Azerbaijan
Dance Festival
Open to the World Dance Festival
A Wind of Change, a Light of Ideas, a Fire of Desires… The Meeting Point for Every Dancer!
Open to the World
Dance Festival
Dance Festival
Future dates
information
Smooth Championship
WDC EUROPEAN PROFESSIONAL SMOOTH CHAMPIONSHIP
WDC AL WORLD SMOOTH CHAMPIONSHIPS IN ALL AGES
SOLOS & COUPLES
SRDS SUPER TROPHY RANKING EVENT
WDC AL WORLD SMOOTH CHAMPIONSHIPS IN ALL AGES
SOLOS & COUPLES
SRDS SUPER TROPHY RANKING EVENT
International Ballroom
International Latin
Solo events
Argentine Tango
Salsa
Bachata
International Latin
Solo events
Argentine Tango
Salsa
Bachata
Open to the World Events
Gala evening tickets
Opening ceremony “Night of the Dancing Diamonds”
30.10
31.10
Open to the World Gala events
Ballroom, Latin, Smooth, Rhythm, Argentine Tango, Caribbean mix. In all age and level categories.
Single dance events , multi dance events, scholarships, super trophy events, showcases.
Packages & offers.
Single dance events , multi dance events, scholarships, super trophy events, showcases.
Packages & offers.
Open to the world Pro Am Events
Pro Am exclusive
Gala evening
Gala evening
1.11
International Dance Congress
Private lessons, lectures & guided practice.
Information for Participants of Azerbaijan Dance Festival
Date:
October 29 - November 2, 2026
Address:
Baku, JW Marriott Absheron
Pro Am
information
AzDF Prize Money
information
Full Event Program
information
Additional Services & Packages
information
To be announced soon
Entires open from 1st April 2026
30 October - 1 November 2026
29 October - 31 October 2027
Book your dance vacation and experience Azerbaijan with us
29 October - 31 October 2027
Book your dance vacation and experience Azerbaijan with us
About the festival
Azerbaijan Dance Festival 2026
Feel the Rhythm. Live the Culture.
Join us in Baku for a breathtaking celebration of dance from around the world. The Azerbaijan Dance Festival 2026 brings together global styles, top performers, and passionate dancers for a week of competitions, workshops, gala shows, and cultural exchange.
From traditional Azerbaijani rhythms to international beats — experience the power of movement in the heart of the Caucasus.
One stage. All the world.
Welcome to the rhythm of the future.
Feel the Rhythm. Live the Culture.
Join us in Baku for a breathtaking celebration of dance from around the world. The Azerbaijan Dance Festival 2026 brings together global styles, top performers, and passionate dancers for a week of competitions, workshops, gala shows, and cultural exchange.
From traditional Azerbaijani rhythms to international beats — experience the power of movement in the heart of the Caucasus.
One stage. All the world.
Welcome to the rhythm of the future.
Schedule
Judges
Results
Regulations
Exciting Program Update
Your Unforgettable Azerbaijan Dance Festival Experience Awaits!
October 30
Thursday
October 31
Friday
October 31
Friday
November 3
Monday
November 2
Sunday
Heat List
Pro Am
November 1
Saturday
WDC Professional European Smooth Championship
AZDC International Dance Congress
Evening:
To view, click on the button
Gala Show “Night of the Dancing Diamonds”
An elegant night of dazzling performances, artistry, and celebration.
Gala Show “Night of the Dancing Diamonds”
An elegant night of dazzling performances, artistry, and celebration.
Smooth Lectures
09:00 – 09:30 Toni Redpath
09:30 – 10:00 Natalie Wakefield
10:00 – 10:30 Olga Foraponova
10:30 – 11:00 Alexandra Perzhu
11:00 – 11:30 Taliat Tarsinov
Ballroom Lectures
12:00 – 12:30 Marcus Hilton
12:30 – 13:00 Dušan & Valeria
13:00 – 13:30 Alessia Manfredini
13:30 – 14:00 Augusto Schiavo
14:00 – 14:30 Robin Short
Latin Lectures
15:00 – 15:30 Victor Nicovskiy
15:30 – 16:00 Hannes Emrich
16:00 – 16:30 Elena Martyniuk
16:30 – 17:00 Tattoli Cosmo
17:00 – 17:30 Evgeniy & Polina
09:00 – 09:30 Toni Redpath
09:30 – 10:00 Natalie Wakefield
10:00 – 10:30 Olga Foraponova
10:30 – 11:00 Alexandra Perzhu
11:00 – 11:30 Taliat Tarsinov
Ballroom Lectures
12:00 – 12:30 Marcus Hilton
12:30 – 13:00 Dušan & Valeria
13:00 – 13:30 Alessia Manfredini
13:30 – 14:00 Augusto Schiavo
14:00 – 14:30 Robin Short
Latin Lectures
15:00 – 15:30 Victor Nicovskiy
15:30 – 16:00 Hannes Emrich
16:00 – 16:30 Elena Martyniuk
16:30 – 17:00 Tattoli Cosmo
17:00 – 17:30 Evgeniy & Polina
To view, click on the button
Competitive Day:
International competitions across:
Solos & couples
Juveniles, Juniors, Youth, Under 21
Amateur & Professional categories
Including:
WDC AL World Smooth Championships (Solos & Couples)
SRDS Super Trophy Ranking event
Competitive Day:
International competitions across:
Solos & couples
Juveniles, Juniors, Youth, Under 21
Amateur & Professional categories
Including:
WDC AL World Smooth Championships (Solos & Couples)
SRDS Super Trophy Ranking event
Departure Day
Safe travels and warm memories to take home!
To view, click on the button
Pro-Am Open to the World Competitions
Ballroom, Latin, Smooth, Rhythm, Argentine Tango, Caribbean Mix
World Pro Am Dance Cup®,
Double points event
Ballroom, Latin, Smooth, Rhythm, Argentine Tango, Caribbean Mix
Gala Evening: Pro-Am Showcases & Final Rounds
Farewell Afterparty: “My Azerbaijan”
Pro-Am Open to the World Competitions
Ballroom, Latin, Smooth, Rhythm, Argentine Tango, Caribbean Mix
World Pro Am Dance Cup®,
Double points event
Ballroom, Latin, Smooth, Rhythm, Argentine Tango, Caribbean Mix
Gala Evening: Pro-Am Showcases & Final Rounds
Farewell Afterparty: “My Azerbaijan”
💵 Participation Fee: $120 per person (covers both days)
Payment required to participate
Latin
• Kirill Belorukov – €170
• Valeria Aidaeva – €170
• Mark Robertson – $200
• Alex Ivanets – £140
• Evgeny Smagin – €220
• Polina Kazachenko – €220
• Hannes Emrich – €170
• Tattoli Cosmo – €150
• Victor Nikovskiy – $180
• David Yin – $200
• Elena Martyniuk – €130
Ballroom
• Marcus Hilton – £230 (40 minutes)
• Augusto Schiavo – €260
• Anna Oksengoit – €200
• Alessia Manfredini – €230
• Viktor Paliy – €130
• Dušan Dragovic – €200
• Valeria Dragovic – €200
• Kristi Boyce – £160
• Rita Short – £180
• Robin Short – £180
Smooth
• Mark Elsbury – £120
• Natalie Wakefield – $200
• Toni Redpath – $250
• Olga Foraponova – $200
• Taliat Tarsinov – $230
• Peter Perzhu – $200
• Alexandra Perzhy – $200
• Eldar Dzhafarov – $200
Payment required to participate
Latin
• Kirill Belorukov – €170
• Valeria Aidaeva – €170
• Mark Robertson – $200
• Alex Ivanets – £140
• Evgeny Smagin – €220
• Polina Kazachenko – €220
• Hannes Emrich – €170
• Tattoli Cosmo – €150
• Victor Nikovskiy – $180
• David Yin – $200
• Elena Martyniuk – €130
Ballroom
• Marcus Hilton – £230 (40 minutes)
• Augusto Schiavo – €260
• Anna Oksengoit – €200
• Alessia Manfredini – €230
• Viktor Paliy – €130
• Dušan Dragovic – €200
• Valeria Dragovic – €200
• Kristi Boyce – £160
• Rita Short – £180
• Robin Short – £180
Smooth
• Mark Elsbury – £120
• Natalie Wakefield – $200
• Toni Redpath – $250
• Olga Foraponova – $200
• Taliat Tarsinov – $230
• Peter Perzhu – $200
• Alexandra Perzhy – $200
• Eldar Dzhafarov – $200
To view, click on the button
Private Lessons at the International Dance Congress of AzDC
We are delighted to share a special preview of the upcoming Azerbaijan Dance Festival 2025 — carefully curated to immerse you in the joy of dance, rich cultural moments, and the vibrant spirit of Baku.
JUDGES
Azerbaijan Dance Festival
Olesya Eremeeva - Singapore
Ksenia Vazhenina - Russia
Fabrizio Cravero - Italy
Lizi Mor - Georgia
Igor Kim - Kazakhstan
Veronika Boltvina - Russia
Eugenia Tolstaya - Russia
Svetlana Afanasieva - Russia
Anna Oksengoit -Russia
Dmitriy Marchenko - Azerbaijan
Alex Ivanets- Great Britain
Alexandr Zenkevich- Russia
Evgeny Smagin- Russia
Polina Kazachenko- Russia
Hannes Emrich - Austria
David Yin - China
Elena Martyniuk- Ukraine
Marcus Hilton - Great Britain
Augusto Schiavo - Italy
Alessia Manfredini - Italy
Viktor Paliy - Kazakhstan
Kristi Boyce - Great Britain
Robin Short - Great Britain
Mark Elsbury - Great Britain
Valeria Agukyan - Great Britain
Natalie Wakefield - USA
Toni Redpath - USA
Olga Foraponova - USA
Taliat Tarsinov - USA
Peter Perzhu - USA
Alexandra Perzhu -USA
Ksenia Vazhenina - Russia
Fabrizio Cravero - Italy
Lizi Mor - Georgia
Igor Kim - Kazakhstan
Veronika Boltvina - Russia
Eugenia Tolstaya - Russia
Svetlana Afanasieva - Russia
Anna Oksengoit -Russia
Dmitriy Marchenko - Azerbaijan
Alex Ivanets- Great Britain
Alexandr Zenkevich- Russia
Evgeny Smagin- Russia
Polina Kazachenko- Russia
Hannes Emrich - Austria
David Yin - China
Elena Martyniuk- Ukraine
Marcus Hilton - Great Britain
Augusto Schiavo - Italy
Alessia Manfredini - Italy
Viktor Paliy - Kazakhstan
Kristi Boyce - Great Britain
Robin Short - Great Britain
Mark Elsbury - Great Britain
Valeria Agukyan - Great Britain
Natalie Wakefield - USA
Toni Redpath - USA
Olga Foraponova - USA
Taliat Tarsinov - USA
Peter Perzhu - USA
Alexandra Perzhu -USA
Pro Am
Azerbaijan Dance Festival
Date: November 1
Event: Open to the World Pro-Am
• Single Dance
• Multi-Dance
• Scholarship
• Super Trophy
• World Cup Pro-Am Series Event (double-point event) All ages · All levels
Dance Nominations
Ballroom · Latin · Smooth · Rhythm · Argentine Tango · Caribbean Mix
Levels
Bronze Open · Silver Open · Gold Open · Gold Star Open
Age Categories
Single Dance Events:
A1 (17–25) · A2 (26–35) · B1 (36–43) · B2 (44–50) · C1 (51–58) · C2 (59+)
Multi-Dance & Scholarship Events:
A (16–35) · B (36–50) · C (51+)
Registration Fees
(Admission tickets are included in the entry fee)
Category Fee (USD) Registration Period: Sept 20 – Oct 20, 2026
Open to the World Pro-Am – Single Dance $45
3-Multi-Dance Events $120
4-Multi-Dance Events $165
5-Multi-Dance Events $210
Scholarship Events $290
Super Trophy Events $330
World Cup Pro-Am Dance Series (double-point event) $390
Event: Open to the World Pro-Am
• Single Dance
• Multi-Dance
• Scholarship
• Super Trophy
• World Cup Pro-Am Series Event (double-point event) All ages · All levels
Dance Nominations
Ballroom · Latin · Smooth · Rhythm · Argentine Tango · Caribbean Mix
Levels
Bronze Open · Silver Open · Gold Open · Gold Star Open
Age Categories
Single Dance Events:
A1 (17–25) · A2 (26–35) · B1 (36–43) · B2 (44–50) · C1 (51–58) · C2 (59+)
Multi-Dance & Scholarship Events:
A (16–35) · B (36–50) · C (51+)
Registration Fees
(Admission tickets are included in the entry fee)
Category Fee (USD) Registration Period: Sept 20 – Oct 20, 2026
Open to the World Pro-Am – Single Dance $45
3-Multi-Dance Events $120
4-Multi-Dance Events $165
5-Multi-Dance Events $210
Scholarship Events $290
Super Trophy Events $330
World Cup Pro-Am Dance Series (double-point event) $390
AzDF Prize Money
Azerbaijan Dance Festival
Open to the World Professional Ballroom Championship
Place Prize
1st $1,500
2nd $1,100
3rd $900
4th $600
5th $500
6th $400
Total: $5,000
Open to the World Professional Latin Championship
Place Prize
1st $1,500
2nd $1,100
3rd $900
4th $600
5th $500
6th $400
Total: $5,000
Open to the World Amateur Over-16 Ballroom
Place Prize
1st $1,000
2nd $700
3rd $600
4th $500
5th $400
6th $300
Total: $3,500
Open to the World Amateur Over-16 Latin
Place Prize
1st $1,000
2nd $700
3rd $600
4th $500
5th $400
6th $300
Total: $3,500
Additional Services & Packages
Azerbaijan Dance Festival
Individual Services
Service Price (USD per person)
AzDF Dance Congress Attendance (Oct 29–30) $120
Admission Ticket – Oct 31 $40
Admission Ticket – Nov 1 $40
Gala Show “Night of the Dancing Diamonds” – Oct 30
VIP Table Seat $500
Platinum Table Seat (second-row tables) $350
First-Row Seat $150
Amphitheater Seat $70
Gala Evening – Oct 31
VIP Table Seat $350
Platinum Table Seat (second-row tables) $250
First-Row Seat $120
Amphitheater Seat $50
Gala Evening – Nov 1
VIP Table Seat $350
Platinum Table Seat (second-row tables) $250
First-Row Seat $120
Amphitheater Seat $50
Afterparty – Nov 1 $150
Packages
Silver Package – $1,600 (per person)
• Official hotel: 3 nights (Check-in Oct 30 / Check-out Nov 2)
• Admission tickets & Platinum Table seats for Gala Evenings (Oct 30-31, Nov 1)
• Afterparty (Nov 1)
Gold Package – $1,900 (per person)
• Official hotel: 3 nights (Check-in Oct 30 / Check-out Nov 2)
• Lunches on Oct 31, Nov 1
• Exclusive City Guide Tour (Oct 31)
• Admission tickets & Platinum Table seats for Gala Evenings (Oct 30-31, Nov 1)
• Afterparty (Nov 1)
VIP Package – $2,900 (per person)
• Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
• Official hotel: 5 nights (Check-in Oct 28 / Check-out Nov 2)
• AzDF Dance Congress attendance (Oct 30–31)
• Lunches on Oct 29–30–31 and Nov 1
• Exclusive City Guide Tour (Oct 31)
• Admission tickets & VIP Table seats for Gala Evenings (Oct 30-31, Nov 1)
• Afterparty (Nov 1)
VIP Package – $5,000 (for two persons / $2,500 each)
• All benefits of the single VIP Package for two people.
Service Price (USD per person)
AzDF Dance Congress Attendance (Oct 29–30) $120
Admission Ticket – Oct 31 $40
Admission Ticket – Nov 1 $40
Gala Show “Night of the Dancing Diamonds” – Oct 30
VIP Table Seat $500
Platinum Table Seat (second-row tables) $350
First-Row Seat $150
Amphitheater Seat $70
Gala Evening – Oct 31
VIP Table Seat $350
Platinum Table Seat (second-row tables) $250
First-Row Seat $120
Amphitheater Seat $50
Gala Evening – Nov 1
VIP Table Seat $350
Platinum Table Seat (second-row tables) $250
First-Row Seat $120
Amphitheater Seat $50
Afterparty – Nov 1 $150
Packages
Silver Package – $1,600 (per person)
• Official hotel: 3 nights (Check-in Oct 30 / Check-out Nov 2)
• Admission tickets & Platinum Table seats for Gala Evenings (Oct 30-31, Nov 1)
• Afterparty (Nov 1)
Gold Package – $1,900 (per person)
• Official hotel: 3 nights (Check-in Oct 30 / Check-out Nov 2)
• Lunches on Oct 31, Nov 1
• Exclusive City Guide Tour (Oct 31)
• Admission tickets & Platinum Table seats for Gala Evenings (Oct 30-31, Nov 1)
• Afterparty (Nov 1)
VIP Package – $2,900 (per person)
• Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
• Official hotel: 5 nights (Check-in Oct 28 / Check-out Nov 2)
• AzDF Dance Congress attendance (Oct 30–31)
• Lunches on Oct 29–30–31 and Nov 1
• Exclusive City Guide Tour (Oct 31)
• Admission tickets & VIP Table seats for Gala Evenings (Oct 30-31, Nov 1)
• Afterparty (Nov 1)
VIP Package – $5,000 (for two persons / $2,500 each)
• All benefits of the single VIP Package for two people.
Full Event Program
Azerbaijan Dance Festival
29-30 October
International Dance Camp
30th October anniversary
SRDS Gala show “Night of the dancing Diamonds “
31st October
Open to the world events in Ballroom , Latin, Smooth, Rhythm , Argentine Tango, Salsa, Bachata
Solos, Couples
Juveniles
Juniors
Youth
Amateurs
Seniors
Professionals
1st November
Open to the world Pro Am events in
Ballroom , Latin, Smooth, Rhythm , Argentine Tango, Caribbean Mix
World Cup Pro Am series
Afterparty “My Azerbaijan”
International Dance Camp
30th October anniversary
SRDS Gala show “Night of the dancing Diamonds “
31st October
Open to the world events in Ballroom , Latin, Smooth, Rhythm , Argentine Tango, Salsa, Bachata
Solos, Couples
Juveniles
Juniors
Youth
Amateurs
Seniors
Professionals
1st November
Open to the world Pro Am events in
Ballroom , Latin, Smooth, Rhythm , Argentine Tango, Caribbean Mix
World Cup Pro Am series
Afterparty “My Azerbaijan”
International Dance Congress
International Dance Congress
On October 29-30, an intensive day of private lessons will be available with top international instructors in International Ballroom, International Latin, and International Smooth
On October 30, join inspiring masterclasses led by world-renowned professionals to elevate your dance skills.
On October 29-30, an intensive day of private lessons will be available with top international instructors in International Ballroom, International Latin, and International Smooth
On October 30, join inspiring masterclasses led by world-renowned professionals to elevate your dance skills.
Organizers and partners
On behalf of the Azerbaijan Dance Council and myself personally, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the World Dance Council — and especially to its President, Mr. Donnie Burns — for the trust and strong belief in our organization. We are deeply honored by the decision to grant Azerbaijan the right to host one of the most prestigious WDC World titles and WDC AL titles.
Since becoming a member of the WDC family in 2011 and achieving full membership in 2018, Azerbaijan has worked tirelessly to elevate the presence of top-tier dance events in the Caucasus region. Hosting this World & European Championships marks a significant milestone in our journey — one that began with the successful launch of WDC-recognized events in 2019. And first time this year the WDC AL world events.
Tonight’s celebration is made even more special as we honor the anniversary of our National Artist and President of the Azerbaijan Dance Council, Tarana Muradova — a visionary leader whose dedication and passion have shaped the foundation of our success.
Since becoming a member of the WDC family in 2011 and achieving full membership in 2018, Azerbaijan has worked tirelessly to elevate the presence of top-tier dance events in the Caucasus region. Hosting this World & European Championships marks a significant milestone in our journey — one that began with the successful launch of WDC-recognized events in 2019. And first time this year the WDC AL world events.
Tonight’s celebration is made even more special as we honor the anniversary of our National Artist and President of the Azerbaijan Dance Council, Tarana Muradova — a visionary leader whose dedication and passion have shaped the foundation of our success.
National Artist of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Vice-rector of the Baku Academy of Choreography, President of Azerbaijan Dance Council
Tarana Muradova
Tarana Muradova
Dear Participants,
On behalf of SRDS and myself personally, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Azerbaijan Dance Festival — a celebration of movement, culture, and unity through the universal language of dance.
This festival brings together passionate artists from across the globe to share their talent, energy, and love for the art we all hold so dear. It is a unique space where tradition meets innovation, and where each dancer contributes to an unforgettable atmosphere of inspiration and excellence.
Azerbaijan, with its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality, offers the perfect stage for such a remarkable gathering. I am confident that this experience will leave each of you with beautiful memories, new friendships, and renewed motivation to grow and shine.
Wishing you all an exciting, fulfilling, and joyful festival. Let the rhythm lead you forward!
On behalf of SRDS and myself personally, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Azerbaijan Dance Festival — a celebration of movement, culture, and unity through the universal language of dance.
This festival brings together passionate artists from across the globe to share their talent, energy, and love for the art we all hold so dear. It is a unique space where tradition meets innovation, and where each dancer contributes to an unforgettable atmosphere of inspiration and excellence.
Azerbaijan, with its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality, offers the perfect stage for such a remarkable gathering. I am confident that this experience will leave each of you with beautiful memories, new friendships, and renewed motivation to grow and shine.
Wishing you all an exciting, fulfilling, and joyful festival. Let the rhythm lead you forward!
Warm regards,
Olga Krasnyanskaya
President of SRDS
Olga Krasnyanskaya
President of SRDS
General Partners
Information Partners
Official Sponsor
Official hotels & Venues
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