowed if they support the choreography and do not dominate. Lifts, raises, and the use of props or decorations is allowed.
Duration: 2:15–4:15 min
Stage Division (Pre-pro category, Adults 2)
This category includes styles such as modern, contemporary, jazz, Broadway, show, character dance, etc.
NB! If choreography in the Adults 2 category is performed in heels, it must be registered in the Stage category.
Street Division (Pre-pro category, Adults 2)
This category includes styles such as hip-hop, vogue, jazz funk, afro, house etc. Styles that fall under street dance directions.
ADULTS 2
Categories for those who practise dance as a hobby, as an additional interest. For example, adult groups or parents. Lifts, raises, and the use of props or decorations is allowed.
Duration: 2:15–4:15 min
DANCERS/ AGE
3-10 dancers in a team
have to belong to one age group, no more than 1 dancer can be older and he/she/they cannot dominate in the dance.
11-20 dancers in a team
have to belong to one age group, no more than 2-3 dancers can be older and he/she/they cannot dominate in the dance.
21 dancers and more
have to belong to one age group, no more than 4-5 dancers can be older and he/she/they cannot dominate in the dance.
If some of your dancers are slightly younger than the age category you want to participate in, this is allowed. For example, in the juniors category, there may be a few dancers who are under 12 years old.
We kindly ask you to register dancers in the correct age category. After your team wins a prize, the organisers reserve the right to check the documents of all dancers!

Each participant must carry their identity card or passport.
The minimum number of dancers in the team is 3. The number of dancers is not limited.
Routine Reuse Policy
NB! At our competitions, it is allowed to participate with the same routine an unlimited number of times. This means that in 2026 you may compete with the same routine you used in previous years.
MUSIC
The music must be in a high-quality MP3 format. It is a performer/ team's responsibility to keep a backup USB available at all times.
MP3-file must be named:
CATEGORY-AGE DEVISION-TEAM NAME-NAME OF THE PERFORMANCE, only in Latin letters.
The competition music must not contain a lot of inappropriate, lewd or offensive language.

If there is an issue with your music track or the format does not meet the requirements, the organisers are not responsible for this issue. However, if the music stops during the performance due to the organisers' fault, the dancers have the right to restart their routine from the beginning. If the issue with the track existed initially, it is the responsibility of the choreographer or the studio director.
Music submission
Each studio must upload all music into one folder and send a Google Drive link to [email protected]
The folder name should be the name of your studio, written in Latin characters only! Deadline: March 25, 2026.
Evaluation
The professional jury evaluates dance routines based on several criteria. All jury scores from the festival will be sent to the studio directors within two weeks after the festival ends. Each routine will be evaluated based on five criteria.
1
Composition/structure/theme/concept
max 10 points
2
Technique
max 10 points
3
Choreography
max 10 points
4
Performance (emotions, energy, execution, acting skills)
max 10 points
5
Visual (Make-up, costumes)
max 3 points

If your routine is found to be plagiarised, the dance composition will be disqualified.
General and Important Information
  • We kindly ask you to register dancers in the correct age category. After your team wins a prize, the organisers reserve the right to check the documents of all dancers!
  • Each participant must carry their identity card or passport.
  • We kindly ask you to be honest with yourself and your dancers by choosing the correct level for your teams.
  • The studio director and/or choreographer is fully responsible for registering each performance in the appropriate style category.
  • If the judging panel determines that a performance has been registered in an incorrect category, the judges reserve the right to reassign the performance to a more suitable category. Any scores already awarded to the performance will remain unchanged after the reclassification.
  • Stricter regulations apply to age categories and skill levels. In these cases, the organizer reserves the right to verify participants’ documents during the festival. If discrepancies are found, the organizer may reassign a performance or team to a different level category (for example, from Open to Pre-Pro), informing the studio director accordingly.

NB! If the organiser has confirmation that your studio/team had offline auditions or meets the criteria of a Pre-Pro team, the organiser will inform the director of the studio/choreographer that the team/dance routine will be moved to the appropriate category.
At our event alcohol, e-cigarettes, smoking and drug use are prohibited.
Property damage
If any dancer is found to have caused damage or is damaging the property of Jõhvi Concert Hall, the organisers reserve the right to issue an invoice to the responsible party for the damage caused. If the area or dressing room allocated to a studio is left in improper condition, the organisers reserve the right to issue an invoice to the studio in the amount of 300 EUR.
Food and drinks are not allowed to be brought into the auditorium (where the performances take place and where the audience is seated) of Jõhvi Concert Hall.
Recording with professional video cameras, except for the J-Fest team and media, is prohibited.
Stage safety
If your performance involves the use of mirrors, glitter, or anything that could dirty the stage or pose a risk to the health of the following dancers, the director must inform the organisers in advance!!! If a team causes damage to the dance floor due to the use of inappropriate props, the routine may be disqualified. And the organisers reserve the right to issue an invoice to the studio in the amount of 300 EUR.
Awards and diplomas
All dance studios will receive a personalised diploma for participating in our festival. In the competitions, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places will be awarded. Additionally, every dancer in the Solo, Duo, Mini Kidz, and Children categories who places 1st, 2nd, or 3rd will receive medals.
Media consent
The organisers have the right to take photos and record videos throughout the competition day and publish the materials on the event's social media platforms. Participation in the festival implies the participants' consent to photo and video recording, as well as the subsequent use of their images in informational and promotional materials related to the event.
Wristbands
All dancers and festival guests must wear the wristband they receive. Wristband transfer is strictly prohibited. The wristband must be worn on the wrist throughout the entire event.

The organisers are not responsible for lost items and do not provide a Lost and Found service.
Terms and conditions
By taking part in the event J- Fest Showcase edition 2026 participants, studio directors, coaches and choreographers agree with these regulations' terms, rules and conditions. By taking part in the event participants and their coaches agree with the results and judges decisions. The judges can also disqualify a dancer/ team for disrespectful behaviour or for disturbing other dancers. Negative political and religious statements towards any festival participant are prohibited.
For rude or disrespectful communication with the organiser on social media or in written form, a team or dancer may be disqualified from the competition.
Information about Video
If you would like your showcase performance to be professionally filmed from start to finish, including filming and editing with two cameras (Wide View and Front View), you must send your request to [email protected] by 15.04.26 with the note "J-FEST VIDEO".
The two-camera edit will be done at the videographer's discretion.
Please include the studio name, category, and performance name in the email. The cost for filming one performance is 40 EUR. Recording with professional cameras, other than J-Fest videographers/media is prohibited. We also kindly ask you to specify the payment method in your request. If the payment will be made by invoice, please include all payment details in the email.
BATTLE
Me against the music 1vs1
(Online pre-selection)
(April 19/ Jõhvi Concert hall/ main stage)
If you wish to participate in the "Me Against the Music" battle, you must fill out a separate registration Google form on the website. In the form, you will need to attach a video link. (Please make sure that the link is accessible to everyone) The maximum video length is 60 seconds, with no editing or special effects, one shot freestyle video. Only one dancer may appear in the video. Participation in the online pre-selection is free of charge. Registration closes on March 19, 2026!
After the registration closes and approximately two weeks before the competition, you will receive an email with the results informing you whether you have been selected or not. If you make it into the TOP 8, please send us a clear close-up photo of yourself as soon as possible to [email protected] (deadline April 5, 2026), where your face is clearly visible, preferably a portrait photo.
Rules
A dancer may choose whichever style to battle, picking between styles during the battle is possible. The main thing is that the dancer has to listen to music and adapt to it. DJ plays music in all the battles and he can play absolutely different styles of music. In the quarter finals there is one round each. In the semi-finals and final battle there are two rounds each. In the semifinal and in the final, there will also be a battle with a task. The decision of who won the battle is made by looking at the basics, technique, originality, dynamical movement and exhibition and the preparation for the battle. After the battle, the judges can ask for extra entries (they decide how many). Immediately after each battle, the judges vote by raising their hand towards the participant who won.
Participation/ Start fee
20€
First start
+10€
Every other
25€
SOLO Children
35€
SOLO 12-17 years and 18+
25€
DUO (per dancer)
50€ per duo
25€
Battle Me against the music TOP 8

NB! If you participate in multiple teams/studios, you must pay the full first-time fee each time. There are no recalculations or discounts. The dancer is personally responsible for this.

SOLO and DUO are considered and paid for separately!
Free tickets
Each studio receives one free ticket for the studio director. The number of additional free tickets each studio receives will be indicated in the personal registration form. The quantity depends on the number of participants.
Invoices
If a studio requires an invoice, it must notify the organisers and provide all the necessary details [email protected] with the note "J-FEST INVOICE" Please provide the company name, registration number, address, and email.
All invoices issued by our organisation must be paid by April 15, 2026.
Accommodation
If you are looking for accommodation for participants, you can search via Booking. You may enter the following cities and towns in the search: Jõhvi, Toila, Sillamäe, Narva, Mäetaguse, Saka and Kohtla-Järve. Please remember to set the distance from the venue in your search. In our case, Jõhvi Concert Hall (in Estonian: Jõhvi Kontserdimaja).
Partners who provide hotel discounts will be announced on our Instagram, so please stay tuned for updates.
By submitting a registration and participation request for J-FEST: SHOWCASE EDITION 2026, you confirm that you have read, understood and agree to all rules and conditions of participation established by the organisers.