Preliminary entry page for the Dream Cup — open category, no restrictions on style, division, or age.

- Preliminary Entry Fee: USD 60

- Grand prize: JPY 1,000,000

- Preliminary round: judged by video submission. Finals: June 18 (Fri) & 19 (Sat), 2027 at Nihonbashi Public Hall.

- Only the Preliminary Entry Fee is charged now; the Finals Participation Fee (USD 65) is invoiced separately after qualification.

This page is for competitors residing outside Japan. 日本国内在住の方はこちら（Japanese page）→ here

After payment, we will email you a link to a separate submission form for your preliminary video URL and profile photo URLs. Please submit by the entry deadline.

[DIVISION / AGE] No restrictions (open style, division, and age)

Dream Cup Special Rule

Choreography and staging must be an original work created by the competitor. Fully entrusting choreography or staging to a third party is prohibited (partial advice or instruction is permitted). If the organizers determine that the work was primarily created by a third party, the competitor will be disqualified.

Entry Period

October 1 (Thu) – November 30 (Mon), 2026, until 11:59 PM (JST)

Preliminary Entry Video

- The video must be between 1 minute 00 seconds and 4 minutes 00 seconds in length.

- There are no restrictions on the number or specifications of poles used (even one pole is fine; either a static or spinning pole may be used).

- Videos must be filmed from a fixed camera position and must not be edited in any way (camera movement is permitted only when unavoidable due to the filming environment).

- No person other than the competitor may appear in the video.

- The video must be clear and sufficiently well-lit (insufficient image quality or lighting may negatively affect the judging).

Entry Fee

USD 60

Finals Participation Fee

USD 65 — payable once you are confirmed for the Finals.

Rules (Finals Stage)
Note: The following applies to the Finals stage only. For the preliminary video, any number/type of poles is fine, as noted above. Competitors must use two poles: one static pole and one spinning pole.

Prohibited Items / Actions (Finals Stage)

1. The use of fire, gas, or similar materials or effects as part of a performance is prohibited. When using liquids, competitors must take appropriate measures themselves, such as placing a protective sheet, to prevent the floor or poles from becoming dirty. Any performance requiring additional time before or after the routine for preparation, cleaning, or removal of props/equipment must be discussed with the competition organizers in advance. Preparation before the performance and cleaning/removal after the performance must each be completed within 40 seconds.

2. Bringing any performer or assistant onto the stage without prior approval is prohibited. All additional performers or assistants must be declared to and approved by the competition organizers in advance.

3. There is no limit to the number of human props; however, they must not touch the poles.

4. The use of excessively sticky grip products that leave heavy residue or stains on the poles and interfere with cleaning is prohibited. If such a product is necessary due to a skin condition or other circumstances, please consult the competition organizers in advance.

5. Toplessness and the use of nipple covers/pasties are prohibited. Thongs are permitted.

6. Exposure of the genitals or other intimate areas is prohibited, including accidental exposure.

7. Performances containing content that is disrespectful toward any religion or race are prohibited.

Important Notes Regarding Entry

An entry fee is incurred upon submission of an entry and is non-refundable under any circumstances. Entries cannot be cancelled once submitted.

Any transaction fees, exchange-rate differences, or other related charges are the responsibility of the competitor.

- Competitors may enter multiple categories. However, IPA reserves the right to limit a competitor's qualification for the Finals to one category only, at the Association's discretion. If a competitor enters multiple categories, a different performance/routine must be used for each category.

- IPA reserves the right to add or remove specific categories if a category does not meet the minimum number of registered participants. In such cases, the application fee paid for the affected category will be refunded to each competitor.

By completing your entry, you also agree to the official Competition Entry Agreement (health/safety risks, limited organizer liability, use of your photos/video/name for event records, website, social media, and promotion, etc.). This English summary is provided for convenience only; the governing text is the Japanese-language Agreement (available here), and in case of any discrepancy the Japanese version prevails.

For inquiries, please use our
contact form.