IDO Ballet Committee Meets to Advance Standards, Safety, and Development of Ballet within IDO

The International Dance Organization (IDO) Ballet Dance Committee held its official annual meeting on 10 February 2026, bringing together 24 delegates and experts from 17 countries to discuss the continued growth, standards, and future direction of ballet within the IDO framework.

Chaired by Ms. Tina D’Artnall, the meeting reviewed the state of ballet competitions worldwide and confirmed important initiatives aimed at strengthening artistic quality, judging expertise, and dancer safety across IDO events.

Chaired by Ms. Tina D’Artnall, the meeting reviewed the state of ballet competitions worldwide and confirmed important initiatives aimed at strengthening artistic quality, judging expertise, and dancer safety across IDO events.

The Committee noted encouraging progress in the technical level of ballet dancers internationally, particularly within the Children division, while also recognizing the need to support participation growth in Adult categories.

Key Developments and Decisions

Strengthening Ballet Judging Expertise
A major topic of discussion focused on judging standards in ballet competitions. Delegates agreed on the importance of clearly defining the qualifications of a Ballet Specialist Judge to ensure fairness and high-level evaluation. Member countries will now submit formal criteria and expectations regarding education and experience for ballet specialists, forming the basis for future standards across IDO events.

Competition Calendar Confirmed for 2026
The Committee confirmed the upcoming major ballet championships:

• IDO European Ballet Championships – Skopje, North Macedonia (21–24 September 2026)

• IDO World Ballet Championships – Slovenia (29 November – 1 December 2026)

Organizational preparations for Skopje 2026 were presented, with scheduling details to follow.

Advancing Safety Standards for Dance Floors
A significant proposal addressed dancer safety through improved subfloor requirements beneath Marley dance surfaces. The Committee supported further development of minimum shock-absorbing flooring standards to reduce injury risk and ensure safe performance conditions at IDO competitions.

Children Category Structure Proposal Reviewed
A proposal to split the Children age category was discussed but not adopted at international level, with the Committee emphasizing long-term motivation and development pathways for young dancers.

Commitment to Ballet within IDO

The Ballet Committee reaffirmed that ballet remains a foundational discipline within the performing arts structure of the IDO, essential to technical training and artistic excellence across many dance styles.

The meeting concluded with appreciation to all delegates and organizers contributing to the continued development of ballet worldwide.

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