Global Dance Open 2027 All Ireland Qualifier

The Global Dance Open 2027 All Ireland Qualifier runs on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 January 2027 at Stranmillis Theatre on Stranmillis Road, Belfast. It is the only live Global Dance Open qualifier on the island, open to dancers and schools from the Republic and Northern Ireland, and the route to the Global Dance Open 2027 Finals in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, in July.

Key details

• Dates: Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 January 2027

• Venue: Stranmillis Theatre, Stranmillis Road, Belfast

• Entries close: Tuesday 15 December 2026

• Ages: 5 to 29, by age on 1 January 2027

• How to enter: dance schools register through Global Dance Open's Dance Comp Genie portal

• Contact: allireland@globaldanceopen.com

Ballet at the qualifier

Classical work has its own sections rather than one catch-all. Soloists choose between Ballet Repertoire, for a variation from Global Dance Open's approved list, and Classical, for non-repertoire and neoclassical pieces. There are Ballet sections for duets, trios and groups, a boys' division in repertoire, and a pas de deux for Teen, Intermediate and Senior dancers.

Pointe shoes are allowed from age 12, in the Ballet Repertoire and Ballet sections only. Intermediate and Senior dancers must dance the repertoire solo on pointe. Dancers under 12 cannot wear pointe in any routine. The Global Dance Open guide covers every section, the age divisions and the qualifying rules in full.

Qualifying for the finals

A routine needs at least 75 points, but that alone does not guarantee a place. Places are given per age division and category, and qualifying is separate from medals: Global Dance Open sends out the list of invited routines after the event. Because Ireland has a live qualifier, dancers who live here must qualify in Belfast rather than by video.

Before you enter

• Every dancer needs a €12 Global Dance Open membership for the season. It is added automatically and is non-refundable.

• Late payment adds 10% for each week after 15 December, and entries unpaid after three weeks are cancelled.

• A routine can be entered at only one Global Dance Open qualifier a season.

• Upload music through the portal, and bring a copy on a USB stick. Music from phones is not accepted.

Questions

Can dancers from the Republic of Ireland enter? Yes. This is the All Ireland qualifier, for dancers from across the island.

When do entries close? Tuesday 15 December 2026.

Is there a ballet section? Several: Ballet Repertoire and Classical solos, Ballet duets, trios and groups, and a pas de deux.

Can my 11-year-old dance on pointe? No. Pointe shoes are not allowed for any dancer under 12.

How are age groups worked out? By age on 1 January 2027. Duets, trios and groups go by their oldest dancer.

Dancers aged 5 to 29 from anywhere in Ireland, entered by their dance school, who want a place at the 2027 Global Dance Open Finals. The ballet sections suit classical students preparing repertoire variations, classical solos, ballet groups or a pas de deux.

• Now: entries open through Global Dance Open's Dance Comp Genie portal.

• Tuesday 15 December 2026: entries close and must be paid in full.

• Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 January 2027: All Ireland Qualifier, Stranmillis Theatre, Belfast.

• After the qualifier: Global Dance Open sends out the list of routines invited to the finals.

• Tuesday 20 to Tuesday 27 July 2027: Finals, Theatre Orpheus, Apeldoorn.

Ballet has several sections: Ballet Repertoire solos from an approved variation list (with a boys' division, and pointe compulsory for Intermediate and Senior), Classical solos for non-repertoire and neoclassical work, Ballet duets, trios and groups, and a pas de deux for Teen dancers and older. No dancer under 12 may wear pointe shoes.

• Entries close: 15 December 2026

• All Ireland Qualifier: 16 and 17 January 2027

• Finals: Apeldoorn, 20 to 27 July 2027