North Texas Ballet Folklórico Contest
Students of all grades can show off their Ballet Folklórico skills for a panel of professionals.
About the contest
Step — or spin — into the North Texas Ballet Folklórico Contest, a student competition celebrating Mexican folk dancing.
Professional dancers judge participants on their technical execution, athletic skill, and artistic interpretation of this cultural tradition. Students can compete as individuals or groups — ranging in experience from beginner to advanced.
The Texas Ballet Folklórico Contests are exclusively designed for Ballet Folklórico programs that are officially established within public or private educational institutions. Independent community groups, studios, or organizations not directly affiliated with a school are not eligible to participate in these contests. After-school programs may participate only if they are affiliated with and operated under a public or private school district.
Elementary & Middle School: Monday, March 2, 2026
High School: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
The North Texas Ballet Folklorico Contest provides the opportunity for beginning to advanced educational Ballet Folklorico programs to be adjudicated and rated by professionals. The contest focuses on the technical, athletic and cultural artistic interpretation of Mexican folkloric dances. Public and private elementary, middle and high schools in the state of Texas are welcome to participate.
To compete, please register here.
Cutoff for registration is 11:59 p.m. on February 9, 2026.
Eligibility: Elementary, middle, and high schools in Texas — both public and private — are eligible. Only three dances per school are allowed.
Classifications
Junior-Varsity: Beginner – Beginner/intermediate dance groups or solo dancers who compete with practice attire (all black attire, practice skirts, no folklorico shoes) or costume.
Varsity: Intermediate – Intermediate/advanced dance groups or solo dancers who compete with practice attire (all black attire, practice skirts, no folklorico shoes) or costume.
Corazón (NEW): The Corazón classification is designed for students with physical and intellectual disabilities, celebrating their talent, effort, and love for folklórico. Corazón provides an inclusive space where each participant can shine on stage and share the joy of dance with our community.
Limit of three dances per classification per school. No cuadros (vignettes) will be accepted.
Traditional music only. Tracks should be 2-4 minutes.
Contest rules and registration fees can be found on the online registration form. Directors must upload music files in an MP3 format to complete registration.
Checks should be made out to AT&T Performing Arts Center and mailed to:
AT&T Performing Arts Center
Education Department
700 North Pearl Street
Suite N1800
Dallas, TX 75201
The North Texas Ballet Folklórico Contest is supported by the Holloway Family Foundation.
