Dancers urged to apply as expanded programme promises summer dance extravaganza
DANCERS from across Wales, the UK and overseas are being urged to submit their entries for the Solo and Duet/Trio Dance Competitions at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod 2026, with just six weeks remaining before the closing date.
Applications close on Sunday, February 22, 2026, and organisers say there is already strong interest from performers keen to take to the world-famous Llangollen stage.
The competitions will take place on Saturday, July 11, 2026, as part of the internationally renowned Eisteddfod, which runs from Tuesday, July 7 to Sunday, July 12 in Llangollen, north-east Wales. The 2026 festival is set to deliver a major dance showcase, reflecting the Eisteddfod’s growing commitment to celebrating dance alongside its established music and cultural programme.
A key highlight for 2026 is the significant expansion of competitive dance opportunities. Categories have increased from five in 2025 to 14 distinct classes, opening the door to soloists, ensembles and cultural dance groups from around the world. Organisers say the expanded programme will showcase an unprecedented range of styles, from ballet and contemporary dance to folk and traditional forms.
Dancers can enter as solo performers or in duet and trio groups, with performances lasting up to three minutes. A wide range of styles is welcomed, including ballet, contemporary, jazz, commercial, street and ballroom. The competitions are open to dancers of all ages, with age groupings used where required. Performers may use pre-recorded backing tracks or provide their own piano accompaniment.
International medals will be awarded to the top three competitors in each category, along with the prestige of performing on one of the world’s most respected international stages.
Artistic Director Dave Danford said the expansion marked an exciting step for the festival.
“The Llangollen Eisteddfod has always been about bringing people together through music and performance, and dance plays a vital role in that vision,” he said.
“The expansion of our dance competitions for 2026 is incredibly exciting and reflects strong feedback from our loyal audiences. It also reflects our ambition to welcome more styles, more cultures and more performers to Llangollen.”
Dancers are being encouraged not to delay their applications, as entry numbers are limited. Full details on how to enter are available online, with successful applicants to be notified by Thursday, March 5, 2026.
The excitement extends beyond the competitions, with evening concerts throughout the week already selling fast. Highlights in the Royal International Pavilion include Uniting Nations: One World on Tuesday, July 7, conducted by Sir Karl Jenkins; Global Rhythms: Made in Wales on Wednesday, July 8; a performance by the Orchestral Qawwali Project on Thursday, July 9; a world-exclusive concert featuring Emeli Sandé and The Absolute Orchestra on Friday, July 10; and An Evening with Michael Ball on Saturday, July 11. The festival concludes on Sunday, July 12 with the final of Choir of the World.
Tickets are available via the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod website, and audiences are being advised to book early as demand remains high and several concerts are close to selling out.
