National Performance Awards 2027: Belfast Dance Day

The National Performance Awards hold their 2027 Belfast dance day on Sunday 7 February 2027 at The MAC. Dancers aged 10 to 18 learn choreography in masterclasses, then audition with it in ballet, jazz and musical theatre and contemporary. Every age is judged on its own, with first, second and third places in each style. First-round applications close on 15 November 2026.

Key details

• Date: Sunday 7 February 2027

• Venue: The MAC, Belfast

• Ages: 10 to 18, with up to 15 dancers per age

• Styles: ballet, jazz and musical theatre, contemporary

• Cost: £135 for the day. Applying is free.

• First-round applications close: Sunday 15 November 2026

• How to apply: through the National Performance Awards application page

How the day works

Dancers train in workshop groups for ages 10 to 12, 13 to 15 and 16 to 18, learning the choreography they then audition with. Judges from dance schools, the West End and ballet companies give live feedback on the day, and UK talent agents attend. On top of the placings, any dancer can receive a special recognition award, such as One to Watch, Judges' Choice or Most Improved Throughout the Day.

Questions

Is there a ballet section? Yes. Ballet is judged separately from jazz and musical theatre and from contemporary, with its own placings for every age.

Can parents and teachers watch? Yes. Dancers, parents and teachers can attend to watch the auditions.

Which age do I enter? Your age on the day of the event. If a birthday falls between applying and 7 February, give the age you will be on the day.

Can I get a refund? No. Entry fees are non-refundable. With advance notice and a medical certificate, the organiser may offer a transfer to another event.

Is there a singing day too? Yes. The Belfast singing day is on Sunday 11 April 2027, also at The MAC.

Dancers aged 10 to 18 who want to practise real audition conditions and get feedback from industry professionals, in ballet, jazz and musical theatre, or contemporary.

• Now: applications open.

• Sunday 15 November 2026: first round of applications closes.

• Sunday 7 February 2027: Belfast dance day, The MAC.

• Sunday 11 April 2027: Belfast singing day, The MAC.

Ballet is one of three dance styles, alongside jazz and musical theatre and contemporary. Each age from 10 to 18 is judged separately, with first, second and third places in ballet.

• First-round applications close: 15 November 2026

• Belfast dance day: 7 February 2027