The 2026 World Video Qualifiers

Videos must be uploaded through the DWC entry system using your school’s registered account.

Please register via the DWC entry system and follow the instructions to register your dance school and dancers.

DWC Entries Login

Upload your videos by following the easy steps in the “Entering Your Entries Online” section below.

Go to the login page.

Sign in with your existing school account details.

Upload your videos and music as in previous years by following the steps in the “Entering Your Entries Online” section below.

Log in and go to Competitions.

Click Change/Join Competition and then select the 2026 Video Qualifier tab at the top.

Add your dancers’ names and the title of each entry.

Upload the video for each entry (instead of music).

Once your videos have been uploaded, your registration and entry fees will automatically appear in your school account.

To ensure that all entries are confirmed for the Qualifier stage, full payment must be received no later than 15 March.

Please note that only entries with full payment will receive results and be eligible for entry into the World Finals.

2026 Video Qualifier Entry Fees:

Results will be published on your school account.

To view your results:

Log in to your DWC school account.

Click on the Cert. & Results tab in the menu at the top.

If your entry qualifies, you’ll be eligible to take part in the live World Finals. To secure your place in the Finals programme, all online submissions must be completed and confirmed through your school’s online account by 22 March 2026, with final payment due by 5 April 2026.

Please note that additional Finals entry fees apply. Entries will be confirmed only once full payment has been received and all music uploads are complete.

For more information please visit: Entry Process 2026 Finals

Once submissions open, go to Competitions.

Click Change/Join Competition, then select the 2026 Finals option.

Add all dancers and entries for the Finals.

Upload the music for each entry.

Entrants and supporters who require a visa to enter Ireland should be aware that visa application appointments must be booked well in advance, as processing times can take up to 3 months. We strongly recommend starting the visa application process as early as possible to avoid any issues with attending the Finals.

Unfortunately, DWC cannot, under any circumstances, contact embassies or visa centres to expedite applications. The responsibility for managing the visa process rests solely with the applicant.

If you need an official invitation letter from DWC for your visa application, email dance@dwcworld.com with:

• Full names, dates of birth, and passport numbers of all dancers, teachers, and parents (if applicable)
• Dance school name and address

We will issue a letter confirming your attendance at the Finals for inclusion with your visa application once all dancers’ entries have been approved and full payment of Qualifier and Finals registration fees has been received.

The following requirements are very important to keep in mind when filming your video submissions for qualifications purposes.

If your video does not follow these requirements, it may be rejected. There will be no exceptions made.

Click here to download the official World Video Qualifier Rules & Regulations – 2026

Download Rules & Regulations

You should record and upload new videos of your routines.

If this is not possible, videos may be used from other events or competitions as long as they have been recorded on or after 01 January 2025 to coincide with the correct age categories.

• For new videos, please hold up a piece of paper clearly stating the category (e.g. Mini Small Group – National) before filming begins.
• The use of a tripod is strongly recommended to ensure a stable image.
• Teachers’ voices should not be heard during the recording. Only dancers who are performing should be visible in the recording.
• Ensure the sound/music is close enough to the camera so that it is clear. Adding the music to the recording afterwards is permitted; however, please ensure it is perfectly synchronised to the dancers’ movements. Poor synchronisation may affect judging.
• Dancers must wear costume or adequate dance wear with light stage makeup.
• Videos must be in MPEG-4 (MP4) format and no larger than 500MB, with a minimum 720p resolution.
• Videos over the time limit will only be adjudicated up to the point where the time limit is allowed.

• Videos must be filmed in landscape (horizontal) format with full body view from beginning to the end of the presentation. The dancers’ feet must always be visible.
• Ensure that facial expressions can be seen. A video filmed in profile or from the side of the stage is not suitable, as this does not provide a clear view of the dancer or overall presentation.
• Ensure that all dancers in a duet, trio, quartet, or group are always visible.
• For solo and duet/trio routines, zoom in enough so that the dancers are clearly seen, while keeping the full body visible for the entire performance.
• For best results, recordings should be done in a well-lit area so that facial expression, feet, hands, and all movements are clearly visible. Where possible, avoid background activity or clutter. A plain or neutral background is preferred.
• Videos must be one continuous take with no cuts, transitions, or edits. Multi-angle edits or visual effects are not allowed.
• Do not include dance studio logos, watermarks, or text overlays, as judges must not be aware of which school the dancer attends.
• Filming in front of an open window during daylight must be avoided to prevent shading on the dancer. Lights shining from behind the dancer must also be avoided.

Age category is based on the oldest dancer in the video:

• Entries must reflect the age group of the dancers shown in the video.
• Permitted: A group of dancers all aged 9 and under may be entered in both Mini and Children.
• Not permitted: A group of dancers aged 12–14 must not be entered as Mini or Children on the basis that you intend to change to younger dancers once qualified.

Entries that do not meet the stated requirements may be requested to re-film, subject to time restrictions. If the issue is not corrected within the allowed timeframe, the entry will be considered invalid.

Examples of submissions that cannot be accepted or adjudicated:

• A video showing more than 10 dancers entered as a Small Group.
• A Junior group video entered into Mini or Children with the intention of changing to a younger cast once qualified.
• A duet video submitted as a group, or a group video submitted as a duet or trio.

Please adhere to the time limits allowed for each dance as per the DWC Rules 2026.

View DWC Rules & Time Limits

We're here to support you throughout the entire process. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out on email at dance@dwcworld.com .